How to Find Friends in Lausanne – A Local’s and Expat’s Perspective

Lausanne is a city full of contrasts: French-speaking yet highly international, laid-back yet vibrant, and with one of Switzerland’s most beautiful lakefronts as its backdrop.

But if you’ve just moved here, you might wonder: How do I make friends in Lausanne? Whether you’re a new student at EPFL or UNIL, an expat settling in for work, or even a local looking to widen your circle – this guide will help you navigate Lausanne’s social scene.

Here’s how to meet people in Lausanne and build genuine connections in this bilingual, dynamic city:

1. Tap into University Life – Even if You’re Not a Student

Lausanne is home to two major universities – EPFL and UNIL – with thousands of international students. Many events, clubs, and language exchanges are open to the public or alumni.

👉 Try:

• ESN Lausanne – great for Erasmus-style events and meetups
• AGEPoly & UNIL associations – from climbing clubs to tech meetups
• Cafés like Satellite – informal gathering spots for the student crowd
  

💡 Bonus: These are perfect places to make expat friends in Lausanne who are just as eager to meet people.

2. Explore the Local Scene – Even If Your French Isn’t Perfect

Yes, Lausanne is French-speaking – but don’t let that stop you. Many locals are open and curious, especially when you show interest in the local culture. It’s totally okay to mix French and English!

👉 Join:

• Wine tastings in Lavaux (many offer English explanations)
• Local sports clubs like volleyball, running, or yoga
• Marchés & festivals like the Lausanne Jardins or Lausanne à Table

💬 Tip: Saying a simple “Salut!” or “Enchanté” at events makes all the difference.

3. Use Social Apps to Meet People – Without the Dating Vibe

There are platforms built for meeting new people in Lausanne, not just dating. These help you find curated events or activity-based meetups, so you can connect naturally over shared interests.

👉 Best picks:

• City Mates – designed for real-life meetups and social discovery
• Meetup.com – search for hiking, AI, book clubs, and more in Lausanne
• Bumble BFF – for casual one-on-one friend matches

4. Say Yes to Events by the Lake

Lake Geneva (Lac Léman) is where Lausanne comes alive – especially in spring and summer. From music festivals to spontaneous BBQs and sunset yoga, it’s the city’s most social space.

👉 Don’t miss:

• Lausanne Estivale – free concerts and performances
• Paddleboarding meetups at Vidy
• La Jetée de la Compagnie – open-air bar with a community vibe

5. Find Your People – Anglophones or Francophones

Some groups in Lausanne lean English-speaking, others French – and both are worth exploring. Don’t limit yourself to just one bubble.

👉 Try both sides:

• Anglo clubs: International Book Club, Toastmasters Lausanne, EPFL’s Global Events
• Francophone events: Les Apéros de Lausanne, Cinéma open-air, Art Night workshops
• Mixed: City Mates or Café des Langues (language exchange nights)

Final Thoughts: You Don’t Have to Choose a Side

One of the best things about Lausanne is that you don’t have to pick between “local” or “international.” You can be part of both worlds. Yes, making friends takes a bit of initiative, especially in a place where the social scene isn’t always loud – but it’s definitely possible.

So whether you’re here for a semester or to stay, be curious, say hi first, and remember: most people are just one connection away from a better social life.

👉 Join City Mates and explore Lausanne’s most welcoming events