Moving to a new city can feel isolating—but one City Mates event changed everything. Read how a simple board game brunch turned into real friendships and a whole new chapter in Zurich.
When I moved to Zurich for work in early 2024, I didn’t expect it to feel so isolating. The city was beautiful, the trains on time, the lakes pristine. But the thing nobody told me? Making real social connections as an adult – in a new city – is hard. I went weeks without a real conversation outside of work.
I had joined all the apps. I had scrolled through endless local Facebook groups. Still, I never actually met anyone. Then one Sunday morning, I saw an event on City Mates: “Board Games & Brunch – Hosted by Luca.” It was five minutes from my apartment. I clicked “Join.”
That afternoon, I walked into a cozy café near Langstrasse. Six strangers sat around a table, laughing over a round of Dixit. Nobody knew each other beforehand. But everyone was open. We played games, shared stories, and for the first time since moving here, I felt included.
City Mates isn’t about endless swiping or awkward networking. It’s about showing up.
Since then, I’ve joined four more events: a walk around the lake, a “Coffee & Languages” meet-up, and even a spontaneous rooftop BBQ. Some people I met once, others have become weekly friends. It’s not about the number of events you join. It’s about finding your people.
If you’re new in town, or simply looking to shake up your social life – don’t overthink it. Pick one event that feels easy. Show up. You never know which brunch, hike, or language exchange might become the start of something meaningful.
