Most people overthink the first line. They worry about sounding boring, saying something strange or getting ignored. The truth is that the other person is usually thinking the same thing. Almost everyone is relieved when someone else makes the first move, as long as it is easy to respond to.
Your goal in the first message is not to impress anyone. It is to make replying effortless.
A good opener is friendly, specific and low-stakes. These work well with other students:
A question like 'Do you like your course?' can be answered with one word, and then you are stuck. 'What is the most surprising thing about your course so far?' invites a story. When in doubt, start your question with what, how or why.
Conversations feel balanced when both people give something. After you ask a question, answer it yourself briefly. If you ask about someone's favorite food, add what yours is and why. This gives the other person something to react to and makes you feel like a real person instead of an interviewer.
The fastest way to make someone feel heard is to pick up on something small they said and ask more about it. If they mention a hard exam, ask how it went. If they say they have a part-time job, ask what it is like. Follow-up questions show you were paying attention, and they keep a chat going far longer than any list of prepared topics.
Every chat hits a lull. Instead of panicking, move to a neighboring topic. A simple ladder works: school, then food, then music or shows, then weekend plans, then funny stories. You can also say it out loud: 'Okay, new topic, what is something you are looking forward to this month?' Naming the pause makes it feel normal.
If someone takes a while to reply, do not assume it is about you. They may be in class, on a bad connection or distracted. Avoid sending several messages in a row to fill the gap. One thoughtful message is better than five anxious ones.
Not every chat clicks, and that is completely fine. You can leave without guilt. A short, warm sign-off is enough: 'It was nice talking to you, I should get back to studying. Take care!' If a conversation makes you uncomfortable at any point, you do not need to be polite. End it, and report it if the other person crossed a line.
With practice, starting conversations gets easier every time. Treat each one as a small experiment, not a test you can fail.
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