Moving to a new country is really exciting. You will have new places to explore, new people to meet, and it will be a whole new chapter of life. But after the first few weeks, when everything becomes more familiar, you might notice that you miss the people you’re used to having around. That feeling is completely normal. Truly. Loneliness is one of the most common emotions after moving away. But there are gentle and practical ways to deal with it that might help you.
Leave your comfort zone
In your home country, you probably had a circle around you almost effortlessly. Friends, colleagues, family, and your normal routines. When you move away, everything suddenly resets to zero. That means you have to take the first step. And honestly? It might feel a bit uncomfortable. But discomfort isn’t a sign that something is wrong, it’s a sign of growth. Even if you’re not naturally social, doing small things that help you meet new people makes a big difference. Think about tiny steps like saying yes to a coffee invitation or having conversations with your new neighbor. Every time you show up and act, you give loneliness a little less space.
Find people through shared interests
One of the easiest ways to meet people is through things you already like doing. You don’t need to become a party person or meet dozens of new people. Just find one or two who feel right for you. Here’s a simple tip: start with shared interests instead of trying to make friends. Shared interests create natural connection. Some simple ways of doing this are:
Language exchange meetups
Hiking groups
Book clubs
Photography groups
Sports
International expats communities
Facebook groups are gold
It sounds old-fashioned, but Facebook groups are honestly amazing for people who just moved. There are groups for international students, groups based on nationality, hobby groups, travel groups, expat groups, even weekly event groups. Search things like: “Internationals in your city” or “City activities”. You’ll be surprised how many people are in the exact same situation as you and also just want someone to hang out with.
It will take time, but it will be worth it
There might be days when you miss home, when being alone feels heavy, or when you wonder why you ever decided to move. That’s normal. Truly. But with each week, tiny moments build a new life: a new favorite café, a new routine, a new friend, a new feeling of belonging. One day, without realizing it, your new life starts feeling like home.
Loneliness doesn’t mean you made the wrong choice, it means you’re human and in the middle of change. Be patient with yourself, take small steps, and allow connections to form naturally. You don’t need to rush the process. Little by little, you’ll find your place.
