Set it Up: The Perfect Plan for Making Friends After College

You’ve started this new chapter in your life, what now?

People start families, move, work, and have other responsibilities.

Priorities start to change, and you become aware the people you were once surrounded with don’t share the same values as you. 

Transitioning from the structured university environment to an unknown territory of your 20s sounds uneasy and intimidating.

However, there are many things to look forward to, and one thing that becomes harder is making friends. 

Post-grad feels so lonely, and it's not talked about enough. At Sky Society, we recognize the value of establishing connections beyond the surface level.

This guide will explore the five steps for making friends after college. 

Step 1: Make a Friend List

The first step to making friends after college is figuring out what friends you want to have. Figuring out what qualities you’re looking for in a friend will help you narrow your search and find more like-minded people. 

Creating a friend list is a great and intentional strategy, offering a roadmap for making meaningful friendships after college.

To make a friend list, outline what you want in a friend. Be specific in listing the qualities you like and don’t like in a friendship.

This will help you create a network that aligns with your values, interests, and aspirations. Find people who add value to your life, who are a positive influence, and make a perfect friend!

Creating a list may seem minor, but it’s a good step to start visualizing who you want to know. So, grab your pen and start crafting your friend list - the first chapter in the story of making friends after college.

Step 2: Put Yourself Out There

Unfortunately, you’re not going to meet anyone sitting at home. Step out of your comfort zone and attend events that align with your passions - you never know who you might meet or the experiences you might gain.

Don’t let the fear of the unknown hold you back; taking that first step opens the door to possibilities and new connections waiting to be made. 

Throughout college, most of your friends probably came from extracurricular activities you were a part of.

Making friends after college can be challenging, but pursuing a hobby or a similar interest is a great way to start.

You’re more than likely to make a friend who shares the same interests as you.

Enrolling in a class or participating in activities you love naturally puts you in contact with like-minded individuals who share similar interests, whether it is an activity you love, sewing, knitting, gardening, pottery, reading, music, or sports.

As well as volunteering for a cause you care about provides a great way to meet like-minded people who share your values.

Give back to a cause close to your heart–environmental initiatives, social justice movements, or local charities. These events provide a common ground for connecting with diverse individuals who, like you, are navigating the post-college terrain.

These engaging learning environments offer opportunities to connect with fellow enthusiasts, turning from classmates or strangers into potential lifelong friends.

Incorporating a new hobby or habit into your daily life gives you balance and allows you to spend time on something you enjoy.

Pushing yourself out of your comfort zone is not always to find success but to help you solidify how you feel about something or someone.

Help you grow your confidence in your beliefs and become more comfortable with yourself.

Here are some ideas on things you can do to meet new people and make new friends:

1. Go to a restaurant you’ve been wanting to try alone and sit at the bar
2. Sign up for a local intramural sports team
3. Do group fitness classes like yoga, pilates, or hit training 

Step 3: Get Their Contact Information

If you meet someone you hit it off with, don’t hesitate to ask for their contact information!

Taking the initiative to exchange contact information ensures you stay connected and demonstrates your genuine interest in the potential friendship, whether it’s Instagram, phone number, or email afterward.

Connecting with a friend after an interaction is crucial for establishing and sustaining friendships. 

Setting aside one’s ego to initiate contact can be a powerful and transformative gesture. Reaching out to someone only takes a minute of your time, and if you follow them on social media, actively engage with their content!

Making friends after college requires effort, and liking and commenting on a new friend’s Instagram post is a well-targeted effort. 

Step 4: Explore Social Media

In this digital age, social media and networking platforms are crucial in staying connected and meeting new people. Oprah Daily recommends the 12 best friendship apps to help you meet new people, like Meetup, Bumble BFF, and Wink.

Whether it’s a local coffee meet-up, a book club, or a professional networking event, these platforms help you expand your social circle beyond the familiar faces of college.

Making friends online, rather than in real life, is a more accessible and less risky way to make friends after college.

At Sky Society, we recognize the potential of online spaces to transform virtual connections into real-life friendships.

Step 5: Say Yes to Making Friends After College

Saying “yes” to everything, if not most things in your 20s, can be an exciting and effective way to make new friends after college, especially when you’re open to trying new things.

It creates new opportunities, exposing you to a diverse range of people and social circles. See who you can meet, what experiences you can have, or where you will end up.

Being open to unexpected plans or invitations can lead to unplanned adventures, providing a sense of excitement and novelty in your social life. Saying “yes” to different activities can contribute to a reputation as approachable, open-minded, and fun.

Provides new excitement and unpredictability into your routine, making each day look forward and engaging.

Trying new things to make friends after college involves stepping out of your comfort zone. This exploration and discovery process is enjoyable and contributes to personal growth, helping you learn more about yourself and your interests.

Shared experiences form the foundation of solid friendships, creating opportunities for you and others to bond over shared interests and memories. Embrace the adventure and be mindful of your boundaries and priorities as you navigate your 20s. 

Navigating friendships after college in your 20s is an exciting and dynamic journey. Embrace change, leverage digital platforms, attend events, start hobbies, and be open to diverse friendships.

Pursue further education, volunteer, be authentic, and prioritize quality over quantity. 

By approaching this phase of life with intention and openness, you can build meaningful connections that enrich your personal and professional life for years to come.

At Sky Society, genuine connections are the key to a fulfilling life. May these steps guide you as you paint your masterpiece of friendships after college on a canvas.

✍️ Written by Christina Luong