How to make friends abroad ? No generic advice like go out try groups and stuff…

Genuine question- I moved to the UK in 2022 with a friend and moved to a student accommodation and there I met a few people. Interestingly ALL of them were from my country. Spoiler after graduation and between finding jobs and stuff we moved cities and I only have one known friend who is in touch and it’s not like we hangout every weekend. How do you really make friends outside work without being desperate?