I found it pretty hard to make friends during lectures and stuff
I've got a couple of really good groups now though. The easiest way would be to get involved with clubs and by going to their events. Even if you're not a fan of clubbing and drinking etc, there are tamer events like trivia which can be a lot of fun
There are heaps of clubs and you'd probably be able to find one that you like. From experience everyone is pretty friendly. It's probably easiest when you're with at least one other person you know, and just take it from there. People aren't going to just ignore you, so if you're friendly with them they will return the favour. Just takes a littttle bit of confidence to take the first step.
I know you and I sure as hell didn't go to any clubs or events. Honestly, fuck that, I still don't go to so many events and when I do they're always terrible.
I met my current housemate in one of my first Chemistry tutes in first year, and we found each other in Bio lectures after that. We didn't go out of our way to see each other, but we kept popping up now and again because we were in the same lectures every monday wednesday and friday. The best way I've found that you can meet people is simply to talk to people - and not just anyone, but friends of your friends. If you're all in a lecture together, don't keep to yourself. Introduce yourself, say how you know your friend, and ask how that person knows your friend. Smile, be interested, and you'll seem a lot more interesting and appear as a person worthwhile knowing as a result.
22/7 can I just say that that's completely unwarranted at Melbourne Uni. Uni is an environment full of the most non-judgemental, mature people who actually detest any kind of discrimination. Sure, we all innately judge, but it's nothing like school. People are mature. I reestablished my faith in humanity when I saw a guy, who I consider to be (comparitive to everyone else in the class) an immature kid, cooperate completely normally with a mobility disabled girl and a trans guy, and it's just the best thing ever because it makes you realise that people don't care who you are.
How to make friends at uni:
1. Go to tutes
2. Discuss tute problems with peers
3. Be friendly, introduce yourself when you've solved a problem together. Just a simple "I'm Nick by the way, what was your name?" with a smile
4. Continue chatting with said friend in class
5. See them the next week, ponder if anything will take off
Or
1. Piggy back off a friend
2. Go to some activity with them - it might be a lecture where they'll go and sit with more of their friends, or they might grab a coffee and see someone you know
3. Organise small meetups between groups of friends on south lawn
4. Study with people in your class
I dunno just be a lot more interested in other people, and as a result of that you'll seem a lot more interesting yourself.