How to Make New Friends After High School

What’s better than friends…? Good friends 😎

And what’s better than good friends? Great friends.

We’re not saying that friends make your school experience, but they sure are a big part of it.

And when you’re finishing high school, it can feel a bit sad not seeing your friends every day.

But don’t worry, even after high school, there are still loads of opportunities to make new friends. If you’re feeling a little worried or want to know how you can meet new people, here are some of our best tips to add some new mates to your group chat.

Don’t be afraid to get amongst it.

Whether you’re finishing high school and furthering your studies, starting a trade or beginning full-time work, don’t be afraid to get involved.

While it can be overwhelming to socialise with new people, this is the best way to make new friends.

Someone asks you if you wanna get a snack in between jobs? Say yes!

Another student asks where to go? Introduce yourself and maybe you can work it out together.

The best thing you can do is try and put yourself out there.

Join a club.

We know it might sound a lot, especially on your first day. But joining a club and getting involved in uni or at TAFE is one of the best ways you can meet new people.

If you’re joining a club that’s based on something you’re interested in, there’s a good chance you’ll also be meeting other like-minded people!

Talk to the people in your classes.

You could meet your new best friends with a “hi, how are you?”

Talk to someone you’re sitting with in class. You don’t have to start with the big stuff, but ask someone next to you how their day is, or what they are studying. Good chance is this is their first day too so they might be relieved to have someone to talk to.

And don’t stop there. If you’re having a good time chatting in class, keep the convo going afterwards.

Figure out where your next class is together or even grab a bite to eat.

Get a casual job.

Do people actually get a job to make friends? Well, probably not. While most people might be applying for jobs to earn some money while studying, making friends as an adult at work is one of the happy side effects!

It’s an opportunity to meet new people around the same age, do things together, get work experience and earn some money!

We get that starting the next chapter after high school can be a little anxiety-inducing. But we promise there will be loads of opportunities, to meet new people, attend social events and create some amazing new memories.

Whatever your situation is, our biggest tip is to put yourself out there, do things that make you a little scared, and remember you’re not alone!