Published on February 4, 2025 | Last Updated on September 20, 2025

How to Make New Friends in a New City After College: Building New Relationships

Leaving college can be exciting and a bit scary, especially when making new friends. College is often considered a prime time for building lifelong relationships, but what happens when you’ve graduated and moved on to the next chapter of your life? Since college required studying and constantly making productive to-do lists, it can sometimes be no surprise that we may have not made as many friends as we would’ve liked back in college. Whatever the case, don’t worry – making new friends after college as an adult is possible. Here are some of the best ways to make friends after college and cross that off your post-graduation checklist.

How to Make Friends in a New City After Graduating College

1. Join a club or organization that interests you

One of the best ways to make friends after college is to join a club or organization that interests you. This could be anything from a recreational sports league to a book club to a volunteer organization. Joining a club gives you the opportunity to meet people who share similar interests and hobbies, making it much easier to strike up conversations and build new relationships. Not only that but maybe those friends can help you grow faster in the post-graduation world. I can tell you from my personal experience that I was able to make friends at my local rock climbing gym. Climbers are usually open to talking and hanging out with everyone.

2. Attend networking events in your field or of interest

Networking events are a great way to make new friends and connect with people in your industry. Look for local events in your area, such as a chamber of commerce mixer, industry-specific events, or alumni gatherings. These events are designed to bring people together, so take advantage of the opportunity to meet new people and build relationships. Who knows how many of those people are also going to those events to find someone like yourself.

3. Volunteer in your community

Volunteering is a great way to meet new people and give back to your community at the same time. Whether it’s helping at a local food bank, volunteering at a school, or working on a community project, volunteering is a great way to connect with others who share your values and interests.

4. Join a fitness class at a gym

Joining a fitness class, such as yoga or spinning, is a great way to meet new people and get in shape at the same time. These classes are typically small and interactive, making it easy to strike up conversations and build new relationships. Plus, you’ll be able to work on yourself physically which is an added benefit all in itself.

5. Try online communities

Online communities, such as Facebook groups or Meetup, are a great way to meet new people and connect with others who share similar interests. These communities can be a great way to find new friends and activities and can help you build relationships in a safe and comfortable environment. Using social media or even dating apps can also be a useful tool when looking to meet new friends. Online communities can be an easy way to step out of your comfort zone without needing to even leave your home.

6. Take a class or workshop in your city

Taking a class or workshop is a great way to meet new people and learn new skills. Whether it’s a cooking class, a photography workshop, or a language course, taking a class gives you the opportunity to connect with others who share similar interests and hobbies. Maybe there is someone else who is going to those events who may share similar interests. No matter what, at the very least you are able to learn a new skill set or practice your craft.

7. Attend local events

Attending local events, such as festivals, concerts, or food fairs, is a great way to meet new people and get involved in your community. These events are typically social, making it easy to strike up conversations and build new relationships. Check your local networks or social tools to find local events in your community that interest you.

Making friends after college can be challenging, but it’s definitely not impossible. Just like determining your career path in college, you can also take on this next step in your life. By taking advantage of the opportunities and resources available to you, you can build new relationships and make new friends in no time. Whether it’s joining a club, attending a networking event, volunteering, or taking a class, there are plenty of ways to make new friends after college. Just be patient, remember your worth, and you’ll be just fine.