Participating in activities is one of the fastest and most enjoyable ways to integrate into life in Germany. Whether you enjoy sports, music, arts, gaming, or simply exploring new places, Germany offers countless opportunities for students to connect with others and build a meaningful social life.
University Sports (Hochschulsport)
Most German universities offer a wide range of affordable sports courses through Hochschulsport.
These programs are extremely popular among students and a great way to meet new people.
Examples of available activities
• Basketball, football, volleyball
• Badminton, table tennis
• Yoga, pilates, dance
• Martial arts
• Swimming, climbing
Why it’s effective
Activities happen weekly, which builds natural social connections over time.
Join Student Clubs and Societies
Universities host many student-run groups with diverse interests:
• Debate clubs
• Business & consulting clubs
• Programming and robotics groups
• Photography or film clubs
• Cultural associations
• Environmental groups
• LGBTQ+ student organizations
These clubs often organize regular events, workshops, and weekend activities.
Explore Local Sports Clubs (Vereine)
Outside the university, Germany has a strong tradition of sports associations (Sportvereine).
These clubs are community-based and extremely welcoming to newcomers.
Common activities
• Football teams
• Running groups
• Swimming clubs
• Tennis, badminton
• Gymnastics
• Rowing or cycling teams
Joining a local club is a reliable way to meet German residents and integrate into the community.
Music, Arts, and Creative Groups
If you enjoy cultural activities, Germany has plenty of creative spaces:
• Community choirs
• University orchestras and bands
• Drawing and painting workshops
• Photography meetups
• Theatre groups
• Dance studios
Creative communities are very friendly, and language barriers are usually not a problem.
University Events & City Festivals
Germany loves organized events — large and small.
Attending these helps you experience local culture while meeting people naturally.
Popular types of events
• Orientation week (Ersti-Woche)
• Film nights, quiz nights, karaoke
• Research nights (Lange Nacht der Wissenschaften)
• Christmas markets
• Summer festivals and open-air concerts
• Food markets and flea markets
Use Social Apps to Find Activities
Apps are a major tool for meeting people with similar interests.
Most useful platforms
• Meetup – hiking, photography, coding, board games
• Spontacts – spontaneous social activities
• Eventbrite – workshops, seminars, creative events
• Bumble For Friends – one-on-one friendship
• Tandem / HelloTalk – language exchange partners
These apps make it easy to find active communities near you.
Join Language Cafés and International Meetups
Almost every large city has weekly events where students practice languages or meet international groups.
What to expect:
• Casual conversation tables
• Cultural exchange nights
• Game nights
• Theme-based meetups (e.g., “French Night,” “Spanish Night”)
These events are perfect if you want a low-pressure environment to meet people.
Outdoor Activities and Nature
Germany is full of beautiful natural areas and hiking trails.
Popular activities include:
• Hiking (Wanderung)
• Lake picnics
• Cycling paths
• Kayaking
• Park gatherings
Outdoor activities are inexpensive and attract friendly groups of both locals and internationals.
Volunteering Opportunities
Volunteering is a meaningful way to engage with the community.
Common options:
• Animal shelters
• Environmental groups
• Teaching language classes
• Helping at festivals
• Local charity events
Volunteers often form strong bonds and meet people from diverse backgrounds.
Summary
Germany offers countless ways to explore your interests and build connections:
• University sports and clubs
• Local community sports associations
• Music, arts, and cultural groups
• City festivals and university events
• Social and hobby apps
• Outdoor and nature-based activities
• Volunteer opportunities
The key to integration is showing up consistently.
Once you participate regularly, friendships and a sense of belonging develop naturally.