The first friend you make in a new place is proof you can do it again.

The frightening part of arriving somewhere new is the suspicion that you got lucky with the people you already had. Making one friend from nothing settles that question, because it shows the thing was a skill rather than an accident of seating plans. One is enough to prove it, and the second is always easier.

If you are new somewhere, aim for one person instead of a group. Ask a small question, then another one on a different day. Consistency does more here than charm, and it asks nothing of your energy levels.