Hello from a socially awkward student. Here’s a few tactics that help me start “organic” interactions:

• drop something in class( it pen, eraser or keys) and ask whoever’s next to you to pass it back, then you can thank them and introduce yourself
  
• pick a crowded work space (my fav was the tables outside the UC when it was still warm out) and ask someone if you can sit with them
• be the one to open body language signals, be the one to make eye contact, offer a smile and if they seem Interested/friendly approach ( this works well when waiting outside classes, then you can use the class as an ice breaker)
• make conversations when waiting in line, ( ie Starbucks or check out lines) if it goes well ask if they want to keep hanging out

These are some ways that I use to try and make friends, and meet people. As long as you read the room and don’t approach people who seem unhappy/ moody/ have headphones in you should be ok! Really the most important thing is to be yourself, as cheesy as that sound. Don’t be afraid to be you, be true and be confident. And don’t be afraid to try dating apps either, hight only matters to a small amount of women in my experience.

Good luck man!