I've gone by myself and struck up many conversations with people in lines. One thing that I do because I just enjoy it, but it would be a good way to strike up conversation is when you're interacting with a college program cast member (and they're not busy) take a glance at the university listed on their name tag. If you know anything at all about their school or region (something complimentary, of course) mention it. If they've had bad weather, ask how their friends are making out. If you don't know anything, ask them about their school anyway. The kids' eyes invariably light up and they are thrilled to have someone to talk to about their college - I think it helps with homesickness, because for many of these kids, college is their first time going off on their own, so they made that their home, and here they are in a new strange place, and they're feeling homesick all over again. From a purely selfish standpoint, I learn all about different college and universities all over the USA this way!