7 Great College Tips for Introverts

To all the introverts in college, you can experience a whole different world out there. Going away from parents and living the life of your dreams can always come with its own challenges. To hit you all with reality, college is definitely not everything that they show in the movies. You throw away your comfy, secure home life and move ahead to a huge ocean of humans in which you’re anticipated to start a conversation.

There’s an ever-steady expectation to be social. For an introvert, those expectancies can experience like a twenty-pound weight on your shoulders:

College can be overwhelming. Constantly focusing on homework, seeking to grasp time management, and being far from home – it’s a lot to handle, especially for an introvert in college. By definition, introverts are those who recharge from being by themselves. They do not feel super comfortable around people.

The reality is that quite a few colleges are providing online courses. Thanks to the pandemic, introverts can enjoy all the pleasure of their lives. No crowds, no problem – happy, right? Well, even inside of your own bubble, balancing college, roommates, and expectations can nonetheless be a challenge. Being an introvert in college can be challenging if you are looking forward to having a fun, happy-go-lucky, and blissful college life.

However with things looking up and more universities planning to go back to in-person classes, here are 7 Great College Tips for Introverts:

College Survival Tips for Introverts

Check out these tips to survive and thrive in college as an introvert:

1. Always have headphones
2. Schedule alone time
3. Consider joining clubs or taking on a part-time job
4. Spend lots of time in the library
5. Create a morning or nightly routine to unwind
6. Try to step out of your comfort zone
7. Remember being introverted is a strength

Keep reading for an explanation of why these tips are so helpful!

1. Headphones are Key

Carrying headphones is a must if you are looking to survive your college life as an introvert. Even if you are not talking to anyone directly, the noise of a million people talking around you can be extremely overwhelming. Being an introvert, it’s normal to want to quiet the noise around you. Try to discover a nice calm area, pull out your headphones, and chill out to a few soothing songs. Or do something that can ease out your mind.

2. Figuring Out Your Alone Time and Space

Finding out when to schedule alone time can be a struggle. You can survive alone during lectures, but what about after that? Thinking about whether or not to eat alone during lunch hours can be conflicting. To a few introverts, lunchtime can be panic-inducing. Searching for an empty seat or place to sit can be overwhelming. In university, students couldn’t CARE LESS if someone eats alone. Do what makes you the most comfortable whether it’s sitting alone or try to set up a lunch date with a friend.

If you are feeling up to it, sit near other people who don’t look too intimidating. They may even start a conversation with you first and take that stress away from the situation. During the first couple of weeks of school, most students are alone or have 1 friend. They are much more willing to talk to strangers and say hi!

3. Get Involved in Other Activities

For most introverts in college, it is a good idea to get involved in other activities during their free time. Starting with figuring out and managing your schedule and then finding out your niche can be extremely helpful. For those who can’t seamlessly transition into a conversation, it helps find a relaxing space of your own. If you’ve got the bandwidth for it, running part-time at the same time as you are in college can be a healthy option.

Joining clubs can make being social a lot easier since everyone is there to be friendly and chat. It takes a lot of the pressure off of you when going to an event that is designed for people to meet each other.

4. Check out the Library

Libraries can be a savior when you have no other place to go. However, finding and reserving a perfect spot in the library can be tough. However, you can scout a few comfortable places beforehand. Have you ever been strolling via a complete lecture room or a library and began to panic because you didn’t realize where you can possibly settle down? Head down to campus early in the morning and stroll around your library. In that way, you can keep a few seats scouted before the showdown.

Midterms and final assessments are popular times for meeting other college students. Here you can find ample opportunities to gel along with people. There will be students who will need to study hard for their tests, and maybe there you can find people who might need your help. Joining or creating study groups is a great way of growing friendships as an introvert.

5. Create a Morning or Night Routine

Taking some time for yourself before or after your day can be great for your mental health. Whether you are a night owl or a morning person, make sure to create an extended morning ritual or night routine. As a night owl, having an hour of self-care time after a hectic day is an effective way to unwind and recharge. Both the morning and night are certainly quiet — the entire world in and around you is calm and subdued. There is much less traffic, humans communicate in quieter voices, and loud stimuli are unwelcome or even frowned upon. Take advantage of this and use it as your quiet time to recharge.

6. Be Free To Explore

Stepping out of your comfort zone can be really tricky at first, but it is unimaginably helpful once you learn the art of it. Although it’s easier to stay in your own bubble and create a world around that, it’s essential for introverts to step out of their comfort zone from time to time. Try introducing yourself to a new person, becoming a club member, or volunteering at an organization. You can also communicate with your classmates and participate in a group or a couple of assignments.

You can also step out of your dorm rooms and hang out in the common areas. Dorms often have a shared living space or kitchen where you can meet other students. Simply saying hello, letting someone use some seasoning, etc is a great way to build relationships.

7. Being Introverted is a Strength

Never underestimate yourself for being an introvert in college. It is just a personality trait, and it is nothing to be ashamed of. Whenever you experience the expectancies of others weighing on you, don’t consider the number of pals others have compared to you. Put your power into the few near pals you do have — all an introvert honestly needs, anyway — and recognition of your strengths.

College isn’t made for extroverts. College is what YOU make of it. If you construct sturdy behavior and live centered to your strengths as an introvert, you won’t simply survive… you’ll thrive. There you have it! 7 Great College Tips for Introverts, I hope you enjoy!