How to Meet New People in Singapore
Meeting new people can be daunting at the best of times. Some people feel anxious going to a social event, knowing they’ll be introduced to new faces and have to try to remember new names. This feeling is heightened when you’re moving to a new country, such as Singapore, as you’re also getting accustomed to new surroundings. The task of trying to make new friends can sometimes feel overwhelming. If you’re not a naturally social person and you’re having a hard time making friends in Singapore, here are a few things you can do to rebuild your social life.
KNOW SOMEONE IN THE KNOW
It is said that we all know each other by six degrees of separation so why not put this theory to the test? Your family or acquaintances back home might know someone who is also moving or already lives in Singapore. It might seem like meeting your cousin’s former co-worker for coffee is a bit of a stretch, but at least it’s a start! You might find you share the same interests or perhaps they’ll introduce you to others whom you have more in common with.
GET ACTIVE
Enrolling in a gym is a fantastic way to meet new people who share similar values and enjoy doing the same things. Participating in sport is great for meeting friends in a new city as you are surrounded by people who have something in common with you: they are interested in fitness and they live locally. Doing classes that encourage you to partner up with others or a team sport is an easy way to have an opportunity to start chatting to some new people.
TRY A NEW HOBBY
After you move to Singapore, you should pursue your hobbies as if you were at home. But you also have the opportunity to try something new. Joining a book club or cooking class provides the perfect opportunity to meet new people while you try a different skill. English is one of the four official languages in Singapore, so why not enrol in lessons to learn one of the other three? Malay, Mandarin and Tamil are widely spoken and joining a course allows you to associate with others while learning about Singaporean culture. If languages are not your thing, choose another course that is more appealing to you, such as arts and crafts or up-skilling for a promotion opportunity at work.
TALK TO YOUR NEIGHBOURS
Besides your colleagues at work, your neighbours are the people you will see frequently once you’ve moved to Singapore. Try to forge good relationships with them by introducing yourself soon after you arrive and making an effort to greet them when you see them. Befriending the neighbours is a good way to find out local knowledge, ask for restaurant recommendations or get local tips about the neighbourhood.
GET INVOLVED
Expat communities in Singapore are very active. Look for expat groups on social media and join their meet-up groups. Local festivals and activities are perfect places to spend time with people you’ve just met. Another great way to build your social network is by volunteering at charities. Many organisations will be more than happy to have the extra help while you get to know new people. Some great expat social organisations include ANZA (Australian & NZ Association) and AAS (American Association of Singapore). Both have a great mix of nationalities in their respective memberships, and are a great resource for activities and charity work.
MAKE THE FIRST MOVE
Now you have met people after your move to Singapore, it’s time to take it to the next stage: building closer bonds. Take the initiative and don’t wait for people to invite you out. Organise an event at the weekend and tell people to bring their friends along. While it can be disheartening to receive the occasional ‘no’, stay persistent and optimistic about forming some good friendships. Try to keep an open mind and say yes to invitations, even if it’s something out of your comfort zone. By being proactive, you will soon have friends to cherish in Singapore.
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