How to make friends in Concepción, Chile as a newcomer

Make the most of university life (even if you're not studying)

Universities organize workshops, sports teams, choirs, theater groups and open talks. If you're studying, sign up for something outside your degree: that's where you meet different people. If you're not, many cultural and sports activities are open to anyone anyway.

Activities that bring people together

• Running or cycling along the Biobío riverside or with groups that go out on weekends.
• Hiking and trips into the nature around the city: there are groups that organize outings for beginners.
• Music: Concepción has a very active music scene; small gigs and workshops are good places to chat.
• Volunteering and interest groups: you meet people with similar values.

The key: repetition

A friendship comes from seeing the same people several times. Pick one or two activities and go back every week. By the third time it feels natural to suggest a coffee or a completo (a Chilean hot dog) afterwards.

Use the internet for the first step

Social media groups for your university, neighborhood or activity help you find out what's going on. A short video call before meeting someone you met online helps you see whether you get along. For the first in-person meetup, choose a public place and tell someone where you'll be.

A way to start today

On Callumbra you can talk on video with new people from your browser, with nothing to install. There's no city filter, but there is a country filter, so you can choose to talk with people from Chile. It's 18+ only.

Frequently asked questions