Making friends in college is fairly easy for most people. Well, easier than it normally is in high school. There are countless opportunities to get to know people, that are all your age, and some even have the same interests as you. Going to a state school in Arkansas I met a ton of people. I was in a sorority that had around 400 members and I was also in multiple organizations around the university, even so, the classes that I was in normally were 50 students minimum.
Like I said earlier it is fairly easy to make friends in college or get to know people that are your same age.
What isn’t easy is making friends after college.
Graduation in May comes around and suddenly everyone that you have known, gone out with on weekends, and spent countless hours studying with, are all moving. Moving back home to work and be closer to family. Moving back home to figure out what is next. Moving to be with their fiance and start their new lives together. Some stay and work locally, but most will move to figure out what is next.
The easy thing is moving. The hard thing is figuring out how to make friends once you get there. So, over the last 4 months of “real worldness,” I have found some tips that I want to share!
1. Join a church.
When I was in college I always made excuses for why I wasn’t able to go to church on Sunday morning.
“I need to study for XYZ”
“I need to sleep. I was up so late last night.”
You name it, it was my excuse. When I graduated I instantly had more free time than I did in college. So I took my boss and his family up on an offer to sit with them at church so I wouldn’t have to be alone. Perks of the Bible Belt. I have met all kinds of people through church and I’m excited to start going to a Graduates and Young Professionals Sunday school class to meet even more!
2. Join the Local Junior League
The other day I attended a new membership meeting for the Northwest Arkansas Junior League. I was invited by a member and I was stunned at the open arms of women from all different ages. They were all very inclusive and knowledgeable about each other and the community that they have built is wonderful! The best part is if your job ever locates you somewhere else, you can join the local chapter there! It is great!
3. Join a networking group.
Part of my job from time to time is to be the company representative at a BNI group. BNI stands for Business Network International, which is a great tool for people in a service industry like our company. Basically, it brings people together from all different industries and networks into one place so that they can build each other up and give trusted referrals. You never know who you are going to meet at these meetings. Last year our company was connected with some of our strongest clients through that group.
4. Social Media Networking
The Sassy Club was created by Dani Austin here pretty recently. Dani is a blogger and vlogger and is a wonderful inspiration for many women around the country! She decided to create a group that focuses on women and empowering each other. There have been several “meetups” where fellow Sassy Club members meet in their cities and get to know one another! In fact, I have a meeting with someone I met through The Sassy Club this week! Don’t take social media for granted! Ask for people to connect you with other friends or family that they have in that area! You never know who you could click with.
I hope these tips have been somewhat helpful for you guys! If you have any other tips I should add be sure to leave them in the comments!
