In your move to Amsterdam, you may already have some friends or acquaintances in the country. However, it may not be enough to form a solid social circle.
When you've uprooted yourself from your home country and moved to a new one where everyone's already in established friend circles, it can feel like it's impossible to make new friends. But that's definitely not the case in Amsterdam. Although it may take a little effort on your part, you'll eventually find like-minded people who you can befriend for life.
Online resources for social networking in Amsterdam
In a country that has over 4.8 million expats, you're bound to run into at least a few who are from your home country. Plus, there are plenty of Dutch people who are more than willing to add expats to their social group.
A great way to connect with these people is through the Internet. For instance, the Amsterdam Subreddit is chockful of both expats and Dutchies. They have occasional real-life meetings in the city (which was put on hold during the pandemic and never really started back up again), so those meetups are an excellent way to get yourself out there and meet new people.
There are also plenty of Facebook groups, such as “Expats in the Netherlands”, or more specifically, “British in the Netherlands” and “Americans in the Netherlands”.
Regardless, it's almost guaranteed that there's a niche group where you'll fit in. All you have to do is type in your parameters into the search bar, and you should be able to find a group of similar expats.
Meetup
As the name suggests, Meetup is a website specifically made so you can meet up with others! From learning to cook to hiking in the wilderness, there are plenty of activities that are sure to interest you in Amsterdam. You may just meet your next best friend at one of these meetups.
Amsterdam Concert Pages
Amsterdam is home to the Ziggo Dome, where many big-name artists perform. If you're planning on attending a concert, check their website or Facebook event page early on. Eager fans usually post online, which means if you see someone who you'd like to be friends with, you can easily get in touch with them and arrange to meet up at the venue.
Apps in Amsterdam
If you're single, then a fantastic way to meet others is through dating apps like Tinder, Bumble, and Coffee Meets Bagel. Not only can you potentially find a significant other through these apps, but you can also acquire some new friends if things fizzle out romantically.
Social clubs in Amsterdam
Not one for using technology to develop your social group in Amsterdam? No problem. The city definitely does not lack social clubs.
For instance, there are the American Women's Club Amsterdam, The British Society of Amsterdam and the Netherlands, and the Japan Women's Club. These social clubs have been specifically created to help expats not feel so alienated in their new country of residence, so don't feel shy.
Arcades and E-Gaming bars in Amsterdam
If video games are your scene, then you'll be pleased to know that there are plenty of geeks and nerds in the Amsterdam area. TonTon Club and Blast Galaxy are two arcades where you can spend your time and hopefully meet some cool people.
There's also a chain arcade called Gamestate, which has a location in Amsterdam. If you like it, then there are plenty of other locations in the nation to visit with your friends.
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