Devin Jacobs
Making new friends at 27 can feel like an impossible task. Thankfully, that’s not the reality. By getting into social situations aligned with your interests and being open to new experiences, you’ll find that meaningful connections can happen anywhere. The key is showing up consistently and being willing to take the first step. Here are ten practical ways to expand your social circle before turning 30.
Join A Local Hobby Or Interest Group
Stop waiting for friends to magically appear at your doorstep. Go sign up for that art class or board game night you’ve been eyeing. Shared interests are friendship fuel, and you’ll be surprised how easy conversations flow when everyone’s geeking out over the same thing.
Volunteer For A Cause You Care About
Nothing bonds people faster than working toward something bigger than themselves. As you serve meals, build homes, or teach kids science experiments, you’ll connect with folks who actually want to do the same things you do. Plus, you’ll feel good doing it.
Attend Networking Events In Your City
Just show up, grab a drink, and remember that everyone else is just as awkward as you feel right now. Networking isn’t just for climbing the corporate ladder anymore. These events are goldmines for meeting interesting people who might become your next brunch crew.
Reconnect With Old Acquaintances From School
Remember that person you clicked with in college but lost touch with after graduation? Slide into their DMs and reach out. Everyone’s trying to figure out this whole “adulting” thing together, and most people are thrilled when someone makes the first move.
Get Involved In Fitness Communities
Misery loves company, especially at 6 AM spin class. Gyms and yoga studios create natural opportunities for bonding because there’s something equalizing about sweating together. You’ll go for the workout and stay for the post-class coffee runs with your new crew.
Try Social Apps Designed For Meeting Friends
Swipe right on friendship. Apps like Bumble BFF and Meetup exist specifically to help you find your people without the romantic pressure. It might feel weird at first, but so did dating apps once upon a time. Create a profile and start connecting.
Get A Pet And Connect With Other Pet Owners
Hit up your local dog park and watch the magic happen as furry icebreakers do all the heavy lifting. Dogs are great social catalysts. Even cat owners have their communities online and at adoption events. You never know if your future friends are right there at the pet store.
Explore Coworking Spaces If You Work Remotely
Working from home in your pajamas gets old fast. Coworking spaces give you built-in colleagues and water cooler moments you’re missing. Between the communal coffee machine and happy hour Fridays, you’ll actually have humans to talk to who understand your freelance struggles.
Travel With Group Tours Tailored For Young Adults
Solo travel is overrated when group adventures offer instant camaraderie. So, book that wine-tasting tour through Tuscany or backpacking trip through Southeast Asia designed for your age group. Shared hotel horror stories and missed trains create friendships that outlast the vacation tan.
Become A Regular At A Local Café, Bar, Or Bookstore
Claim your corner stool and commit to it. Baristas will learn your order, other regulars will nod hello, and eventually someone will comment on your book choice. Consistency is key here. You can’t become part of the family if you visit the place after weeks.