Joining a campus activity is a great way to meet people.
That is what they keep telling me at registration meetings!!
About the in the closet thing it's what ever your comfterbale with and it could depend on the college.
I know the Universtiy Of Central Arkansas has some clubs and support groups for gay students and even have a gay straight alliance group.
I'm sure University of Arkansas in little rock does too.
And I know Arkasas State University at Jonesboro does.

I wish you luck..and don't worry everyone feels nervous starting college!!
I myself am a nervous wreck about it..and I'm not even starting at a four year university I'm starting at a two year and transfering.
Those online college classes are a life saver..I took those too and I have cleped out of three classes because of it!! No intro to psych, freshmen english or American history since 1876!!
I'm sure you will be fine..you seem really nice and college will be a fun way to meet new people and learn lots of fun new subjects!!

Best of Luck to ya and if you have any questions about an Arkansas college feel free to pm me..I pretty much can answer any basic question since I considered all the main ones and if it's about UCA I could almost answer any question since I'm transfering their in two years.