3 tips for making friends in Utrecht

Now that you have settled in Utrecht (congratulations!), found a house, and learned a bit about this great city, it’s time to expand your social circle. But, how does one do this?

If it feels intimidating at first, do not worry. This is normal. Luckily, Utrecht offers many ways to meet people and even learn a little something along the way. We don’t need to tell you but moving to any new country is difficult. There are many reasons for this, not the least of which is finding a group of like-minded individuals to spend quality time with. With that in mind, here are 3 tips for making friends in Utrecht and assimilating into a wider Dutch culture.

Learn the Language

If you are an international in any country it is of paramount importance to learn the local language. Dutch skills will not only give you an advantage in the workforce but will improve your chance of making friends as well. By learning Dutch, you will be welcomed as part of the community rather than as a passerby. Luckily for you, there are many Dutch schools to help you learn, that fit every schedule, budget, and level.

Join Local Interest Groups

What better tip can there be for making friends in Utrecht than getting out there and doing it? Of course, this doesn’t mean that you will simply step outside your flat and the people will flock to you. We recommend joining a special interest and meet some like-minded people. Expat Republic, for example, offers a Meetup group in Utrecht. They also have them on cities across the country: Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Den Haag, Leiden, Eindhoven, and South Holland.

Volunteer

Volunteering is a great way to make friends in the Netherlands. It also makes a positive impact on the community. The Netherlands is a center for philanthropy, offering a variety of volunteering opportunities. Depending on your interests, opportunities from environmental sustainability to eldercare can be found. In many cases, these opportunities do not even need language skill (it’s still highly recommended)!

Aimed at improving and enriching the lives of expatriates in the Netherlands, our partner Expat Republic serves the needs of global citizens. Through an informative website, engaging events and seminars, and special deals and discounts, Expat Republic is the go-to destination for your life in the Netherlands. Find more information at their website.