Just finished my first semester at Merrimack College (Go warriors!) and I have to say it was ****ing hell. I didn't have a roommate, didn't have any friends, and did literally nothing but sit in my room all day, purchase stuff I didn't need (Which was awful for my finances), talk to people online (Which is to socialization what a chewed piece of gum is to a pack), and discover just how much stuff I could fit into my butt (Which while enlightening, I do not recommend doing.)
What I got out of it?
- Try to start a club or join one. It doesn't matter if you hate the **** out of the people in it, a common interest is a great way to make friends. You'll warm up to them eventually, and even if they're not your favorite people in the world to be around they'll at the very least be a tolerable step up from sitting in your room all day.
- Introduce yourself to people, strike up a conversation. If you're in the common room with somebody and they're not really doing much, just say some **** like "So how about *Recent college/local sports team game*?" or "You hear about *blank*?" (Note: Never talk about religion or politics with people you're not good friends with. Very bad idea. "Friends who want to stay friends don't discuss those" as the saying goes)
- Host something. Talk to your RA about getting together a social event. Mario Kart in the common room, a poker night (Without real money ofc or they'll raise a brow), or even just buying a pizza
Lastly,
- Go to social events. I don't care if you hate sports, don't like playing kickball, or really aren't that interested in whatever the school is hosting, go there. Great way to socialize.