How to make friends as an adult after college?
For a complete guide to this topic, read the wikiHow article How to Make Friends in a New City After College
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I graduated college this past fall and I am now moving to another state for a new job (hurray!). But, I am nervous as I have never been very outgoing and am worried I won't make friends in my new city. All of the friends I have now I grew up with or met in class. How do you meet people in the "real world"? Any tips?
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Expert Comments
First of all, congrats on the new job! Now, the most important thing when meeting new people is to take the initiative to put yourself out there in situations where this is possible. No matter how outgoing you are, if you’re at home on the couch watching Netflix, nothing is going to happen. Being active, and finding hobbies and events that are social in nature will help you meet new people by sheer exposure. Finding common ground through interests and activities will then help you solidify the bond with new friends!
Many major cities will have places where people go to be social. This can be in bars, parks, at concerts, etc. It will be easier to actually engage with people there when you are already doing something together, like a common activity. For example, this can include joining yoga classes, dance classes, running clubs, book clubs, pickup soccer, etc.
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Many major cities will have places where people go to be social. This can be in bars, parks, at concerts, etc. It will be easier to actually engage with people there when you are already doing something together, like a common activity. For example, this can include joining yoga classes, dance classes, running clubs, book clubs, pickup soccer, etc.
Making friends and building a network in a new city after graduating can feel overwhelming, but it’s totally doable with a little effort. Here are some tips:
1. Start with what you know: Connect with classmates, alumni, or colleagues who might already be in the city. They can introduce you to their circle or show you around.
2. Get involved in the community: Join local groups, volunteer, or participate in activities like sports leagues, book clubs, or fitness classes. It’s a great way to meet people who share your interests.
3. Use networking events: Look for industry meetups, conferences, or young professional groups in your field. These events help you make both friends and professional connections
4. Leverage social media and apps: Platforms like Meetup, Bumble BFF, or local Facebook groups can connect you with others in similar situations.
5. Say “yes” to invitations: Even if you’re unsure, go to that happy hour, dinner, or event you never know who you’ll meet.
6. Explore the city: Check out local coffee shops, libraries, or parks. Sometimes striking up a casual conversation with someone nearby can lead to a new connection.
7. Be consistent: Building friendships and a network takes time. Keep showing up to events or groups and stay in touch with the people you meet.
8. Be proactive: Don’t wait for others to reach out invite someone to grab coffee or check out an event together.
It’s all about putting yourself out there and being open to new experiences. You’ll build your circle before you know it!
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1. Start with what you know: Connect with classmates, alumni, or colleagues who might already be in the city. They can introduce you to their circle or show you around.
2. Get involved in the community: Join local groups, volunteer, or participate in activities like sports leagues, book clubs, or fitness classes. It’s a great way to meet people who share your interests.
3. Use networking events: Look for industry meetups, conferences, or young professional groups in your field. These events help you make both friends and professional connections
4. Leverage social media and apps: Platforms like Meetup, Bumble BFF, or local Facebook groups can connect you with others in similar situations.
5. Say “yes” to invitations: Even if you’re unsure, go to that happy hour, dinner, or event you never know who you’ll meet.
6. Explore the city: Check out local coffee shops, libraries, or parks. Sometimes striking up a casual conversation with someone nearby can lead to a new connection.
7. Be consistent: Building friendships and a network takes time. Keep showing up to events or groups and stay in touch with the people you meet.
8. Be proactive: Don’t wait for others to reach out invite someone to grab coffee or check out an event together.
It’s all about putting yourself out there and being open to new experiences. You’ll build your circle before you know it!
I would recommend finding networking events that align with your interests and being open to talking to everyone! I make connections wherever I go because I can talk with strangers and find common ground. Stay positive and warm. People always remember how they feel when they are around you.
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Reader Comments
Hey congrats on the new job! What do you like doing? If there are any hobbies you have (or been wanting to try) that can be done with other people, you should try to find a meetup group that you can join so you can meet other people with that interest. Like when I moved to a new city, i joined a recreational soccer league and became friends with my teammates! Another friend of mine auditioned for an improv group and he made some friends through being on the cast. My brother happened to know a guy who lived in his apartment building (I know this isn't super helpful because what are the chances, but if you happen to know that an old friend or acquaintance might be in the area, you can try hitting them up!).
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This might sound like a joke but steal your coworkers friends!
What I mean by this is that you will probably have some coworkers who were in your shoes at one point. They too moved to a new city where they had no friends, but now they probably have friends. Ask them how they made friends and they will have city-specific recommendations for you! Like I asked my manager how he made friends and he told me about a pub trivia place that he would go to weekly. After I went for a few weeks I found a team to join and made friends that way.
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What I mean by this is that you will probably have some coworkers who were in your shoes at one point. They too moved to a new city where they had no friends, but now they probably have friends. Ask them how they made friends and they will have city-specific recommendations for you! Like I asked my manager how he made friends and he told me about a pub trivia place that he would go to weekly. After I went for a few weeks I found a team to join and made friends that way.
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