expats often ask on our city-subreddit how to make friends. our go-to answer is usually: (sports/activity) clubs (not bars). i can observe this in our weightlifting club. your job, your home country, your social background, your interests don't matter much; we at least have the common interest in weightlifting as a conversation starter, and other activities (usually dinner after training) are common. from there on you can decide to further socializing by, e.g. helping people from that community with the various tasks (moving, computer troubles, the usual stuff).

it's still possible for people to keep to themselves, but if you want to make friends, that's an easy way.