Hi, I'm new, as well, but welcome aboard anyway.

First of all, it's normal to be shy. Everyone is shy once in a while, no matter how experienced they may be or how confident they may seem--and if you're just now getting into dating, it is bound to be a common feeling. But it isn't a problem. A lack in self-confidence, however, is a problem. While it is completely natural to need to feel validated--we all need to feel that way--girls aren't so much into guys who obviously have no confidence in themselves. It's sort of like dating a girl.

The first thing you must do is learn to just be yourself, and be that way around EVERYONE. Do not be afraid to speak your mind, to discuss things that you like, to express your opinions. If you're afraid they'll sound stupid or nerdy or whatever else, DON'T. You won't get far by suppressing your true feelings. In the end, you'll want a girl who is on a similar level that you are on, and you'll find her just by being you.

Next, as Ender said, look for a girl.