I’m the first to admit, making friends after college isn’t easy. That’s why today I put together some tips on how you can build your friend group after you get your diploma.
I’ve been really lucky in terms of meeting people after college but I think it is because I put myself in situations where there are always opportunities to meet new people. My college friends are spread out all over and even though they live in the tri-state area, I still don’t get to see them as often as I would like. When I moved back to NYC I knew I wanted to meet more people and I was able to do just that!
How to Make Friends After College: 7 Tips
Work
When I graduated from college I took the leap of faith and moved out to Minneapolis for a job. It was nerve wracking to say the least and that was mainly due to not having my friends and family come out with me. I had to do it all by myself and make a new city feel like home. I’m not going to lie, it was really tough at first but luckily my employer hired an analyst class of around 60 people when I joined so there were a lot of ways of meeting people. I luckily was able to find a good friend out of it and we started building a friend group. She even introduced me to one of her friends mutual friends (confusing) from work and we all became really close. Work is such an easy way to make friends. One of my coworkers now at my new job (he also worked at my old job) is such a dear friend of mine and it is crazy to think how we both bonded from being miz at work. Now at my new job (3 months in!), I’ve met a few great people and even joined the company’s softball league (LOL).
Now, I know not everyone has it as easy as I do at work. Some of my friends work with “old” people and can’t build or maintain friendships with them. I get it, it is hard. You need to take initiative and work with HR to plan fun events. You never know… there has to be at least a couple of young people on a different team that you can start interacting with.
Social Media
Here me out on this one. I’ve met my bestie Dana (Editor’s Note: HEY THAT’S ME.) on social media. I have been reading her blog for ages and we finally connected and decided to grab drinks after work one day. Sounds creepy I know but it worked. We clicked right away and unfortunately (Editor’s Note: She’s just trying to be cute.) I think I’m stuck with her forever (ugh). But social media is a great way to meet people especially if you interact with them for a while beforehand and share common interests. I’m SO grateful that she introduced me to Allie because I have so much fun with the both of them on our adventures in and outside of the city. And it’s crazy to think that I’ve become friends with some amazing ladies (you girls know who you are) online through the blogging world and I’m not even a blogger!
Join a club
Living in a major metropolitan city definitely helps but if you live in a small town there are ways you can get involved. Whether this is volunteering or being a chair on some club, anyone can do it! I’m part of Big Brothers Big Sister, The First Tee, and I’m the VP of my high schools regional alumni society. All of these clubs have introduced me to different people and I’ve built friendships with people I never thought I would have. Find something that interests you and you will certainly find a new friend that shares that common interest.
Reconnect with classmates that you know live in the same city
This can be hard and awkward at some times. You may feel uncomfortable to reach out to someone who you sort of knew from high school or even middle school. I was hesitant to do this at first but it is easier than you think. Social media is a huge resource for this one. With Instagram Stories it makes it so easy. If someone who you want to connect with posts a picture of say the city you live in, in their stories, reply back! You can say something really casual and that is a good way of starting up a conversation and saying, “Hey would should get drinks soon!” It never hurts and for me it has worked all the time.
Join a gym
When I was doing Pure Barre religiously a year or so ago I became friends with my instructor who is the same age as I am. Before she was an instructor we always found ourselves in our spot in the studio and going to the same class all the time. Even though I stopped doing Pure Barre, we still talk and we actually went to a new fitness studio together! I think finding a friend at a gym can take some time but before you know it you’ll meet someone who enjoys torturing their bodies just as much as you do.
Friends of friends
This is the easiest one yet! I can’t tell you how many of my friends have introduced me to their friends. Even when you are in a group setting, you are bound to meet someone you haven’t met before. And if you click, you click!
Parents friends children
This one may sound strange but I’ve actually become friends with my parents’ friends’ children. There are a bunch of us that live in NYC so occasionally we set up some time to go out to dinner and just hangout. It’s funny because we are all different ages and have really only interacted with each other at parties during Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas when we are all down in Naples. Of course some of these people may not share the same interests as you but again you never know who they might introduce you to (I’m hoping one finds me a husband…LOL). (Editor’s Note: I am trying to find her a husband, FYI.)
I hope these tips have helped you think of how to make friends and meet people. What have you done in the past to expand your friend group? I would love to hear what worked for you!
Thanks for reading Elle’s Edit. If you have any topics that you would like for me to discuss, feel free to email me at elle@itscasualblog.com. I would love to hear from you! xo
