10 Ways to Stay Active & Social in NYC After College

College may be over, but your glory days don't have to be.

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Created by recCenter (User Generated Content*)User Generated Content is not posted by anyone affiliated with, or on behalf of, Playbuzz.com.
On Feb 8, 2017
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Time to Make Friends Again...

If college isn’t an instant melting pot of friendships, relationships, and a built-in social life, then what is? From dorm rooms to first apartments, house parties to bar outings, and sports life to greek life, college is the perfect blend of growing up and expressing youth amongst like-minded friends.

What happens afterward though? When different degrees and interests relocate us to new cities and states, it can often feel as though rebuilding a social life is near impossible. The post-grad years should, however, be some of the best, and there is no reason to steer clear of certain after-work activities that are sure to put you in touch with new friends, and get you out of your desk chair. Check out some of the best ways to meet whoever it is you may be looking for after graduating college.

#1

Sporty: 2/10
Social: 9/10
Cost: $50+

Cornhole might be the world's most minimalistic sport–it is most often played with a beer in non-dominant hand. If you've only got one friend, this is the activity for you; you and your teammate will have new pals in no time.

Try NYC Social or Zog Sports for popular weekly cornhole leagues.

Least Athletic Sport

Calculating results

#2

Sporty: 8/10
Social: 4/10
Cost: $0+

Now that you're out of college, your 9-to-5 is going to demand spending a lot more time at a desk. Put your restless legs to work and join up with one of New York's many running groups and clubs. While you're running, there's not much else to do besides talk to your fellow runners and enjoy some of New York's most scenic views. 

Runs are also typically low commitment, so you can go when you're up for it and skip it when you need to. 

A city favorite is the North Brooklyn Runners, who lead runs for all levels of fitness, host bagel and doughnut runs on Friday mornings, and charge no membership fee, but encourage donations.

This crazy (16 mile) running loop crosses five NYC bridges!

#3

Sporty: 5/10
Social: 8/10
Cost: $150–$300

Some people in New York care more about their beer league softball team than their families... Okay, maybe that's hyperbole, but there are some true fanatics out there. 

The upside of a serious softball league is that you're given a new family of nine upon registration. The downside is there are nine new people for you to disappoint. Win or lose, you're going to the bar afterwards for great time with new friends. 

The Yorkville Sports Association is a popular choice, with a league that only plays its games in Central Park–an attractive feature to many Manhattanites.

#4

Sporty: 6/10
Social: 8/10
Cost: $100+

It's easy to strike up conversation with a stranger when you're trapped on a bus headed to the boondocks for two hours. Make some friends and prepare to aprés with them. 

There are several companies who run bus trips to New York and New England's mountain resorts every weekend during the winter months. These trips are a great way to get out of the city, get some fresh air, and warm up by the fire with new friends.

Check out NYC Snow Bus' weekend trips to the mountains.

If you want to play in the snow, ski, or snowboard, this service is the best one in New York City.

Oscar

On NYC Snow Bus

#5

Sporty: 3/10
Social: 5/10
Cost: $10+

Good for both date night or in a large group, outdoor skating in New York is a wintertime must. Whether you're the next Gretzky or you can't manage to keep your skates under you, it's sure to be a good time.

Outdoor skating can be found at Rockefeller Center and Central Park.

#6

Sporty: 1/10
Social: 9/10
Cost: $60+

New York's bowling alleys are very different (and more expensive) than what many are used to. Several New York lanes function bowling alleys, full bars, billiards lounges, and dance clubs all-in-one; you can have a full night out without leaving the building.

Go out with your friends and try your hand at a sport that's easy to play but hard to master. If you don't have friends who want to bowl with you, join one of the several rec bowling leagues in New York. 

Frames Bowling Lounge is a well-like, upscale bowling facility.

#7

Sporty: 6/10
Social: 7/10
Cost: $80

What's more romantic than hurling a large rubber projectile at someone's face? Coed dodgeball leagues are a fun way to blow off some steam–something we probably all could use. 

Games are typically followed by bar specials nearby, making your dodgeball night the highlight of your week. Join with some friends or go in solo and work up a sweat mastering the five D's of dodgeball. 

Sandlot Sports offers some of New York's most enjoyable dodgeball leagues.

I had such a blast in my first season playing dodgeball with this league that I immediately signed up for the next season when it became available. The people are extremely nice and friendly, which adds to a more fun and laid back atmosphere.

Morgan

On Sandlot Sports

#8

Sporty: 8/10
Social: 3/10
Cost: $0+

Use Meetup.com or the recCenter App to find any pickup group your heart desires. If you can think of a pick up activity, a group that does it probably exists in New York.

Pick up groups are a great way to meet new people; become a regular in the group and have a new squad to roll with in your free time.

#9

Sporty: 6/10
Social: 6/10
Cost: $150

Leagues like I Play For NYC allow you get a workout, meet new people, hit a happy hour, AND make a difference in your community. Your positive karma will be flowing as leagues such as this one donate all league profits to charities that aid New York's less fortunate. 

Non-profit leagues are typically smaller than their for-profit counterparts, but playing in one is one of the easiest (and most fun) ways to help those in need.

#10

Download recCenter

Still not sure how to get active and stay social after college? Download recCenter off the App Store or Google Play and explore all the options out there. 

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