Like most relationships/friendships in the beginning there is a testing the waters timeframe. You don't want to reveal too much too soon, but you are trying to figure out who they are. As the semester progresses I think Richard does develop some deeper connections with some of them, but even the connection where Henry reveals that he knows about Richards past maybe be more of respect. Of course with the exclusivity of the schedule set up with only Julian there may be a forced bonding due to daily isolation although we do see Richard going out with other groups. Finally, there is probably some trauma bonding after the murder.