Social media has made reconnecting with old friends, including those you met in college, easier than ever. You might want to catch up with an old roommate, reconnect with a study group member, or just see what your old college friends are up to. Here are some suggestions on how to find old college friends using social media.
Start with the biggest medium
Facebook is likely where many of your old college friends are already active, as it is still the largest and most popular social network. The problem is that you might not remember their exact name. Try searching for their first name and the name of your college or university.
You can also use Facebook’s “People You May Know” feature, which suggests people you might know based on your mutual friends, groups you belong to, and other factors. Look for people who attended the same college or university as you, and you might just come upon some old classmates you haven’t seen in years.
Move on to LinkedIn
LinkedIn is a social media platform focused on professional networking, making it a great resource for reconnecting with old college friends who may be working in similar fields. Start by searching for your old classmates on LinkedIn using their names or the name of your college or university.
You can also join LinkedIn groups related to your field or industry, which may include other alums from your college or university. This can be a smart way to connect with old friends who are now working in similar roles or companies.
Join alum groups
Many colleges and universities have alum groups on social media platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn. Joining these groups can be an excellent approach if you want to search for people online and stay up-to-date on what’s happening at your alma mater.
To find these groups, search for your college or university’s name in the search bar on Facebook or LinkedIn. You can also check the school’s official website or alums association for links to social media groups.
Try other media platforms
Facebook and LinkedIn are only two of many popular social media you can try. Twitter, Instagram, and even TikTok may have old college friends you can connect with.
When searching for old friends on these platforms, try using hashtags related to your college or university, such as #alumni or #classof(year). You can also search for your college or university’s name or location to find others who may have attended the same school.
Try Google
If you’re having trouble finding your old college friends on social media, try using Google to search for their names or other identifying information. You may be able to find their personal website, blog, or social media profiles that you couldn’t find through social media searches.
Reach out
Once you’ve found your old college friends on social media, send them a message or a friend request, and let them know that you’re interested in catching up and seeing how they’re doing.
Be respectful of their privacy, and don’t be pushy if they don’t respond immediately or are not interested in reconnecting. Remember, social media is not a guarantee that you’ll be able to find everyone you’re looking for.
Finding old college friends using social media can be a fun and rewarding experience, no matter whether you’re looking to catch up or just see what your old classmates are up to. Just be sure to use these platforms responsibly and respect people’s privacy as you reach out.
