How would one go about converting to Buddhism?

Ok so I am an atheist, but i actually really like the concept of Buddhism, and my teacher said you can still be an atheist and Buddhist. I'm not sure i actually believe in nirvana and all, or karma, but i like the idea of karma, dharma, and nirvana (i'm not sure if i am kind of mixing the idea or hinduism and buddhism but they shared some qualities) and it seems a lot more plausible than a one and only god. also i like the concept of them a LOT more than the idea if you don't follow all my rules (some of which go against basic humanitiy i think, what with all the punishment and hate on gays, even though i know not all Christians practice that) you will either be rewarded for eternal life or burn in hell forever. yeah i much more like the idea of doing what's right and reaching nirvana eventually. even though i kind of think once you die it is nothingness. but even if it is, i think if i followed the 8 fold path i would be a better person. So how can I go about switching and becoming a better person? The only thing that scares me is in the one in a million chance there is a god i might go to hell. but if that god was real he certainly wouldn't be the one i would want to believe in. if you do, great, and i know not all christians do these things, but i think god should be about love, not punishment, prayer, and conversion. and the other day i was driving by this street, they had pictures of aborted fetuses and people protesting, i'm thinking REALLY?!?! shame on you, not people getting abortions. You are the ones shouting at random cars, holding up signs, ect.