It is easy to get to college and get stuck into a little niche in your frat, sorority or dorm.  Don’t confine yourself to borders the size of a third world island republic.  More importantly, once you have broken out of your shell and have met some great people, don’t be shy.  Although groups are a great way of overcoming even the most socially constipated individuals, there must eventually be some sort of initial contact. 

The key is to be confident.  You must remember that 99% of all freshmen are shy and uncomfortable for the first month at Uni.  Break the mold and take a shot.  Chances are that the other person will be too shy to say ‘no’.  If someone does ask you, try and use a little discernment.  If they have permanently installed a mattress, with beer cans rolling about and playboy’s sitting around in their elevated, Dukes of Hazard parading, Confederate Flag displaying, thrasher listening, dirt plastered monster truck… ‘no’ is simple enough.  For tips on breaking the ice, check out some one liners.

Because of shyness and other introverted tendencies, many students prefer groups dates for initial contact.  If you are interested in a person, inviting them to a concert or BBQ, is much less nerve-racking than asking him/her for a date.  Although intimacy is often jeopardized, it is only for one date and can be a good thing if this person is not someone you would like to be around for more than a  few minutes every week.

As suggested above, beware the psycho!  I really cannot stress this enough.  Going out in groups will minimize the risk of fatal attraction at first site, plus, it eases the need for uncomfortable chatting.  Groups can be fun and give you a chance to meet other people with common interests and goals.