How do I not come off as awkward at this holiday party?

You are brave for going, I am so shy I wouldn't go

You should have invited a friend and enjoyed yourself whild ignoring the other person.

I'm kind of like you. In parties, I prefer sticking with the people I know or am at least comfortable with already--even during family reunions.

Try looking for people you already know; they could introduce you to the others, removing the difficult step of gathering the courage to introduce yourself. Also, you could contribute to the conversation whenever something you have something to say about pops up. This is why I suggest staying in a small group (around 4 people, including you) because 1) if any awkward silence occurs, others could chime in and save the moment, and 2) you won't feel as on the spot because 4 people is more intimate than, say, a table of 15 people.

I think if you appear confident and content with being alone then it won't be awkward. Just look calm and cool all the time and people will just think you're a (cool) lone wolf. You'll be fine when you're there. Get some apps on your phone to go on if you are standing alone. Or why not go to the bar and offer a girl you like the look of, a drink?

If you smile, make eye contact and stand up straight, you'll appear more confident and approachable. Sorry to hear about the girl. Just go up to anyone and say "Hi. I'm John" and stick your hand out. I don't consider myself outgoing but I hate standing like a loner at a party too. Confidence (not arrogance) is a turn on. You can be quietly confident and find someone to talk to. Hope this helps you.

Just make sure you don't let everyone else at that party see that you feel awkward. Put a sophisticated face on, grab a drink, if you make eye contact with anyone, either nod your head as in a sort of way of saying hello, and if that person seems friendly or smiling smile back maybe say hello. But make sure you don't let anyone at that party see that your feeling out of place or awkward, that would be a 'turn off' so called. Be a sophisticated looking guy.
Idk if this helped at all, hope it does.

Just be yourself.

I've been in the same position as you and I'll tell you right now, if you hang around the girl and your friend, it will be the worst night of your life. If I could go back in time to when I was in that position, I would tell myself to take the opportunity to meet new people and let him and my friend alone. It will hurt even more if you keep trying with her.

Find some loners to talk to

Yeah if that's how you feel in social situations, inviting a friend is the first thing you should have done. Why is it too late? The key is to try your best not to be awkward. Try to remember that you're likable, smart and have an importance. Try to think about how you are when you're in a small group, and bring that attitude in a group of a couple more. In a professional feild you are going to have to learn how to engage and be social. Maybe think about taking a speech or communications class. And don't just stand in a corner looking around. It will be noticed but not in a positive light.

Hopefully it worked out for you. Even being alone at a company party can show that you are confident and independent.

Do you know any of the other students there? Use it as a chance to go up and get chatty with them. If you recognize someone, introduce yourself and learn more about them. It can be awkward, but you're not going to be the only one there looking for people.
If your one friend is there hang out with him, even if the girl you like is going after him. At least you won't be alone.

Try again to get someone to come with you, even if you don't know the person that well. If you go alone bring some sort of conversation starter. Pictures of a trip you took, or a video of your cat--anything that you can share so people will relate to you as 'the guy with the cat pictures', or whatever.

Well you could invite a friend but that's not how you would meet knew people. What you should remember is people aren't out there waiting for you to fail or mess up. Just be your charming self and everything will be fine. You can start a conversation about anything. Scan the room, pick a topic and see if it sticks. Please nothing geeky, keep it simple. Good luck

Whatever you do, don't stand in a corner and look around the room. Just stay calm, and talk to people politely.

You should just be yourself. That's the most important thing.

Don't go there with a script on what to say or how to act. Go to that party as yourself.
Just know your limits and don't cross any lines and you should be golden