Relax. There is plenty of time to make friends. There is more chance for interaction in the first few days, but those people you are interacting with may or may not become your good friends. And that’s okay too. You just need to talk to anyone and everyone around you. Including your German neighbors. They might think you are purposely avoiding them, and that is not the impression you want to start off with.
So, smile as you walk around campus, say hello as you pass someone, and stop in to rooms on your hall to introduce yourself to others. In the dining hall, look for someone sitting alone and ask if you can join them. Ask people questions about where they are from, what their interests are, why they chose this college to attend. Easy questions that get the other person talking. Their answers may reveal a common interest in academics or tv shows or hobbies or sports. That gives you something to bring up and discuss. Or you may find they are not so interesting, and that’s okay also.
Once classes get started, you want to smile and speak to those right around you as you enter each class. You want to connect with others so you might can study together for a test, or borrow their notes if you are absent.
Making true, long-lasting friendships happens over a longer period of time. The short-term goal is to connect. Do not sit in your room alone with the door closed. Find a way to keep door open. Decorate your door with interesting, creative posters or artwork that will help others notice you. Wear t-shirts that show off your interests in anime, dr who, whatever tv show or musical artist interests you, etc. Even a tshirt that highlights some beautiful scenic area in germany. Anything that might help someone else strike up a conversation. "Oh, I see you are a fan of (whatever). Me too! "
Make yourself available for interactions by studying in a commons area in your dorm, or in a library area where there are others studying close by. Join a club that interests you, or volunteer to help with a service project. Put yourself in situations where you have to interact with others.
Remember that most every freshman on campus feels the same way that you do. Someone has to take the first step towards the other lonely person. Be that person! It will feel terrifying, and not every interaction will result in a pleasant experience. But keep doing it!! The long-term results will be worth feeling uncomfortable for a little while.
Remind yourself that you wanted to come to this university. And your future self will appreciate the present you making an effort to form friendships that will make the years more fun.
(and college hasn’t even started yet…). Today, the orientation days start and my dad says this is my only chance to get to know someone.