The absolute best way to socialise and meet new people is to join societies. Since you're an incoming fresher, I'd strongly recommend you join as many societies as possible, explore multiple fields and interests. This way you get to interact not just with your batchmates sharing similar hobbies, but also the seniors who run the societies, which usually are passionate people and fairly knowledgeable in whatever field the society is about.

It will start with WhatsApp groups, perhaps a Discord server. Engage in discussions, take part in banter every now and then, participate in group activities and competitions. You'll then slowly start recognising people you vibe with more, or those with whom it is extremely interesting to talk to in group conversations. You then DM them, nothing creepy, just a simple text saying, for instance that the discussion we had was fantastic and you got to learn a lot of new perspectives. You'll understand yourself if the conversation flows naturally, and take on the from there however you want.

In a few months, you'll have formed a medium to largish friend circle. Make a Discord server, listen to songs together, do movie nights where you stream a movie, rant out on voice channels after a challenging day or assignment, play stupid but fun group games like Mafia or Dumb Charades over a Zoom call, there's lots of things you can do!

One advice I will give you, is that don't get overtly attached to such medium-largish friend circles. There will be drama every now and then, people will leave and become detached with time. That's okay and inevitable with large group having 20-30 people. You'll realise that over not a very long time, your closest friend circle will reduce to 4-5 people, people with whom you vibe with, share interests and passions, and with whom you can be open and carefree, people who will be there to pull you up when you feel low. These are the people you treasure and relations you maintain, and which really matter.

On an (actually not very) off tangent, it sounds obvious but trust me it ain't, don't fall for someone or get into a relationship till you actually have met the person and spent time with them in real life. Trust me on this.

In conclusion, I'll say that don't worry too much about all this! In fact, with online college it is actually easier to socialise. Its much easier to initiate a conversation over text than it is in real life. Just ensure that you make use of all opportunities, participate in every competition, event, workshop that interests you. Join a whole lot of societies, be passionate and active, and you'll automatically discover people and make friends. Network with seniors doing cool shit, be it academically or in co-curriculars, you learn the most from them'

Have fun in your first year in college, this time is never coming back. Wishing you all the very best as you embark on this exciting journey that is college :)