Yes, we hire new grads, and we offer internships for those who are still studying. Successful interns get an easier path for converting to full-time than grads who apply cold.

Getting somebody you know at Google to refer you is the best way to secure an interview, but you can also apply online.

http://www.google.com/about/careers/students/

Well that's too bad, I don't know any people at google. I guess I need to hang around more coffee shops.

The hiring process is a bit hit and miss. I know people who had a really good experience, and I know people who said it was a shit show. About meeting Googlers: if you happen to come to the Bay Area, you can't throw a rock in any direction without hitting at least one Googler. Not saying throwing rocks is the way to go, but... you'll get someone's attention :P

I'm a poor college student on the other side of the country, no dice for now.

I've noticed that Google is better than most with online applications. I managed to interview 2 years in a row (intern, college student) having only applied online.

APPLY ONLINE. Seriously. If you don't have a referral, don't wait around trying to find one. Apply online.

If you get an interview, practice algorithms/data structures interview problems like crazy.

...really? I was under the impression everybody that reads HN would have been around the Google-or-similar hiring circuit at least once. I have twice and I'm not as experienced as you are.

Daily 10K I guess.