11 Women Share Where They Made Friends (And How You Can Too)
Didn’t keep all your highschool friends?
Had no highschool friends?
Don’t worry- we’re all on a different and (sometimes) weird journey with friendships.
I’m a strong believer that beauty connects across many communities, and as a result I’ve met women from backgrounds you wouldn’t expect.
So in true fun fashion, I’ve asked 11 women from my audience to share where they've met great friends and found community.
Let’s all take some notes.
Screeeech-Halt. Wait!
Before we hop into the ideas people have kindly shared- you might find it helpful to think through some of these prompts and questions:
How you want to engage with your friends: Are you a constant catch up sort of person, or do you value having new experiences with your friends?
Read: Tanya Hennessy: ‘Are you stuck in the catch-up trap? I am’
What values are important to you: Think non-negotiable first, then also be a bit picky…maybe a lot picky.
For a friendship to last life stages and growth, you need to be on the same page beyond “murder is usually bad” or “we like the same hobbies”.
What capacity you have personally to put into friendships:
Are you a low effort friend / low maintenance friend, and if so, are you able to set boundaries that honour that?
Do you have emotional capacity to spare for friends leaning on you? (It’s ok if you don’t- but that might not be what someone else would expect from a friendship).
Are you able to check in with people and initiate meet ups?
Have you worked on yourself and reflected on previous friendships that faded out?
What people are in your life currently that you’re friendly with, that’ll just take some effort to connect with?
Sometimes the best friends are mutual connections or people you’ve enjoyed seeing- but you just don’t see that often.
OK- let’s jump in.
Where People Have Made Friends
Ushi, 27
Dance classes
Music workshops
Festivals
Online communities
How to find the same:
Find local dance classes at places like Groupon
Explore music workshops near you
Join interest-based forums and Facebook groups
Nic, 32
High school friends
Mum group
How to find the same:
Reconnect with old classmates through Facebook Groups or alumni networks
Find mum groups via Meetup
Make an effort to chat to other mums after school or come early before the end of a playdate to have a tea with another mum
Invite other mums along to errands they’d enjoy or walks with the kids
Host cute events that aren’t costly that the kids will enjoy, but will give you time to bond with other mums
Bronh, 55
Social meetup events
Workplace friendships
How to find the same:
Browse local events via Meetup.com
Get involved in workplace clubs, sports teams, or social events
Steph, 27
Instagram connections
How to find the same:
Engage authentically with people in your niche if you’re a creator, or connect in channels and group chats in your niche if you’re not a content creator
Look up location-based hashtags (like #SydneyHikers or #MelbourneYoga) and find pages that host meet ups. A popular page for Bondi based locals is @bondibeach.babes
Katie, 32
University
Drama and musical theatre societies
How to find the same:
Join local clubs and university societies
Check local community theatres or find group acting classes
Laura, 31
Colleagues at work
Facebook groups for expats and university students
How to find the same:
Search for “[City Name] expat groups” or “[Uni Name] alumni” on Facebook
Explore Internations for expat events
Nicole, 42
Meetup app events
Book club
Girls social group
How to find the same:
Join or create a book club via Meetup
Search “Girls Social Group” + your city
Sami, 35
University friends
How to find the same:
Join uni clubs and societies, or check out campus events
Stay in touch with classmates beyond group projects
Greyci, 28
Meeting people online through socials
Transitioning online friendships into real life catch-ups
How to find the same:
Connect on TikTok, Instagram, or Facebook communities. Note: it takes time to build friendships and connect online!
Melis, 29
Reddit communities
How to find the same:
Browse subreddits that align with your hobbies
Look up "[City Name] Reddit Meetups" on your local subreddit (eg: r/Sydney or r/Melbourne)
Minnie (That’s me), 28
College and school friendships
Instagram friends
Reddit meetups
How to find the same:
Join your local Reddit community (eg: r/Sydney or r/Melbourne) and search for rock climbing meet ups, picnics or events that peak your interest.
Join a rock climbing gym’s Facebook page and team up with climbers that need a belayer (someone to climb top rope with) or people putting together boudlering groups.
Find indoor climbing gyms via Indoor Climbing Gym Finder.
Final Thoughts
Hobbies and shared communities seems to be the best place to touch base with people.
I’d personally say don’t show up to a new outing expecting to go home with a new bestie (in fact, you don’t want that, trust me!).
Find somewhere that you can be the most yourself, and you’ll see like minded people often- the rest happens natrually.
Good luck friend hunting!
Tip: Perhaps don’t tell them you’re calling it friend hunting.
In the mood to read more about friendships? Read: 5 Toxic Friendships Stories & How They Ended
