<p>"They say “Hi”
I respond “hi” I go back to reading. "</p>
<p>That’s the weak link, chief. You should respond with “hey, how’s it going?” and they’ll say something like ‘good, just cramming for this chem test’ or something like that, you say 'oh haha, i’m just doing homework for this class, what’s your major" and it goes from there.</p>
<p>Obviously if you just say hi and go back to your reading, you’re not gonna make any friends. As for being shy and scared, I know how you feel. All I can say is you just gotta talk. It might be scary but as soon as the words start coming out of your mouth, you suddenly realize it’s fine. The worst thing that’ll happen is the person doesn’t end up talking much beyond courteous pleasantries. Boo hoo, there are 27,000 undergrads at UMD dude, you’re bound to find a few people who you’re compatible with.</p>
<p>Speaking of which, join clubs. Did you go to the first look fair?</p>