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As the year draws to an end, I am sure that for some of you, this could mean the end of your time at university. But this shouldn’t stop you from making new friends after you’re done with studying.
So now it’s over. I mean your university days are now done and dusted. For those of you who have studied overseas or in another city away from your hometown, you are probably in the midst of packing your bags and belongings to move on and start a new chapter in your life, called the ‘working life’.
There may be some fear lingering in your mind about what life would be like after graduation. Your close buddies may have different goals and plans in their lives. You may be moving back to your home country or even planning to move to a foreign country, city or country town to pursue your career without having your friends to follow you. Once again, you will be alone and forced to start developing new social circles. The problem is – Where to make new friends?
Finding new friends after university could be different. When you were at university, you and your classmates were forced to attend similar classes – making it easier to meet, make conversations and get know each other. However, in the working world, it is totally different as it requires more effort.
If you are a person who loves meeting and knowing new people, below are some suggestions on how to meet new friends after completing your studies:-
Community events
One of the ways to meet new friends is through community events. If you live in a local community that actively involves people in its community by organising events such as festivals, markets and cultural celebrations, then I would highly suggest for you to attend these events. It is always good to get to know people living near you as it would be easier to hangout with them especially if you are living in a big city where commuting a long distance could be a hassle.
Social/hobby clubs
Being involved in social/hobby clubs near where you live could be another avenue for you to make friends as the other people you will meet in these clubs would share the same interests as you. Knowing what similar interests you have with them would make it easier for you to strike up new conversations.
Sporting facilities
All work and no play is never encouraged. That is why, being involved in sports is a good habit especially if you want to stay fit and healthy. Interesting sports that you could pick up are such as swimming, running, table tennis, basketball, netball or badminton. Joining sporting facilities to play your favourite sports such as a local gym, basketball or badminton court can be a meeting point for you to make new friends while staying healthy.
Colleagues
For most fresh graduates, joining the workforce would be their next destination after graduation. Besides learning new skills and knowledge at the workplace, you can also treat it as a place to make new friends. Do not limit yourself to just getting to know the colleagues within your same department. Instead, go the extra mile to make friends with colleagues from other departments as well.
Religious events
Religious events are also a good place to make new friends. Sharing a common faith could be a starting point for conversations with others. At the same time, you can also get encouragement from others to grow in your faith by joining such events.
Volunteering
Everyone has their own talents. If time permits, you could offer to contribute your talents towards the progress of a non-for-profit organisation for a good cause. While contributing towards the betterment of the less fortunate, you can also make friends with other volunteers at the same time.
Going to Parties
When a friend invites you to a party, try your best to attend it. By attending more parties, you get to meet other people and begin to develop mutual friends. When you and your friends have many mutual pals, it would make it easier for you to organise more exciting group outings in the future!
Making new friends after college could be more challenging. However, the key to establishing good relationships is to just be yourself. When others see that you are friendly and genuine, they will be attracted to get to know you.
Life after college isn’t that bad. It just needs a different approach.
To all the new University graduates of 2014, I would like to take the opportunity to congratulate you on your achievements and wish you a positive and pleasant working career ahead! Whatever you aspire to do in the future – Don’t stop making new friends.
