Our parents aren't that strict. Parents push their kids to do well but they don't stop us from dating when we're in uni. Wanting to finish their studies is a lame excuse and a gross misconception. The most likely place to meet your next gf/bf is at university (if you're the shy type).

Girls who say they don't have time to date are probably rejecting you. Even for a girl who is overloaded with juggling her tertiary education, a job and maybe living alone.. if she likes you, she's willing to make the time to date someone.

From what I see, you just can't find a girlfriend especially if you're the stereotype conservative asian (which I admit I am). It's a lot easier to initiate a conversation with a girl/guy when you don't really expect anything to happen. It'll start off as a friendship and then you two grow more attracted to each other.

A girlfriend only "happens" in those kinda situations for the conservative type. You meet her. You don't pick one up. I know this cause I've been through a lot of it (as a girl) and I've seen it happen... for the popular guys and the guys even shier than me.