Factors Influencing Formation of Friendships

In exploring the dynamics of attraction and relationships within social psychology, researchers often consider the role of proximity, similarity, and physical attractiveness. The mere exposure effect, a key concept in understanding attraction, proposes that increased exposure to a stimulus can lead to greater liking for that stimulus.

Consider a college environment where students frequently interact with their classmates. Among these students, which factor is most likely to have the greatest influence on their formation of friendships during their first year at college?