Radical, asking someone out is always a risk. However, in most cases what you stand to lose is tiny compared to what you stand to gain. The fear is natural, but it's also from habit. If you can force yourself to start practicing taking the risk of expressing interest in a girl, then--whatever the results of this practice, whether it's a few interesting dates, an actual relationship, or a handful of rejections--you'll be better prepared to take that risk when there's someone that you Really fancy, and then that one won't get away just because you couldn't get yourself to ask her out.
Risks: embarassment, hurt of rejection, ego damage
Potential gains: making someone's day, making your day, being proud of yourself for having had the guts to say what you feel, being accepted, looking forward to a date, having a date, getting to know a great and interesting person, being made to feel like a great and interesting person, butterflies, first kiss, second kiss, companionship, conversation, maybe even . . . love? love that lasts, or love that just lasts a while.
If you put the risks and potential gains in a balance, see which one wins.
Also, a hint about girls: confidence (not cockiness, just self-assuredness) puts people at ease and is very attractive (well, not just to girls, but to most people, I think). So . . . fake it (confidence) until you feel it. And about that first date . . . a thoughtful surprise makes a great impression. It could be in the planning of a date, such as taking her to someplace that you know she would be interested in. Is she an animal lover? How about an afternoon at the zoo? Is she an art lover? Any museums near you? Movies are a good standby, but how about a local theater production? If you meet someplace regular, like for coffee or in a restaurant (and this is smart, to meet in a very public place for the first time), bring something with you that picks up on a previous conversation. Maybe you'll bring her that book you were talking about with her after class. Or the url of that website you told her about where you read that article about _____________. Or a sampler of your favorite musician that she expressed interest in. It does not have to be a big thing. Perhaps it's better if it's not. The important thing is that it shows that you have been attentive to your conversations and to her interests. It is truly the thought that counts.
Best of luck to you! You've got lots of time, but you may as well be filling up that time with the kind of experiences that you desire. If you want to know what it's like to have a girlfriend, try putting yourself in the way of potential dates or girlfriends and increase your chances that you and she will bump into one another (figuratively speaking of course--I'm not recommending tripping her so that you can help her pick up her things).
