Tips on How to Make Friends in Barcelona (Erasmus & International Students)
Let’s be real:
Moving to Barcelona sounds like a dream 🌴✨
But the first week can feel like…
“Why is everyone already in friend groups and I’m alone eating kebab?”
Don’t panic.
This happens to almost every Erasmus student.
And the good news is:
Barcelona is one of the easiest cities in Europe to make friends.
1. Say Yes More Than You Say No
In Erasmus, friendships don’t come from “planning”.
They come from random moments like:
- beach volleyball
- 3am McDonald’s
- getting lost in the metro
- “one drink only” (biggest lie ever)
If someone invites you somewhere, go.
Even if you feel tired.
Especially if you feel tired
2. Join Erasmus Communities (Not Random Groups)
Barcelona is full of fake “Erasmus groups” that are basically spam.
You want:
✅ real communities
✅ real events
✅ real people
✅ safe environment
That’s why official groups like EBO matter.
Because it’s curated.
3. Go to Events in Your First 10 Days
This is the secret.
Your first 10 days decide your whole Erasmus social life.
If you stay home during the first two weeks… it becomes harder later.
Best events to meet people:
- pub crawls
- Erasmus welcome parties
- beach meetups
- language exchanges
- club guestlists
- day trips
You don’t need to be extroverted.
You just need to show up.
4. Use the “One Friend Strategy”
You don’t need 20 friends.
You need ONE.
Because one friend introduces you to:
- their group
- their flatmates
- their friends’ friends
And suddenly you’re invited everywhere.
That’s how Erasmus works.
5. Learn the Magic Conversation Starter
Here are the easiest Erasmus openers:
- “Where are you from?”
- “How long are you staying?”
- “Which uni are you studying in?”
- “Are you going out this weekend?”
- “Do you know good places to eat?”
Yes, it’s basic.
Here are the easiest Erasmus openers:
- “Where are you from?”
- “How long are you staying?”
- “Which uni are you studying in?”
- “Are you going out this weekend?”
- “Do you know good places to eat?”
Yes, it’s basic.
But it works 100% of the time.
6. Don’t Stay Only With People From Your Country 🌍
This is a trap.
It feels comfortable… but Erasmus is about mixing cultures.
Try to make at least:
- 30% international friends
- 30% locals
- 40% Erasmus chaos energy
That’s the perfect balance.
7. Beach Plans = Social Cheat Code 🏖️
Barcelona’s beach is basically a social networking event.
Bring:
- drinks
- snacks
- speaker
- volleyball / cards
You’ll meet people in 10 minutes.
8. Use WhatsApp Like a Pro 📲
WhatsApp is the real Erasmus app.
If you want friends, you must be active.
What to post in groups:
- “Anyone down for beach today?”
- “Who wants tapas tonight?”
- “Looking for people to go out Friday!”
- “Day trip to Sitges?”
Even if only 2 people reply…
That’s how friendships start.
9. Be the Person Who Makes Plans
Most students wait.
But the ones who win Erasmus are the ones who organize.
Even a simple plan like:
“Sunset beach + drinks 19:00”
can create your whole friend group.
10. Go Out, But Don’t Only Go Out 😭🍸
Barcelona nightlife is iconic.
But the best Erasmus friendships are made outside the club too.
Mix it with:
- brunch
- gym
- museums
- day trips
- park picnics
That’s how you build real connections.
Final Truth: Everyone Wants Friends (Even If They Pretend They Don’t)
If you feel lonely in the beginning, you’re not failing.
You’re just in the “loading stage”.
Barcelona is about to become your city.
Just show up.
👉 Join Erasmus Barcelona Official events + communities and get weekly plans, guestlists, and student discounts.