My friend Mark and I were walking back to our rooms when he suddenly dashed into the recreation room to greet a friend. I followed suit and watched him hug a girl playing ping-pong. She was cute and lively, and she looked like the type of friend I wanted, since I was a newly-moved-in freshman without many friends.

There are thousands of new people to meet. The school year has just begun, and most people, especially freshmen, are open to making new friends.

Let’s be honest - the academic part of college often times does not seem as important as the social aspect. Meeting friends, going out, and enjoying freedom and life take up a lot of studying time. Doing well on exams is critically important, but stretching your legs and meeting new people is just as important for your well being.

If you are looking for long-term friends who you can rely on, then make sure you are looking in the right places.

Sometimes, two people just have an instant connection. You may crash your bike, and the person who helps you may turn out to be your best friend for years to come. However, the odds are against this type of “love at first sight” friendship.

Try to meet people that you will see often. Neighbors in dormitories and apartment complexes will become familiar faces. Spending time with them is convenient, so be open-minded and polite when you meet neighbors and potential future friends.

If you don’t click with your neighbors, or you are simply looking for more friends, sign up for a sports team. If you are not athletically gifted, then join a beginner’s intramural team. This is a great way to meet people who have similar interests, and you’ll be seeing them during practices and games.

Many religious people find their niche with the youth groups on campus. If that’s your cup of tea, then join one of the many religious organizations. Everyone is usually extremely welcoming, and your friends will have the same beliefs as you. Campus youth groups often sponsor fun activities on, and off, campus, so you will be relatively busy.

Try to meet people in your classes, especially the classes that pertain to your major. You will most likely see the same students again, and it would be handy to have a friend who could help you out with homework assignments.

The key step to remember is following up on your newfound friends. I never thought about trying to hang out with the ping-pong girl, even though she was the type of girl who could be my friend.

Luckily, she reached out towards me. I stood in the hall on the phone when she walked by. She waved and smiled, and signaled me to come over when I finished the phone call. As a slightly more mature sophomore, I can happily say we are still good friends.

However, you cannot rely on the other person making a move. If you want to be friends with a person, then make the extra effort of being the first one to invite them over to hang out.