Hanging out
None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.
If you only read a few
Go clubbing or bar hopping.
It can be a good time and a place to work on social skills.
- Be careful at bars.
one person who lived it
Join study groups or classes to make friends.
Study groups can get really big and help you meet people.
one person who lived it
Play board games, especially when tired of studying.
They work most of the time.
one person who lived it
Fix or upgrade things around your place.
It is very rewarding.
one person who lived it
Rebuild connections by sending simple texts like 'how are you?' without expecting long or deep conversations.
People generally enjoy being social and will likely respond if they have no prior plans.
- Do not worry if responses are slow; the other person is likely just busy.
one person who lived it
Learn to play an instrument to join a band, make friends, and potentially earn money.
One person reported entering a new social world, meeting friends, feeling great, and making money through this activity.
one person who lived it
Play video games.
Making people explode with large weapons can be satisfying.
one person who lived it
Go around the city doing ordinary things like shopping, movies, or drinking.
It is definitely fun.
- One person notes it 'ain't the sexiest'.
one person who lived it
Visit farmers markets, classes, festivals, open mic nights, bookstores, or gaming cafes to get outside and feel part of the world.
These activities help counteract the feeling of wasting life being inside.
one person who lived it
5 more on this
If vague plans stress you out, talk to your friends beforehand about your preference for structure versus open-ended interactions.
Some people prefer structure while others like open-ended plans; this difference does not reflect the quality of the friendship, just individual needs for knowing what to expect.
one person who lived it
Display books on shelves so guests can see shared interests.
Looking at a friend's bookshelf helps identify common likes.
one person who lived it
Start with standard skateboards before trying longboards to build balance and risk assessment skills the hard way first.
This approach helps you get comfortable with accountability and balance.
one person who lived it
Go for aimless walks with friends to see who or what you run into along the way.
one person who lived it
Host occasional museum trips as special occasions to help members bond over unique experiences.
It strengthens friendships without compromising the main activity.
one person who lived it