Making friends outside of graduate school?

[harrisonfjord]

This question seems pretty lame, because I feel like by my mid twenties, I should already have my group of friends. I have friends in my program and in other grad programs, but frankly, I am SO tired of the constant complaining, talking about, discussing, competing, humble bragging (whatever it is that arrogant grad students/members of the cohort do) that it's wearing on me and draining me.

Any ideas for finding friends that aren't obsessed with academia? I'm just tired of work and school being my life 24/7 and never really escaping it. I've thought about trying meet ups, but I just feel awkward. I'm also too old to be on campus doing the undergrad meeting people thing. 

Edited August 28, 2016 by harrisonfjord
update/fixing grammar

[fuzzylogician]

You should try meetups; you do need to get over the awkwardness, but remember that everyone there has the same explicit goal of making friends, so that should help. Other options might include volunteering for some cause that you care about, picking up a non-academic hobby (language exchange, yoga classes, playing some team sport, art classes, trivia nights ...), or going to church (if that's your thing). 

[MarineBluePsy]

I second fuzzy's suggestions.  I just started my program, am in a completely new place, have no friends here, and am a decade older than most of my classmates.  So far I volunteered for a food festival which was fun and I met some interesting people.  Next I'll be volunteering at an art show and a film festival.  I have signed up for several meetup groups and look forward to attending events as soon as something fits my schedule and budget.  I opted for groups aimed at people 30+ and/or singles since they seemed less cliqueish.  

[spectastic]

hobbies, church, student organizations, to name a few