I was ridiculously socially avoidant at uni (nearly 20 years ago) and to put it bluntly I REGRET IT LIKE F***! I feel if I could go back now I would smash it!
With the benefit of my experience, it might be fear of not being 'interesting' enough, that other people are 'better,' fear of rejection etc. Only years later do I feel strong enough to go to events to meet people (eg. 'Meetup') and there are techniques and thoughts that can help:-
1. Fake it till you make it - Many people who outwardly appear confident and sociable are internally far less self secure than they appear.
2. Stop worrying about being ridiculed etc. You are entitled to feel on the same level/status as others.
3. A common mistake is to think that you have to be super knowledgeable about what others are interested in, that (say) if you don't like Game of Thrones then you will be stuffed in a conversation with others about it. Listen to others. Learn to 'love' others platonically (or otherwise!) instead of seeing socialising with them as a chore/challenge. Make smalltalk (even if it doesn't come naturally.)
4. Embrace the social opportunity. Sure, my god its intense for socially awkward people to be placed in a situation where we are *expected* to be sociable 24/7 (or anytime not sleeping) - when at home pre moving out and post uni socialising can be 'compartmentalised' into blocks and then you are free to go home alone - but you WONT GET THIS OPPORTUNITY AGAIN! Your opportunity for such varied and rich social interactions atrophies significantly as you get older, jobs, many people with families and kids to look after.
5. Dont overanalyse. Many others won't. Move on. Sometimes you will get rejected, thats life. There will be awkward silences. Even really sociable people will get them. Push past them.
Good luck mate - Ive been there and f*** me its hard but you've got this and can win!