Advice On Making Friends Post-Grad
Making friends after graduating can be a rewarding experience that makes your post-grad life a lot more exciting. Especially because the post-grad stage can often feel lonely and overwhelming at times, building a strong community and support system can make this transition a whole lot easier. Here are five tips to help you navigate this new phase and build meaningful connections:
Join Social Groups or Clubs: Seek out social groups or clubs that align with your interests and hobbies. Whether it's a book club, sports team, or volunteer organization, participating in activities you enjoy will introduce you to like-minded individuals and provide a natural foundation for friendship. Especially with the help of social media, I have seen so many people form groups on TikTok that eventually host in-person events and activities for people to meet/make new friends. Since I live in Los Angeles, which is where a good majority of my followers are from, I have honestly considered planning something like this, so let me know if this is something you would be interested in attending!
Attend Networking Events: Attend networking events and social gatherings related to your field of study or profession. Connecting with people who share similar career paths can lead to both professional and personal friendships.
Be Approachable and Initiate Conversations: Approach new social situations with an open and friendly attitude. Be approachable, smile, and initiate conversations with others. Sometimes taking the first step can pave the way for a lasting connection. This can honestly be so difficult if you are shy, but trust me that the more you do it, the easier it gets. Also, just remember that even if it feels awkward at first, just fake it til you make it because 9 times out of 10 the person you are talking to may have the same fear of talking to new people too.
Stay Connected with Alumni: Stay in touch with college or university alumni through social media or alumni events. Many educational institutions organize alumni gatherings, making it easier to reconnect with familiar faces and expand your network.
Be Involved in the Community: Engage with your local community by participating in events or volunteering activities. This will not only allow you to meet new people but also contribute positively to your surroundings. Also, going to events/activities that happen regularly is the best because you will be seeing the same people on a regular basis, which helps you to build a much stronger connection.
Remember, making friends post-grad takes time and effort. Be patient and persistent in your social endeavors, and don't hesitate to put yourself out there. Friendships are nurtured through shared experiences and genuine connections, so embrace the opportunities that come your way and enjoy the journey of building meaningful relationships in this exciting new chapter of your life.