find social situations where you can bond over shared interests or things ... e.g., if you're really into Linux IT or something, then find local Linux IT meet-u

find social situations where you can bond over shared interests or things ... e.g., if you're really into Linux IT or something, then find local Linux IT meet-ups. you have a lot better chance bonding with people over shared interests than simply trying to chat up strangers at a bar or university EDIT: or get involved in activities involving other people, but without an explicit goal of socializing. e.g., doing volunteer work to help out in your local community. the socializing opportunities will naturally arise, since you and your co-volunteers will be able to bond over your shared experiences of doing good for others. and in the worst-case, even if you don't mesh well with these people, at least you will still have succeeded in donating your time to do some good