I think all of your ideas sound good. However, please don’t say no one likes you how you are. You don’t necessarily need to be a more direct person in order to have friends. I do agree though that it’s necessary to be able to make conversation with people. You don’t need to suddenly become someone you aren’t. There was a student here a while back who seemed to share your problems with meeting people. One day he asked another student where the bathrooms were, and they started talking. That kid became a good friend. A simple hello might be all it takes to get started.
If you do all the things you have suggested, you will surely find your people. By taking those steps, you are maximizing your chances to interact with others.
Another thought–you have friends from home. They obviously like you the way you are. There is nothing wrong with you. You need to have a bit of confidence that you can meet new people wherever you are. Just be you.