Making Friends in Strasbourg – Best student groups, WhatsApp communities, ESN

Making friends in Strasbourg is way easier than you might think — especially if you plug into the right student groups, WhatsApp chats, and international communities. Here’s your ultimate guide to finding your people

ESN Strasbourg – Erasmus Student Network

This is THE go-to for international students and young newcomers.

What they offer:

  • Language exchange evenings (“Café des Langues”)
  • Themed parties (like 2000s Night, Silent Disco, Boat Party)
  • Cultural trips (to Colmar, Black Forest, even Paris!)
  • Chill meetups: picnics, karaoke, movie nights

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 WhatsApp Communities

WhatsApp groups are buzzing in Strasbourg — great for spontaneous hangouts, finding people for events, or asking quick questions.

Here’s where to find them:

  • Ask ESN or your student association — they usually have official WhatsApp links.
  • Join Strasbourg Expats or What’s Up Strasbourg? on Facebook – they often post updated group links for:
    • International students
    • Language tandem partners
    • Roommate hunting
    • Weekend plans

Tip: Always read the group rules – some are for events only, some are chat-heavy.

Best Student Groups & Clubs

Whether you’re at Uni Strasbourg, INSA, EM Strasbourg, Sciences Po, or ENA – there’s something for everyone!

University Clubs

  • AFGES – Main student union, hosts huge student parties and info fairs.
  • BDEs (Bureau des Étudiants) – Every faculty has one! They organize ski trips, BBQs, welcome weeks, etc.

Thematic & Hobby Clubs

  • Cinema ClubBoard Game NightsDebate SocietyTheatre Groups, even K-Pop Dance clubs!
  • Check your school’s website or go to the Maison Universitaire Internationale for info.

International Clubs

  • Crous events and Campus France meetups often include free dinners or museum tours just for internationals.

Regular Social Spots to Meet New People

  • Café des Langues (weekly language exchange – no pressure to speak perfect French)
  • Le LocalLa Grenze, or Kohler-Rehm (open spaces with live music + good vibes)
  • Student bars: Le Grincheux, Trolleybus, or Korrigan for after-class beers

Want a current WhatsApp invite link or to be matched with a specific club based on your interests (e.g. music, sports, food, activism)? I can help with that too!

We have a detailed guide about Events & Meetups

Photo by Jed Villejo on Unsplash