Making Friends in Brno

By Elizabeth Sheridan, August 2024

As a strong introvert, making friends is often one of the most challenging things for me moving to a new city (often even more challenging than tackling the post office with my limited Czech). Fortunately, though, there are lots of great ways to make friends during your time in Brno - whether you’re here for a semester or a few years. Here are some of my favorites:

Attend Orientation Week

If you can make it to Brno for orientation week, I highly recommend it. In addition to getting introduced to the faculty, the international office team, and other logistical details, there will be a bunch of fun activities with opportunities to meet other new students. If a pub crawl or karaoke night is a bit out of your comfort zone, I would definitely recommend at least going on the city tour. You’ll learn your way around the city a bit, find out about great cafes and bars from your guide, and have time to chat with other people in your tour group while you walk around.

Join ESN

ESN is open not just to Erasmus students, but to all international students. If you loved (or missed) orientation week activities, ESN keeps the fun going all year. They host events like tram parties and speedfriending, have monthly member meetings, and offer a group trips to different countries in Europe a few times per year.

Take (or Teach) a Language Class

If you’re looking to learn a new language in an informal setting or love teaching others your native language, sign up for a language class. These are hosted by ESN, but you don’t have to be a member to teach or to join a class. The ESN team will post on their Instagram to ask for volunteers and again once class schedules have been set, so give them a follow if you’re interested in language classes.

Good luck with your friend-making activities and enjoy your time in Brno!