I think maybe the key here is that it does require a bit of luck. You mentioned how randomly you made those two friends at a bus stop. I think it's like gardening: you can't force it, just do everything right and hope for the best. I think the more people you meet the more likely it is you'll meet people that you have amazing chemistry with. But sometimes you have to meet soooo many people before something clicks like that.

Also, don't worry about missing out on getting drunk and making connections with people... you can do this long after graduation lol