How to Make New Friends

Making Friends in a New Country: A Guide for International Students in Prague

Imagine the scene. You’ve just arrived in Prague from your home country—perhaps for the first time away from home—and you’re preparing to spend the next three or four years here. On top of that, you may be only 17 or 18 years old. It’s exciting, overwhelming, and unfamiliar all at once.

Now add one more layer: UNYP’s student community includes people from dozens of countries and cultural backgrounds. While this diversity is one of the university’s greatest strengths, it can also make the social landscape feel confusing at first. If you find yourself wondering how to fit in or make friends in this new environment, you’re certainly not alone.

For some students, social integration comes naturally. For others—especially those from cultures where friendship develops differently than in Central Europe—it can take time. Adjusting to a new cultural and social structure can be frustrating in first, but this experience is both common and temporary.

Adjusting to a New Social Culture

As a long-term instructor at UNYP, I’m often asked by new students how to make friends as they adapt to a new cultural reality. There’s no universal formula, but understanding cultural differences and managing expectations can make a significant difference.

While personal experience offers useful insights, it’s also helpful to turn to established guidance. Health and lifestyle writer Kara Mayer Robinson outlines practical, research-backed advice for building friendships in new environments (see “How to Make New Friends,” WebMD).

How and Where to Meet New People

One instinct many students have is to quickly invite new acquaintances for coffee or social activities. This can work—but it’s important to remember that not everyone approaches new relationships in the same way. Some cultures value immediate openness; others prefer a slower, more reserved approach. Take your time, observe social cues, and allow connections to develop naturally.

Beyond the UNYP campus, Prague offers countless opportunities to meet people with shared interests. Sports teams, religious groups, music clubs, volunteer organizations, language courses, and special-interest communities are all active and accessible. A simple online search or local event listing can open doors to meaningful social connections.

Online platforms can also be helpful, particularly for students who are shy or who prefer to adjust at their own pace. If you choose this route, prioritize safety and aim to move conversations into real-world, face-to-face meetings when appropriate. Online interaction works best as a starting point—not a replacement—for in-person social development.

How to Start and Maintain Friendships

As Robinson notes, “Friendships take time, but you can take steps to spark a relationship and nurture a connection.” Patience is key, but so is intentional effort. A few practical principles can help:

• When you’re invited to a social activity and feel comfortable doing so, try to say yes. Invitations can feel intimidating, but accepting them is often the first step toward connection.
• Don’t hesitate to extend an invitation yourself once you feel ready. Small gestures—like suggesting a coffee or study break—can go a long way.
• Start conversations with genuine curiosity. Many people appreciate being approached and may feel just as uncertain as you do.
• Listen more than you speak. Showing interest, maintaining eye contact, and using open body language help build trust.
• Share small personal details gradually. Being open, without oversharing, signals warmth and approachability.
• Simple favors or shared activities can strengthen early bonds—but keep things balanced and natural.

As friendships begin to form, exchanging contact details and staying in touch becomes important. Cultural expectations around follow-up can vary, so regular communication—especially early on—helps prevent misunderstandings and keeps connections alive.

Moving Forward with Confidence

Building friendships in a new country takes time, reflection, and effort—but it’s entirely achievable. By understanding cultural differences, staying open to new experiences, and applying thoughtful guidance from reliable sources, your transition into Prague’s social environment can become smoother and more rewarding.

With patience and intention, what feels unfamiliar today can soon begin to feel like home.