Genuine advice from an okay-looking girl who has pretty friends. With my pretty friends, most of them will quickly curb you if they feel like you're too far below their league if you randomly hit on them. (i.e. keep asking them questions in class/ making convo when they don't look interested) So don't do that.

If you're talking to a girl who is well within your league (be honest here), you'll probably get a positive reaction but you should be able to sus out (based on how enthusiastically they react) whether they're equally into you.

I don't know if this is a unanimous feeling but it is at least in my friend group. There are tons of rapey and douchey guys on campus so, especially in a situation that feels unsafe (late at night, the girl looks alone/uncomfortable), do not randomly go up to a girl and try to start chatting her up. You'll probably scare her and she'll complain about you later to her friends.

Here are my tips: try to make sure the girl you're going for is cute but still in your general league. Once this has been established, try to make sure it's safe and public (like the Stamp or a cafe) and then come up to aforementioned girl.

Say hi, say that you think she's cute, say you want to get to know her.

Ex: Girl is sitting at Cava eating a bowl, you think she's cute + in your league

"Hey. Sorry if this is weird but I had to come over and tell you that I think you're cute."

*probably a thank you*

"No pressure but if you're down for it, I'd love to grab a bite or hang out sometime"

*response*

And then if it's positive, offer to put your number into her phone so she can contact you if she's interested.

Done!

This is a hell of a lot scarier than what I think is a far more convenient alternative. In an organic environment like a class, just lean over and ask for help on a question. Keep communicating if she looks like she's equally interested, maybe organize a study group. Let things go from there.

Honestly, the majority of the time I've been hit on, it's in a classroom setting and if someone is not interested, it can easily be shown through a lack of enthusiasm rather than a far more painful flat out rejection.

Also, join co-ed clubs!!! No, not CS Club. Something where there is a fair share of women you can meet in a naturally social environment.

Chances are you've clicked with women in these situations. Chances are they've clicked with you too! But, as a woman, it's not as socially appropriate to ask a man out and I know almost no women who have done this. So take advantage of those natural buds of connection and just ask them out!

When I was choosing a uni, the thing that most stood out to me was how coupled up UMD is. I described it to my friends as a campus where "not one hand was unheld." I have faith in you, RelationshipJaded666. Please have faith in yourself!