Seven simple ways to make friends in your 20s

Transitioning from undergraduate studies marks a pivotal moment in a young person’s life. Some begin a graduate career, others pursue a postgraduate course, and the rest set off on a gap year.

Within these three options, the challenge of forging new friendships looms largest for those stepping into full-time employment — especially if it involves relocation.

As individuals navigate their 20s and beyond, loneliness can creep in as old friendships falter. Yet, meaningful relationships can bring immense value, such as enhancing health, well-being, and overall happiness in adulthood.

Join us as we explore seven effective ways to beat loneliness and cultivate adult friendships.

1. Befriend your co-workers

An old-fashioned notion is to keep your colleagues at arm’s distance to maintain professional boundaries.

However, the workplace is a shared space where co-workers can find common ground, making those water cooler moments ripe for connection.

Seizing these opportunities can be as simple as initiating conversations during lunch breaks, while making a cuppa, or during post-work social gatherings.

Personalising your workspace with items reflecting your personality — ornaments, family photos, or a potted plant, for example — can also act as conversation starters, drawing in those with shared interests.

Friendships can also stem from proactively offering support to colleagues, setting up new initiatives, or even sharing snacks with your team. Additionally, branching out beyond your immediate team to engage with individuals from other departments opens doors for broader connections.

If a bond forms with a co-worker, take the initiative to extend the friendship beyond work.

Invite a fellow film buff to catch the latest blockbuster together or share news about an upcoming band tour with a music enthusiast, suggesting you both attend a local gig.

Aside from personal benefits, cultivating friendships with colleagues in your 20s can enhance work productivity, foster career advancement, and contribute to a more positive work atmosphere.

The workplace is a venue for professional growth and a platform for flourishing meaningful relationships.

2. Use LinkedIn

LinkedIn is an invaluable platform for forging friendships as a graduate, especially when you find yourself in a new city due to work-related relocation.

Explore LinkedIn’s “My Network” section and then use the “Find Alumni” feature. You can filter your search by geographic area and other relevant criteria to pinpoint connections residing and working in your vicinity.

Find people who attended your university and take the initiative to reach out by sending a friendly message, inviting them for a casual meet-up to share a coffee.

While initial connections may not always spark an instant bond, these encounters might lead you to their circle, where you could discover a friend or colleague with whom you naturally click.

LinkedIn’s vast network facilitates easy direct connections and serves as a gateway to broader social circles, providing opportunities to expand your social and professional horizons. Leverage this platform for career prospects and as a tool to cultivate meaningful friendships — especially when transitioning to a new city for work.

3. Put yourself out there

Navigating the landscape of adult friendships is more complicated than the simplicity of student life, demanding an active effort to expand your social circle.

There’s a tendency to decline invites, succumbing to the allure of comfort — especially after a demanding work week. Yet, seizing at least some of these opportunities becomes vital if you’re keen to broaden your friendship group.

Imagine you’re craving a lazy morning in bed after a taxing week, but a friend of a friend extends an invite to a boozy brunch or a thrilling football match. While it might seem tempting to choose solitude, attending such events could open the door to meeting a handful of new individuals. One or two might even evolve into lasting friendships.

By embracing these chances to connect, you pave the way for unexpected encounters and potentially rewarding friendships.

4. Follow your passions

Your schedule might be busier in paid work than it was in your student days. However, this doesn’t rule out the possibility of dedicating one night a week to attending a night class. It’s a manageable commitment that can be incredibly rewarding.

Alternatively, consider joining a local club or group aligned with your interests. Whether it’s a pottery class or a sports club, indulging in activities that fuel your passion outside of work can lead you to meet like-minded individuals.

These settings provide a natural platform to discuss shared interests — fostering connections comfortably and organically.

5. Volunteer your time

Volunteering isn’t just a noble endeavour — it’s a powerful tool that can enrich your career, positively impact those in need, and immerse you in the fabric of your local community.

While volunteering, you’ll encounter diverse individuals, including fellow volunteers, staff members, and managers driven by common values and shared interests.

Initiating conversations in these settings can be a gateway to discovering connections beyond the shared cause. Asking open-ended questions and showing genuine interest in others can unravel surprising commonalities. You might uncover shared hangout spots like a favourite pub or a mutual love for a particular running route.

Volunteering transcends helping others through these interactions — it becomes a way to build relationships, foster a sense of belonging, and unravel shared experiences that extend beyond altruism. It can feed your soul.

6. Attend local events

Where else could be a more natural setting to connect with kindred spirits and forge friendships in your 20s than at an event you’re passionate about?

While attending a music gig or theatre performance solo might seem daunting, it’s an opportunity to build and showcase confidence and contentment in your own company.

Seek out simple conversation starters — they can be as easy as asking for directions, enquiring about someone’s drink choice, or discussing the band or show. These small gestures can initiate engaging exchanges, paving the way for potential connections.

While embracing the thrill of making new friends in your 20s, safety remains paramount when venturing alone. Always prioritise your well-being by informing a few trusted friends or family members about your plans and regularly checking in with them throughout the evening.

7. Schedule time for friendships

When loneliness creeps in, nurturing existing friendships becomes crucial for your well-being.

However, it is essential to take stock of your connections and evaluate their impact on you. If a friend’s presence doesn’t contribute positively to your life, consider severing ties. Redirect that time and energy towards relationships that uplift and resonate with you on a deeper level, making you feel genuinely valued and appreciated.

Consider suggesting a regular meet-up for local friendships that might have taken a backseat due to busy schedules. Establishing a consistent meeting schedule can reignite those connections and ensure they don’t fade due to life’s demands, whether a weekly gathering or a biweekly catch-up.

Prioritising these interactions can help foster more robust, more enduring bonds and combat feelings of isolation.