What is the way to introduce myself and make friends when I am shy?

My friend and I applied to go to the same school next semester but unfortunately she didn’t get accepted, so I will be alone in school. I am quite sad because I know no one there and I am starting to panic. I am a very shy person when I first get to know people, but my friends say I am not shy at all, which I don’t understand because I consider myself shy. I think I know myself a little better than they know me. So yeah, I am going to this school where I know no one… I am going to try and have a great time so I don’t need to think of changing schools again next semester and maybe just even graduate from there. My aim is not to be popular but have friends that I can rely on and trust. I need me some real people and not total plastics. What is your advice?