How Do Make Friends in University Especially After 1st Year?

Anonymous
This probably sounds completely pathetic but I'm in need of tips. I'm entering my 3rd year of uni this September completely friendless. My 2 closest friends don't attend the same uni as me, so my first year was pretty lonely. I simply went to my classes, and then went home. My second year was shaping up to be a similarly depressing time, until a nice girl in one of my classes ended up befriending me. We were both a bit shy so things were pretty awkward but we soon became pretty close. She introduced me to another girl and we all hung out over the summer for my birthday. :) But neither are returning this fall since they both graduated.

I don't want this year to be a replay of the times in 1st and 2nd year where I would spend nearly everyday (classes, lunch times, spare classes, etc.) utterly alone. I need real, practical advice about how I can meet new people this year. I'm afraid most people in 3rd year have already formed their social circles and aren't really interested in branching out to meet new friends. I've been alone in many classes before and tried to make smile talk with someone nearby (overhearing something they say and making a comment, or just saying something to someone in my class about a test, etc.) Usually they laughed and give a short response but that was it. They never cared to speak to me afterward or become friends. I guess I don't know how anymore to reach out anymore. lol -_-

I’ve been told I’m pretty etc, and I’m super nice and funny, but I'm shy to a fault so randomly talking to people is tough. by the way I’ve also never had a boyfriend, dated, etc. :( I own a small store with my sis though and am able to greet and make small talk with customers no prob (usually I will have something rehearsed like "hi, are you looking for anything in particular? Feel free to ask for help. etc) But this pseudo-confidence doesn't translate into real life social settings like school. I simply don't know what to say, and fear people sense my shyness and stay away from me, or else perceive me as a snob. I need help big time.

p.s. I joined 2 groups in school last year but my workload was really crazy so I wasn’t able to dedicate myself to them. Result = no new friends. So much for the "join a group" cliche.
How Do Make Friends in University Especially After 1st Year?
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