I think you are on the right track, you just have to keep being open. Often people are wrapped up in their own thoughts or problems and they don't really notice. But I think the best way to make friends is to be geniunely interested in other people and one you do that, it's just a matter of time until someone is open to it. I would suggest being really easy going about it, I think a relaxed person is easier to relate to (not that you aren't relaxed but sometimes being overenthusiastic will make people nervous).