How to not come across as weird?

I'm starting uni in September, and I'm going to be moving away from home, and living in the halls for the first time. In the past from primary school to sixth form, I've always been kind of a loner, sticking to only a few close friends if I have to.
One of my mutual friends is going to the same uni as me(he lives near me and we do not know each other well), and he found people near my area that are going to the same uni. We met up once as a group, but after that meeting, I missed the next gathering, and I'm afraid they've become closer as a group without me. I feel pretty awkward around them and have nothing much to say, so the only way I grab the group's attention is by making irrelevant remarks, which upon reflection, comes off as a little bit annoying/weird. They are going to have 2 more gatherings, of which one I have told them I won't be going.

I know I am acting anti-social in a sense, but I feel a lot of (social) anxiety when I meet in groups, fearing that I'll say something stupid, and I use that as an excuse to avoid the group like the plague.

So, I know my first impression isn't good, but how do I not come across as weird to them?

I'm also afraid I might do the same for fresher's week.

There are lots of kind souls on this forum, could one of you advice me on what to do?

don't be scared! focussing on what you think went 'wrong' isn't going to help much, so move on. also don't think of it as tackling the whole group, maybe try to focus on a friendship one person at a time with a member who appears the most open and friend - remember the mutual friend who invited you in the first place wanted you there. don't feel pressured to say something and end up with something random and silly, but ask them questions about where they're from, why they took the course and eventually common interests will out good luck

one person at a time with a member who appears the most open and friend

but ask them questions about where they're from

remember the mutual friend who invited you in the first place wanted you there.

How about not trying to stick with all of them. Try getting close to one or two people from that group instead.

Ask them if they want to hang out. Try and relate to some of their hobbies? Or even show an interest in their hobbies.

Err, in time you should get to know some of them.

I will be meeting them at least a few more times, so hanging out shouldn't really be a problem. I could try to do the hobbies thing I guess as a sort of ice breaker between me and them, but I'm afraid of coming across as feigning interest in what they like, especially if I have no idea about anything on the topic.

Don't let it worry you so much! There will be loads of people starting your uni probably even in your classes who haven't met anyone else but once you get to know everyone you'll find the right! Just be yourself! If you don't feel comfortable around them then they're not the right group for you! If you really want to hang with them then maybe try and get a bit closer to the mutual friend before you try the whole group! Hope this helped a bit! Good luck for uni!

be yourself ...do not give in to peer group pressure, do nothing that you are not comfortable with

You'll meet plenty of other people at uni, so it doesn't matter so much if you don't gel with the people from that group. You may find people there that you have more in common with. Just don't over think it too much!

Ask questions. Seem interested. Offer to do it if they show you how- if you want to try. Don't go reaching out of your comfort zone.

Ah.... I see. What if their hobby is something knowledge based, like being a fan of a particular book series. How can I approach it without sounding annoying?

Ask about it. Say you might think about reading it but get them to persuade you.

Ah.... Thank you so much. Would this be the way to handle freshers as well? Or is it too 'boring' a way to break the ice?

Ugh.. The 30 second wait between posts is so annoying.

Just out of curiosity, what are you studying at uni?

I'll PM you regarding that. I think some of them may use this forum, and they may identify me through my situation(I'm a little paranoid about people IRL finding out about my situation).

You're welcome.
No. It's a great way to start on anything.

I ****ing know! It's such a waste of time. It pisses me off so bad.