Written by Jazmin
10 Nov 2024
One of my biggest worries about moving to Sweden was—yep, you guessed it—making friends. As an introvert, leaving my close circle back home in Peru felt like a giant step out of my comfort zone. I hadn’t really tried to make new friends for years, so the thought of doing it in a whole new country, with a whole new culture, was pretty intimidating. Sound familiar?
If you’re reading this, maybe you’re in the same boat: prepping for a study abroad experience, applying to a master’s or bachelor’s in Sweden, or just wondering how to start fresh in a new place. So, here’s the good news: making friends as an international introverted student is possible!
Let me share some simple tips that helped me (and a few friends) make connections in our new home. Ready to give it a try?
1. Live in a Corridor Room
When choosing student housing in Sweden, consider a corridor room if you’re looking to make new friends easily. In a corridor, you share a kitchen and living space with about 10 to 12 people, so socializing happens naturally—even if you’re on the introverted side.
I live in a corridor room myself, and most of my closest friends in Sweden are actually my neighbours! I bonded with some neighbours because we speak Spanish. And surprisingly, even something as simple as a fire alarm made me meet more people here: when we all gathered downstairs, it sparked conversations with people I hadn’t met before.
From what I’ve seen, corridor life can be like a built-in social community. Friends in other buildings have told me their corridors regularly cook meals together or throw small gatherings. If you’re looking for an easy way to connect with people in Sweden, a corridor room is the perfect fit.
2. Join a Nation
One of the coolest things about student life in Sweden is the Nations. These are like social clubs where students can enjoy a mix of activities outside of classes—brunches, nightclubs, language cafés, sports, and much more. If you’re looking to meet people beyond your course or housing, joining a Nation and attending their events is one of the best ways!
In my first days here, I went to a language café organized by my Nation. There, I met people who were interested in learning Spanish, and I even got to play “teacher” for a day, meeting interesting people who shared a curiosity for languages and culture.
You can also take your involvement a step further by volunteering behind the scenes. I helped prepare food for a lunch event, where my friends and I made Bánh Mì sandwiches. Working in the kitchen with other volunteers was a fun and unique way to bond (and my first time in a kitchen like that!). It was tiring, but we all laughed and shared stories while working together.
So, whether you attend the events or join the team behind them, being part of a Nation is an amazing way to make new friends and memories!
3. Connect with Your Home Country Community
Another wonderful way to make friends in Sweden is to connect with people from your home country. You might be surprised to find communities of people from your background who have been living here for years, building a support network and celebrating your shared culture.
One of my Peruvian friends joined Fuego Peruano, a cultural association where members practice traditional Peruvian dances and perform them at events across Sweden. Through this group, she’s made close friends, and they often gather to cook Peruvian dishes and share a bit of home. I also have an Indonesian friend who found her own community and told me about their sports days, where they play badminton together, and how she hosts gatherings at her home to cook and sing.
While I haven’t joined a Peruvian community here yet, I know it’s an amazing way to connect with people who share your language, culture, and even tips on navigating life in Sweden. It’s a great way to feel a bit more at home while meeting new friends who understand your journey (And perfect if you are still shy about your English!)
4. Join a Club or Take a Class Based on Your Hobbies
What hobbies do you have? Whether you’re into books, movies, sports, or something totally unique, you’ll likely find a club for it!
If you love reading or discussing movies, there are dedicated clubs that bring together people with similar interests. For sports enthusiasts, there are clubs for everything from volleyball and badminton to fencing and more. The variety is endless, and there’s something for everyone, no matter what you enjoy.
Personally, I’m part of the Book Club, where each month we choose a book to read, and then gather as a group to discuss our thoughts. It’s a fantastic way to hear new perspectives and dive deeper into stories.
If joining a club feels a bit too intense, or if you’d rather ease in as a beginner, consider signing up for a class. Pottery, baking, and similar activities are great places to start, offering both a creative outlet and the chance to learn something new. Now that it’s starting to get dark as early as 4:30 p.m., these cosy indoor activities can be a huge help in keeping spirits high.
Plus, taking a class is a wonderful way to meet people with similar interests. You’ll often find that friendships form naturally when you’re sharing a new experience with others. I’ll actually be following my own advice soon—I’m about to start a dance class!
5. Say Yes More Often
My friend and fellow ambassador, Ravindu, just wrote a blog on this—go check it out! He’s absolutely right; just saying “yes” to invites can lead to awesome new experiences and friendships. It can feel a little out of your comfort zone, especially if you’re more introverted, but trust me, sometimes a simple “yes” is all it takes.
For example, I’m not a big fan of hiking, but one of my best friends invited me to go for her birthday, so I decided to give it a shot. I ended up loving it and met some super funny, nice people. Another time, I traveled from Lund to Stockholm to visit a friend, and she invited me to go bowling with her group. I didn’t expect much, but we had a blast!
So, why not say “yes” more often? I get it—if you’re introverted like me, you need that alone time. But putting a bit of social energy into trying new things can lead to some of the best memories and friendships. I think it’s worth it!
