Surviving Uni/College as an introvert
Universities or colleges are dens of extroverts and social opportunities but at times these experiences can be a little overwhelming. Most introverts would think of a way to avoid social situations and retreat. If you’re staying at home then you are pretty lucky as you have somewhere to escape, but others (including me) who live in dorms had no choice but to socialize nearly all day. So I’m here to share a little experience and tips on how to survive as an introvert in universities.
1. Be yourself If you don’t want to be at a social gathering, don’t force yourself. You may feel a little left out after seeing instagram updates of your so-and-so friends out for an outing or a party, but what good does it give if you’re not going to enjoy the outing and be lethargic and empty afterwards?
2. Be alone but don’t be lonely Being an introvert may end up with you being alone in your room and it would get pretty lonely and later bad thoughts will come creeping up on you (trust me, I feel like this nearly all the time). Make sure you have something to do to occupy the time you have when you’re alone. Watch a movie, go for walks, revise, make a journal entry, update your studyblr, take a cute pic for instagram, anything will do.
3. Get a hobby Related to tip #2, explore the limitless possibilities of activities you can do; sewing, drawing, blogging, photography, curate your own fashion board on pinterest, photoshop, writing, reading books. Find something you like to do or something that you’re good at. You don’t need to be an extrovert to have a hobby.
4. Join on-campus clubs I know, clubs can be a danger zone for introverts, but if you can find one that is to your interest, why not join these clubs? On-campus clubs are usually a small group of people with similar interest, they offer activities that may interest you and provide a platform for you to interact with different kinds of people in a non-classroom environment. I’ve joined a production and film club myself although now I think that it’s not exactly a good decision as production/theatre/film clubs are full of extroverts. But I think I had fun and the club enabled me to experience a lot of things that I wouldn’t get if I hadn’t joined them. But remember, everything goes back to your level of comfortableness towards these activities, if I feel overwhelmed, I usually step back and not force myself to join.
5. Find hideouts to recharge In-between the hustle and bustle, it’s really important for introverts to recharge. Since I don’t have any friends that has the same classes as mine, my lunch is usually spent alone. Library and nook and crannies of your faculty building can be a great spot to recharge. I personally find my university’s mosque a comfy place where everybody can sit and it’s quiet a popular spot for students to take a nap for a minute although it might get busy during lunch and prayer times. One other spot I like is my faculty’s resource center, it has amazing wifi signals, comfy chairs and newspapers. The place usually fills up with other students studying quietly and most of the time- alone, so I find that spot to be a very great place to recharge.
6. Take a day off if needed You have to socialize nearly everyday; after a few hours in class you go back to your room and you still have to socialize with your roommates (I have three of them) and on the weekends you have your friends to entertain. When does it end? If you feel that you need a day off, don’t hesitate! Do it!
7. Socializing is still important It’s true when they say that your student life is going to be the best time of your life. Take the advantage of the social opportunities, brave yourself to say hi to the girl sitting next to you in class, go for a hike with friends. Don’t let your introverted personality deprive you of amazing experiences. Just find a balance and understand how much of socializing you are comfortable with and most importantly spend time with people that you actually want to be with and make sure they feel the same way too.
