I'm starting college next week and I'm really scared because I won't know anybody on the course! What will be the best way to fit in? How will I make new friends? How do I start conversations with new people? I'm a really shy person and don't like being the first to start a conversation!
Please help! :) xxx

Just remember that most everyone in your classes are in the same spot as you. Many of them don't know anyone, you all are in the same boat. By the end of the semester you will have a ton of friends.

When I started 5 years ago I didn't know a soul. I have since graduated this past spring and have some of the best friends a person could ever have. It just takes a couple of days to get used to everyone and everything.

Colleges are full of clubs and other groups. Find ones that interest you and join up (just make sure you don't neglect your studies in search of friends).

Part of the benefit of being in the new environment is you can try being someone more grownup than you've ever been. This whole time is about stretching beyond your boundaries and finding out it's OK.

So, in situations in High School where you would've shied away, give yourself a kick and try being more forward. You'll be surprised at how easy it becomes, ONCE YOU PUT YOURSELF OUT THERE. College is usually a welcoming and inviting environment. Being shy in HS protects you from a lot, being shy in college causes you to miss a lot of opportunity.

You can do it, now's the time to give it a try.

If you really don't like starting convos just keep to small talk to start with like hi my names so and so what's yours etc.. you'll soon make friends,there will be many people like yourself there so don't worry! Once you get there I'm sure it'll all fall into place and you'll make many friends.

Due to your evolving maturity, the friends you make in college will generally be closer and longer lasting than any of the friends you had from high school.

Thanks for all the help :-D x