Online Social Skills Training In Preparation For University!

Well, I know this is soo common-sense but hey. I'm from a south-east asian country. I'm not that familiar with the British culture of socialising and I'm also aware that socialisation can be very similar in every culture but how do guys approach each other? I know saying "hello, how you doing? I'm ______ what's yours?" is the first move but how do you like approach a person then sustain a conversation then maintaining friendships afterwards? Do you shake each others' hands? lol ( i sound soo silly sorry guys) Gathering in a big group and start sharing experiences, thoughts, etc. would be a bit hard for me, not because im claustrophobic or that. I'm just concerned that I may not be able to back-up what I say and concerned about what others may think of my opinions, my fluency, accent, diction, etc.

Any suggestions would be very much appreciated guys. Thank you in advance OH just to let you know that I was never good at forming new relationships...
P.S. If you think this thread is a waste of time, then just ignore it. Thanks anyway for viewing

probably the best advice i could give is observe others and reciprocate how they maintain conversation with you.

I once went to a Nottingham HSBC summer school; it taught me some brilliant things.

When you are meeting people, never exclude others. If you are in a circle, and people are just out of the circle, include them, ask them questions, make them apart of the circle. With this, you will get people who treat you as your saviour, they will be interested in you and your ability to include.

Inclusion is important when meeting people, when you start excluding people you narrow down your social network and you can come across as dominant as a result of excluding them.

Asking questions is the key, not to interrogate but to find something in common or to make them feel you are interested.

Never ask one answer questions, the conversation will die.

Engage in Grices Maxims, never waffle on, ( not to say be somebody you are not). Always have two way conversation, people generally dislike those who go on about themselves for ages!

Listening to others: this is important, when you listen you discover a lot about people.

Upon meeting somebody new, be positive, it's really discouraging to hear people moan about trivial things as soon as you meet them.

Simple things such as being polite; courteous, willing to help, being positive, optimistic, and happy will encourage others to like you. Mainly, having a high energy level and putting a smile on others faces.

But most of all, be yourself. Just because you are starting university, does not mean you automatically create a new persona, and facades, these are usually foiled in the long term. Being genuine and real are likable factors!

Personally i find it hard to be open straightaway with people that I don't know, and am concerned this will be a problem because it seems to me that people get VERY friendly VERY quickly and that i will simply pale into insignificance.