For those of you still in college: cherish the moments you have with your friends, as well as the surprising ease of meeting others. Graduates: firmly embrace the memories you once had of simply connecting with others with little to no direct attempt.
When you’re in college, it’s easy to take the connections you have with peers for granted. But as soon as you graduate and move away for a career opportunity, meeting people suddenly becomes a whole new challenge. When you’re no longer given the ease of interaction via built-in social structures like classes and clubs, meeting others becomes a unique and frustrating struggle. 
But meeting people post-graduation is possible — it just takes more effort and direct action. Here are a few ways to cure your post-grad loneliness:
Maintain your hobbies. Do you remember those activities you loved before school and work consumed your life? It’s time to dive back in! Immersing yourself in your favorite hobbies is a great way to meet others who genuinely share the same passions as you. Whether it’s soccer or dance, you’re likely to end up interacting with at least a few other people who are in the same boat as you socially.
Volunteer. A great way to familiarize yourself with your community and get to know some new faces is by volunteering. Do you have a special place in your heart for a cause or specific nonprofit? Do a little research and get involved. Not only will be working to benefit a greater cause, but also you’ll be placed in situations requiring you to get to know others.
Look online. This seems to be the common solution to every problem nowadays, but really, there are a ton of great websites to help you meet people. Meetup.com is just one website created to help like-minded folks meet each other. This website allows you to seek out or create a group to meet your interests. If you live in a big city, there’s likely to be a lot of groups who meet regularly. For example, if you’re a knitter, you can find a group of knitters in your area who might meet up once a week!
Become a “yes” person. Make a point to accept every social invitation made available to you. You might end up doing a lot of mediocre activities, but you’re likely to have a number of unique experiences and eventually end up meeting at least a few people you enjoy being around.
Live with roommates close to your age. This is especially important if you move to a city where you don’t know anyone. While you may want to live alone, finding people to share a space with is a great way to cut down on costs and expand who you know. Your roommates don’t have to share your every passion, but they should be around your age. Go out with them, meet their friends, take part in their hobbies — this is a great way to utilize you “yes” skill.
Don’t be creepy. Being lonely in a new place can be frustrating, but you never want to be that awkward acquaintance who forces themselves on others. Remember to utilize social cues to understand if others are enjoying your presence as much as you’re enjoying being around them.
Reconnect. Make a point to reignite friendships from your past, even if it’s someone you haven’t talked to in 10 years. Reach out to them via social network and ask to grab coffee. This may seem a little intimidating at first, but you never know until you try.
Be interested. Have you ever interacted with someone who seemed to be bored by your presence? Don’t be that person. When you do spend time with someone new, show your interest in getting to know them — ask questions, give compliments, develop a relationship. This is great way to make someone feel comfortable.
Get creative. There are a million and one ways to meet people if you put your mind to it. If you’ve just moved to a new city, post a status update on Facebook or Twitter and ask your connections if they know anyone who lives in your area. Think of it as blind-friending. You could also make yourself a regular at a coffee shop and begin interacting with other regulars.
If you’re truly interested in making friends, it will happen. Also, don’t forget the potential bonds you can form with your new co-workers!
How have you made friends after college? Share your tips in the comments below!
