Making Friends as a South African Expat in the UK: A Practical Guide

IT TAKES EFFORT, BUT IT'S WORTH IT

Making friends as an adult is hard. Making friends in a new country is harder. But as a South African in the UK, you have a secret weapon: there are thousands of Saffas here who have been through exactly what you're going through.

• The SA expat community is tight-knit and welcoming
• Shared culture makes it easy to connect — braais, rugby, and biltong are instant icebreakers
• London has the biggest SA community, but every major UK city has a Saffa presence
• Saffas Connect has thousands of members and local groups across the UK

THE FIRST THREE MONTHS ARE THE HARDEST

Most new arrivals feel lonely in their first few months. This is normal. The key is to put yourself out there — join groups, attend events, and say yes to every invitation. The friends you make in your first year often become your closest UK friends.

SAFFAS CONNECT IS YOUR STARTING POINT

The easiest way to meet other South Africans is through the Saffas Connect community. We have groups, events, and meetups specifically for Saffas across the UK.

• Join community groups: Immigration & Visa, Property & Housing, Social & Events, General Chat, and local borough groups
• Attend events: Check the Events page for SA socials, braais, and cultural events near you
• Create a meetup: Host your own braai, walk, or pub night and invite other Saffas
• Browse members: Find Saffas in your area and message them directly

OTHER WAYS TO MEET SAFFAS

• SA Facebook groups: South Africans in London, South Africans in the UK, and city-specific groups
• SA pubs and restaurants: Visit SA-friendly pubs on match days — you'll meet Saffas naturally
• SA churches: Many UK churches have SA congregations
• Sports clubs: Join a cricket or rugby club — many have SA members
• Work: Ask around — you'll be surprised how many South Africans work in UK offices

DON'T JUST STICK TO THE SA BUBBLE

While the SA community is wonderful, the UK has so much more to offer. Making British and international friends enriches your experience and helps you feel truly settled.

• Join local clubs: Book clubs, running clubs, cooking classes, and hobby groups
• Use Meetup.com: Search for interest-based groups in your area
• Volunteer: Local charities, food banks, and community projects are great ways to meet people
• Take a class: Evening classes at local colleges, language courses, or fitness classes
• Say yes to work socials: Pub lunches, after-work drinks, and team outings

THE 'THREE INVITATION' RULE

When you meet someone new, try to exchange three invitations before giving up. Invite them for coffee, then a walk, then a meal. If they say no to all three, move on — but most people will say yes to at least one.

RELATIONSHIPS TAKE TIME — BE PATIENT

In South Africa, friendships often form quickly because of shared schools, neighbourhoods, and braai culture. In the UK, friendships take longer to develop but tend to be deeper once established.

• British people are polite but reserved — don't mistake politeness for friendship
• It takes 3-6 months to move from acquaintance to friend
• Small talk is important — British friendships often start with weather, sport, or work chat
• Don't be too forward — British people value personal space and can be put off by over-familiarity
• Once you're 'in', British friends are loyal and will invite you into their lives

CULTURAL DIFFERENCES TO BE AWARE OF

• South Africans are direct; British people are indirect — learn to read between the lines
• 'Quite good' often means 'not very good' — British understatement is real
• Banter is a sign of affection — if a British person teases you, you're in
• Always say 'please' and 'thank you' — it matters more than you think
• Round-buying in pubs is sacred — always buy your round