What they all suggested you have the following chances to make friends:
Halls and uni accommodation are the best way imo of meeting and making aquiantances with a lot of new people. Its done really after lectures, when you have meals and at the weekends.
If financial issues rule you out, then dont worry too much.
Bond with other course mates.
Join clubs and societies and hook into other peoples friends networks. You have to make an effort.
Try and stay on top of your work, so if the opportuniy comes to go out or stay on campus to do soemthing, then you can.
Half an hour isnt really a serious commute and not much further than some people in student houses will live. Frappe's suggestion of a car would make you popular.
Dont worry though, just make an effort and dont forget a lot of the people you bon with are just acquaintances, you wnat the ones that last and become genuine friends.