Growing up is never easy. As human beings, we tend to live out our lives always expecting the next big thing. When you were a kid, you probably could not wait to grow up. When you were in the beginning stages of being a teenager, you more than likely impatiently waited for things like your driver’s license or more freedom to do as you please. When we were in high school, we anticipated the wonders of college and what our lives would be like as we grew independently and away from our “nests.” Although every one warned us about how fast college was going to go, we nonchalantly excused their warnings and thought, “life is going to be this good forever.” Then the time to graduate came and threw most of us off center.

Graduation in itself is a tad of a struggle. By no means do I believe the act of graduating to be hard because in reality, all you need to do is pass the classes and stay focused. After we cross the stage and start our professional lives, there is a lot in store for people depending on what their next move is. Some people go back to their family homes and work around there, while others take bold risks and move to another city, across the country, or even on the other side of the world.

Besides relocating to a completely different place, I feel as if that is only half of the battle. There is relocating in itself, finding an apartment, searching for a roommate, finding the best location to live in that is not only in a safe neighborhood, but also close to your place of employment. Those are a few struggles of leaving everything you know, but to me, the hardest part would be making friends and establishing myself in a new place.

Now, I have yet to go through this relocation process. Not only am I still living at school, I am moving back in with my parents where I am comfortable with myself and the people around me, but I believe to have a fair idea on how to ease way into life after graduation and after relocation.

If you were in Greek life, join an alumni page! There are usually Facebook pages centered around this, so joining and attending events that are held through the group is a great way to make friends and get out of the house.

After you begin to work and become a tad more comfortable with your fellow employees, ask to grab drinks after work or go to a sporting event! Not only will this form a closer bond with the people you work with, it can open up your friend group by being introduced to their friends as well.

Another quick tip to find a group of people to hang out with after you relocate is taking classes. I am definitely not talking about your school classes either. This could be anything from art classes to a fitness class. See what Groupon is offering in your area, and go there to check it out. Whether you are alone or drag your roommate along, this is another way to meet new people who may have the same interests and sense of adventure as you do.

Last but certainly not least, do not be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. It will never be easy to throw yourself into a new situation, but with confidence and trust in yourself, it does not have to be hard either.