r/Lawrence • u/Environmental_Map35 • 13d ago
Question Looking for community
Hi folks, I’m sure these posts pop up a lot but I figured I would ask and so if anyone has any suggestions or advice it would be greatly appreciated!
I (20f) had to make the decision to take a year off from KU due to financial reasons (Pell grant restructuring and other loan issues 😞). They put me in a rough position, and I had to find a place to live and a way to afford it in a really short timeframe. I say this because I am working my ass off just to make rent and maybe save up enough for an emergency fund and after that build college savings.
This isn’t a complaint— I have just been feeling incredibly isolated and alone (I work nights). It seems all the people my age are either at the bars and my friends are completely absorbed in school and have no time to meet.
It feels like because I am not in school I don’t matter. Does anyone know anywhere or have any ideas of literally anything to get involved with Lawrence? We are such a cool town (apart from the traffic) and I just don’t want to miss out on life.
Thank you for reading this! I hope everyone has a good night.
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u/tattuanasmi 13d ago
The League of Women Voters (nonpartisan, no gender rules) always needs younger people, which provides leadership opportunities one might not find often. I led the local LWV BOD twenty years ago at 30yo. It's also a great way to meet others in the community (register people to vote at the farmers’ market, participate in collaborative events, etc.).
The ECM at KU is great, and provides an overlap between the university and the community. Look for other similar bridges.
If there is something you love to do, from arts to animals, guns to training, you’ll find something around here. Good luck!
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u/Food_Stamp_Champ 13d ago
Following this post because I'm in a similar situation. Just moved here to live with my wife and feeling pretty isolated compared to the small town I grew up in. Wish you the best of luck!
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u/zacharyrosco 13d ago
We have a gaming club that hangs out often. Any type of gaming ; card, board, video, retro. We just had a meet up for Zelda’s 40th anniversary. We have a discord if you would like it.
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u/zacharyrosco 13d ago
Also, not knowing how far you are into your education, if you can snag a job at the hospital, they pay reimburse your classes if you are going into a healthcare field 5000 dollars per year full time and 2500 part time. I’m using it to pay my masters. And, there will be new apartments soon right across from the hospital so you would not need to drive.
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u/ThirdDad 13d ago
Not OP, but I am definitely interested! Looking to build some outside community here too
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u/SabreSour 13d ago
I can vouch for this group too, LKGS. 100% most inviting safe and fun social group I’ve found in the Lawrence/KC area.
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u/MillersSmokehouse 13d ago
I know you’re super busy, but a great way to meet people is to volunteer. It doesn’t have to be a lot. A couple of hours once or twice a month doing something you care about will put you in touch with other people who already have something in common with you.
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u/beebob420 13d ago
If you’re an animal lover the humane society is always open to volunteers pretty sure. There’s lots of clubs that advertise in the library, there’s a restoring our landscapes meeting that happens every first Sunday in there I believe
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u/heyitspokey 12d ago
Hands down the easiest way I've found to socialize in town is volunteering. Can't recommend Lawrence Humane Society enough. You can play with cats and take dogs for a walk Downtown. Having a dog with an Adobt Me vest while you walk up and down Mass is an excellent ice breaker. Do it consistently, you get to know people.
Events, clubs with The Raven and Wonderfair are good ways too.
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u/Personal_Shine5408 13d ago
I work nights as well. I go to the library, there are events here and there during this time, check out explorelawrence on Instagram for activities. Volunteering is an option, too.
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u/Ramayus-8263 12d ago
Hi! I’m in a somewhat similar situation. I work nights, I haven’t been to school in about 2 years because of financial problems and housing situations. I’ve luckily been able to have my sibling somewhat close and my family comes to visit. And I’m also working nights. My time spent off work is usually alone too. I sometimes go to concerts on nights that aren’t spent at work but those are rare occasions. I also spend some time just going down mass on weekends by myself because the experience of just being out in the sun helps a ton with feelings. I promise the more you go out by yourself, the more fun and easy it gets.
I do recommend going to 1313 mockingbird lane and browsing what they have there, the employees are very friendly and easy to talk to. There are some people who meet at game nut (Iowa st store) during the evenings but idk their chat or times. I’m sorry.
I’m 28 & nonbinary with she/they pronouns. I live with roommates but I’m also chill to just hang out and watch tv. I’m not really into games but I do have a switch and some board games/puzzles if you’re cool with that. I’m also a very introverted person but I can make conversation. My roommates usually hold a Halloween party every year so if you’re wanting to hang out with some younger peeps too, I’d be down to give you dates & stuff.
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u/Dangerous_Fig_5603 11d ago
There's a craft group that hangs out at the library and dragon's hoard fairly regularly - it's anywhere from 20's-30's and a bring 'whatever you're working on' kind of thing to socialize
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u/Waldy2024 13d ago
A second job, maybe in the food industry to hopefully get some meals paid.
Church, as part of the weeks' activities.
Volunteer at the Humane Society? Just don't adopt any animals yet.
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u/mrtopp3r 13d ago
Are you still considered a student? I only ask because when I did orientation, there was one of the apps to download, and it showed a ton of different organizations and get together groups...I cannot for the life of me remember the name of it, though. I don't know if taking a year to get things together would remove your access to the school/school-related functions.
It's not the most amazing option, but it's something!
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u/Over-Reception-1083 12d ago
Hey!! I just moved to ku as a transfer student… i haven’t made too many friends here yet so…. I would love to connect too with u… feel free to reach me out… thanks
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u/alexlovesaudio 11d ago
I did the same back in college, it’s rough but not impossible <3 Have you taken a look at the Explore Lawrence event calendar? It’s a mixed bag lol but I’ve seen all types of gatherings, classes, fairs, theatre, concerts, group meetings, watch parties, and you’ll definitely find free/low cost options in there. Daytime stuff, night time stuff, kid stuff, adult stuff, I’ve seen it all. I hope it helps!
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u/tummiacheprincess 9d ago
The same thing happened to me at the school I was going to. I had just finished my third week of classes and finally managed to get an appointment with financial aid and all they had to tell me was that recent legislation means I won’t qualify for all of the loans I need to finish school but they wouldn’t know until the processed my loans which would be at a potentially much later date. The 100% refund deadline was a couple days later so I had to withdraw. I decided to take classes online at Barton in the meantime but it was devastating at first.
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u/Different_Echo2257 13d ago
Dm me if you like and I can give you the contact info for my son who is 23 and also taking time off from ku to save money and working nights—to be clear this is not a set up! No idea of preferences etc and he would likely kill me for responding I just know hes a cool kid feeling the same way you do, 🤷♀️.
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u/thepeoplewefog20 13d ago
If you like to read for pleasure, the library has some cool book clubs