Tips for New College Grads to Meet New People

Typically, on graduation day, you and all of your classmates hug each other, and make tearful pledges that you'll always keep in touch, and be Email and Twitter friends forever. Nonsense! The reality is that you won't see nor contact most of them ever again. You'll be starting a brand new life away from the campus, and quickly realize that you need to meet new friends.

You're certain to find many places and opportunities to start that exciting, new chapter of your life.

1. New job: With college days over, you'll be starting a new job in an entirely different setting and environment. Once settled in, you'll soon find yourself making new friends and relationships among your fellow workers. Don't be shy about it. Reach out and welcome this exciting opportunity to make your career more colorful by mixing with real people who aren't worried about turning in their next term paper.

2. New environment: Many new college grads will get jobs that will take them for the first time in their young lives to a new neighborhood, or require them to move to a new city. In some cases, their jobs will take them to a new country. If you're in this situation, you should take advantage of every opportunity to meet new people on the job, in your new neighborhood, at the local store or just start a conversation with that great-looking young person who just got on the building's elevator with you.

3. Reach out beyond your door: Now that you're on your own, maybe it's time to try new experiences that involve meeting new people. Sign up at the local gym, attend church services or join a late-night club at a local bistro. Fire up your laptop and check out the many sites that offer singles connections in your new city or neighborhood.

4. Volunteer: The best new people you can meet are those who are dedicated to helping others. Sign up to spend some hours each week at a shelter for the homeless, be a weekend visitor to patients at a veterans' hospital or be a basketball coach for a bunch of kids at the local Y. You'll not only be helpful to people who need you, but you're sure to make some new friendships from among the other volunteers of your age.

Recent college grads should have no problems meeting new people in their new environments. If they're willing to just reach out and take advantage of all the opportunities they're sure to find among other young people who are seeking the same connections.