While I was in college, making friends was pretty easy. It came naturally because I lived in the dorms and my roommates and I always hung out. There were also a lot of social events like school clubs, etc. Now that I've graduated and moved across the country for my job, I find that making friends is extremely difficult. My co-workers are at least 10 years my senior. I don't really have any peers to connect with on a more personal level.
How did you guys make friends outside of college/school?
My advice to you is to join local clubs, or organizations, like Scouts, fitness club, fisherman, a book club, dance, whatever you like to do in free time, and visit regularly their activities and events.
In this way, in more natural way, you will find new friends very quickly, believe me