How to Meet People in Umeå

🌲 The scene in Umeå

Umeå draws students and researchers to Umeå University, healthcare professionals to Norrland University Hospital, and creatives to its music and arts scene. That mix gives this northern Swedish city an international feel, with newcomers arriving for everything from degree programmes to careers in Arctic research.

🤝 How people usually meet

Try local expat groups, language exchanges, or hobby clubs for skiing, climbing, and board games. These are useful starting points for making friends in Umeå, but chat can stay surface-level when there’s no built-in way to move towards real connection.

💬 Where real conversation happens

Playing Makuma offers a better alternative to small talk through conversation games and guided conversations built around questions that actually go somewhere. A Makuma session gives introverts room to join in without having to compete for attention. It’s also an alternative to dating apps when you’d rather get to know someone through conversation than a profile.

🌍 In English, and made for newcomers

Makuma Connection Games are played in English and made to be foreigner friendly. You don't need a word of the local language, and no perfect English either. Internationals and locals play together, so it's a perfect way to make friends when you've just arrived in Umeå. Nothing to prepare, and a question starts every conversation. Come on your own or bring a friend.