From casual hellos to real connections – navigating social life as a foreigner
Every connection starts with a simple hello – in any language. Embracing diversity is the first step to building meaningful relationships in Slovenia
Moving to Slovenia can be both exciting and challenging, especially when it comes to building a new social life. If you’ve just arrived and don’t know anyone yet, the silence can feel heavy. But while Slovenians may seem reserved at first, they are warm, loyal, and genuine once you earn their trust. With a little patience and a proactive approach, you can create meaningful connections and feel truly at home here.
Many Slovenians value privacy and long-term friendships over casual small talk. Friendships tend to grow slowly, through shared activities and consistent interaction rather than quick introductions. That’s why it’s important to focus on participating in everyday life instead of rushing relationships. One great starting point is joining a Slovene language course. Not only does this help you understand the culture and communicate better, but it’s also a fantastic way to meet other foreigners and even locals.
Slovenia’s love of nature can also work in your favor. People here hike, bike, ski, and gather outdoors all year round. Joining a local hiking group, taking part in a yoga class, or volunteering for a community project is a natural way to connect with others. You don’t need to be fluent in Slovene to take part—your willingness to engage is often enough.
Regular places also play a big role in building familiarity. When you visit the same café, grocery store, or farmer’s market consistently, people start to recognize you. Over time, small conversations can grow into deeper connections. Online communities like Meetup or Facebook groups for expats in Slovenia can also help you find events, meetups, and people with shared interests.
Remember: building a social network doesn’t happen overnight. Be kind to yourself during this process. It’s okay if it takes time. Say yes to invitations, even when they feel outside your comfort zone. Accept that some conversations may be awkward at first. These are all natural parts of creating something new.
If you ever feel stuck or unsure where to begin, having a mentor can make a huge difference. A mentor knows the local culture and can help you find opportunities to connect - not only with services and systems but with real people. And sometimes, that’s exactly what we need to feel like we belong.
Moving to a new country is never easy, but with the right support and openness, Slovenia can become more than just a place to live. It can become your home.
Laughter among the flowers: when small moments lead to meaningful connections.