How do I stop sabotaging myself?

I am an introvert and I am a bit of a loner but it is college so now I have to actually talk to people now. I just find it hard sometimes. I fall back into a habit of keeping my head down and pretend I'm busy and when someone says hi, I say hi back but I don't initiate conversation even though I've been invited to. I implied in a previous post that I need to start socializing and expanding my circle but I instinctively close myself. I need some advice on how to curb this behavior. What do I do?

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REMsleep · 41-45, F

Push past your feelings. Accept that this will cause some anxious or stressful days and you might feel or look dumb a few times. Don't be fake to be social. Find other introverts. They exist but it can be hard to get to know them. Join a club, group or whatever if you are truly interested in that topic.

Hold your head up, Make eye contact. Smile occasionally. Ask people questions and just listen.
People love to talk about themselves actually so you can make friends just by listening and the occasional insert, "oh really, but why, and then what happened". Most hardly notice that you aren't really saying anything but once this gets you in the door don't let your friendship stay that way.

It's too one sided and not respectful if they never ask you anything. But even if you aren't super invested in your new acquaintance, you can use them to meet other people and the more people that you meet the more odds are in your favor of finding a real friend.
Cut off toxic or disrespectful people quickly. They suck the joy from your life and can really set you back in various ways.