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Post-grad life can be hard. It’s often scary and stressful. There’s a ton of changes happening all at once. For some of us, it’s the first time in our lives we don’t have a core group of friends. You may be on your own in a completely new town or city. Without anyone to turn to, it can easily become lonely. Luckily, making new friends after college isn’t as difficult as it may seem.
There are tons of places and opportunities to put yourself out there. Sure, making new friends in your 20s probably won’t be as easy as it was in high school or college, but these tips and list of places to meet new people can guide you through the process and make meeting new friends easier.
#1 TAKE A WORKOUT CLASS
Taking a workout class is an easy way to make new friends after college. Your 20s can be stressful, but you’re not alone. Every 20-something is likely experiencing the same feelings.
Working out is a great way to relieve stress and meet new people at the same time. Attending the gym or a workout class is the perfect place to meet people who similarly value a healthy lifestyle.
You can casually start a conversation by asking someone what exercises or classes they enjoy the most, or if they work out often. If you lift weights, you could introduce yourself and ask to share an exercise machine with someone between sets, which is a great opportunity to interact with someone new.
The great aspect of going to the gym and working out, is that you already have something in common with the people there. This makes it easy to start conversations and form new friendships.
#2 JOIN A BOOK CLUB
Joining a book club is another way to make new friends after college. If you enjoy reading, this is a good way to meet new people and form a new friend group.
You’ll have something in common to talk about. You can connect on your shared love for various authors and genres, and discuss your thoughts about particular books.
You can join a book club via social media or even form your own. Joining or forming a local book club can connect you to people with similar interests, and help you meet new people in your area without trying too hard.
#3 GO TO YOUR LOCAL PARK OR LIBRARY
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If you want to meet new friends after college, try hanging out at your local park or library. If you live in a city, these places are often busy. They’re the perfect places to introduce yourself and start conversations with potential new friends.
Start browsing your favorite section in the library, introduce yourself, and ask people if they have any book recommendations. There’s no pressure, and it’s an easy way to connect with new people.
You can do the same at your local park. Take a book, relax on a park bench, or take your dog for a walk. If you’re new to the area, you can approach people and ask if they have any recommendations for food spots or places to shop. Parks and libraries usually have lots of people and lots of new faces you can introduce yourself to.
#4 TAKE A COOKING CLASS
Cooking classes are fun and exciting. They’re usually light-hearted and can help you meet new people with similar passions or interests. You don’t have to be good at cooking or even love it to take a class. You may just need something to do on a weeknight.
Whatever reason you decide to attend, it’s the perfect place to meet new friends after college. It’s a fun and a relaxing environment to talk and connect with new people.
#5 GO TO THE DOG PARK
If you want to make new friends after college, take your dog to your local dog park. Introduce yourself and talk with other dog owners.
You’ll already have something in common with them, which can make starting a conversation less intimidating. Who knows, maybe your dogs will become friends first and make the introductions easier.
#6 JOIN A LOCAL SPORTS LEAGUE
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Another way to make new friends after college and meet new people in your 20s is by joining a local sports league. Joining a team can give you a new group of friends with barely any effort. It’s an easy way to meet people with the same interest and love for a sport.
Joining a team takes little effort and is one of the easiest ways to make new friends. You’ll have plenty to talk about and it’ll make introducing yourself and finding new friends less stressful.
#8 ORGANIZE A NEIGHBORHOOD
GATHERING
If you’re new to a neighborhood and want to meet new friends after college, try organizing a neighborhood gathering. Invite your neighbors to a BBQ or bonfire. Spread the word via social media or even knock on your neighbors doors to introuce yourself and invite them.
A neighborhood gathering can help you meet new people and make you feel more welcome in the neighborhood. A BBQ or bonfire is a great way to put yourself out there and connect with people in your community. It’ll take some effort and forethought, but it’s worth making new friends and connections with your neighbors.
#9 INVITE YOUR CO-WORKERS TO COFFEE
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If you want to make new friends in your 20s, start with your co-workers. You already have lots in common with them, which will give you tons to talk about. Not to mention, you can avoid any awkward introductions that can occur when trying to make new friends.
Be brave and invite a few of your colleagues to coffee or out to lunch. You can bond over your work struggles and then get to know them outside of the office environment. People are usually much more open, willing to share, and their most authentic selves outside of work. Put yourself out there and invite your co-workers to a low-stakes lunch or coffee shop to get to know them better and become friends.
#10 ATTEND A LOCAL FESTIVAL
Another easy way to make new friends after college is by attending a local festival. Check out the events in your local area, such as concerts, festivals, or gatherings.
These events are fantastic opportunities to interact with locals and meet new people. Enjoy good food, music, or whatever the event has to offer, and talk to people there. It’s an easy environment to introduce yourself and make new friends in the area you live.
#11 REACH OUT ON SOCIAL MEDIA
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Start using social media to your advantage. Use platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, and even Bumble to reach out and meet new friends.
Use social media to connect with people who plan to attend an event or gathering in your town or city. Social media can connect you with new people and help you find people in your area with similar interests.
If you live in a city, you can use social media to find and connect with people from your alma mater. Don’t be afraid to reach out. Direct message people and ask them about the area or best local spots. Reaching out to new people on social media is a low-stakes way to make new friends and form new connections.
#12 BE POSITIVE
One of the most important tips to make new friends after college, is to be positive. Positive energy is attractive. When you exude positivity energy, people will want to be around you. That energy is contagious.
Be open to the process of meeting new people and open to experiencing all the opportunities a new city or town has to offer. When you remain open and optimistic, new people will enjoy spending time with you or having conversations with you.
Don’t become frustrated or pessimistic if making new friends takes time. Relax, enjoy the process, and stay positive. People will take notice, which can help you make new friends more easily.
#13 BE REAL
The last tip to make new friends after college is to be the most authentic version of yourself. When you meet new people, it’s easy to put up a front. You want to display the best version of yourself, but when you try too hard, it’s easy to see through the facade.
If you want to make genuine friends in your 20s, you need to be real. Be genuine and show your authentic self. Share your true opinions and thoughts with others.
Genuinely listen and show that you care to get to know people. People will appreciate and respect your ability to be yourself, which will help you make new friends fast.