Join clubs of activities you enjoy. Talk to the people at your job. Write a message to your old classmates or friends. Meet your neighbours.
Agreed. Also you can find likeminded people that way... volunteering or getting a part time job in something you are actually interested might help to. I think getting out there is tough enough but to actually make a friend you'll have to break the ice and take "the next step" by asking a person to hang out with you. Friend date!