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

You’ve entered a new chapter in your life—what comes next? As people start families, move to new places, work, and take on other responsibilities, priorities shift.

You might begin to realize that the people you were once close to don’t share the same values or lifestyle anymore.

The transition from the structured environment of university to the unknown territory of your 20s can feel unsettling and intimidating.

One of the biggest challenges? Making friends after college. Post-grad life can often feel incredibly lonely, and this struggle isn’t talked about enough.

At Sky Society, we understand that making friends after college is not just about filling social gaps; it's about establishing meaningful connections that go beyond the surface level.

Building lasting friendships in adulthood is tough, but it’s one of the most rewarding aspects of personal growth. Making friends after college is possible, and with the right approach, it can lead to enriching relationships that last a lifetime.

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.

Volunteering for a cause you care about is one of the best ways of making friends after college. It offers the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals who share your values and passions.

Whether you’re involved in environmental initiatives, social justice movements, or supporting local charities, volunteering creates a meaningful common ground for meeting people who are also navigating life after college.

These events foster a sense of community, where you can bond with others over shared causes, turning strangers or classmates into potential lifelong friends. Making friends after college becomes easier when you engage in activities that align with your personal values and interests.

Incorporating a new hobby or habit into your routine not only brings balance to your life but also offers a chance to meet others who share your enthusiasm.

Stepping outside your comfort zone isn’t just about seeking success—it’s about discovering new ways to connect with others and strengthening your sense of self. By pursuing activities that matter to you, you increase your chances of making friends after college and creating lasting relationships.

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 new experiences is one of the most effective ways of making friends after college, especially when you're open to trying new things.

This mindset can create exciting opportunities and expose you to diverse people and social circles. By being open to unexpected plans or invitations, you never know who you might meet or what experiences you could have.

Making friends after college becomes easier when you're open to unplanned adventures, as it brings a sense of excitement and novelty to your social life.

Saying "yes" to various activities helps build a reputation as approachable, open-minded, and fun, which makes it easier to connect with others. This approach introduces unpredictability into your routine, making each day more engaging and full of potential friendships.

Embracing this openness is a great strategy for making friends after college and enriching your social life.

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