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 try to remember new names.
So when you’re moving to a new country, such as Singapore, getting out to try to make new friends can sometimes seem 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 we all know each other by six degrees of separation so why not put this 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 have more in common.
Stay Active
Pursue your hobbies as if you were at home. Joining a book club or a gym provides the perfect opportunity to meet new people. 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 cooking or upskilling for a promotion opportunity at work.
Talk to Your Neighbours
Besides your colleagues at work, your neighbours are the people you will see more frequently. Try to forge good relationships with them by introducing yourself soon after you arrive. If you have children, encourage them to invite their schoolmates home so you have a chance to meet their parents.
Get Involved
Expat communities in Singapore are very active. Look for one online 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 both are a great resource for activities and charity work.
Research Your Local Area
Check the local sources of information, such as newspapers, magazines, websites or social media groups. They will list upcoming events or clubs you can join. Don’t be afraid to go on your own. If you’re shy, this may be hard to do at first, but it’s a lot easier chatting to people of similar interests than walking up to a stranger and saying “hello”.
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. 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.
Brought To You By Allied Pickfords - Through their relocation arm SIRVA Relocation, Allied Pickfords can also provide “School Search” options for you, before you even arrive in Singapore.