Succeeding at uni as an introvert
On my first day of university, I sat inside my accommodation with a new set of plates and pans that I didn’t think I would ever use. I could hear laughing, yelling, and the clatter of people moving in. It was at this moment that I realised how noisy and overstimulating university would be.
Uni life is stereotypically described as a permanent party, constant group outings, and messy living spaces – the least welcoming environment for introverts. However, there are many ways to succeed as an introvert, without pretending to be someone else; in this guide, I’m going to outline a few tips and tricks to help you thrive.
Being an introvert
At first, I never really understood what being an introvert was; initially, I thought it meant being constantly anxious and scared of socialising – but that’s not the case. Introversion represents those who need to recharge through private alone time, and don’t seek out the same connections with others that extroverts do. Many students go to every fresher’s fair, join every society, and go out for every flat outing, but I didn’t, and by the second week, I was exhausted.
Avoiding “big” social events
Instead of heading to the student night everyone seemed to be going to, I took a quiet night in for myself, cooking a meal and watching a movie. I actually happened to bump into another one of my flatmates in the lounge and asked if they were going out later. They were speaking about how they prefer quieter nights to themselves and haven’t quite got to grips with the whole ‘going-out-fiasco’. We ended up spending the whole night talking for hours, music we were both into, what movies we were going to watch next, and what life at home was like.
It was at this point that I realised, introverts don’t need to follow the busy crowd, they just need to be around the right people.
Finding your own rhythm
The solution (or at least a way forward) – finding your own rhythm. Once I had found out that I didn’t need to try and keep up with everyone else to survive at university, I started taking everything else at my own pace: creating and adapting a routine that was suited for my needs, as an introvert.
First, I started with my room, adding small touches here and there that make a big difference. Weighted blankets, warm non-overhead lighting, plants or anything you need to make your space feel more like a ‘recharge zone’. When things get chaotic, having a place you can rest makes a massive difference.
Another thing was making sure I still socialised, but on my terms. I joined a couple of societies that weren’t overwhelming busy like the other ones, allowing myself evenings in, without the guilt of feeling that I was missing out. Uni felt less about surviving the hustle-and-bustle of everyday life, and more about discovering who I was when I at last had the space to breathe.
You don’t have to be the life of the party to fit in
Throughout the beginning of my university experience, there were a few things that I learned. Primarily, you don’t have to be the life of the party. The connections you make with other people don’t have to be loud or constantly present to still be friendships; lots of introverts form their deepest connections through societies, living with the right people, or conversations with those who share something in common with you.
Finding your own ways of socialising
Remember, depth over noise is more important when it comes to making friends as an introvert. A key myth about being an introvert is that they don’t join societies; however, introverts can thrive when they find the right societies for them. Many societies – gaming, art communities, study clubs- attract a quieter crowd anyway. This is going to allow you meet people like you who want that level of peace that can often seem impossible to achieve. Try joining a small society or club like these that spark something in you, and show up once a week, just enough to keep your life vibrant without overwhelming your social battery. It is amazing how a little routine and the right people can make your week better. I know it does wonders with mine.
Remember, being introverted doesn’t mean being alone, it means you get to build your own world, on your own terms.
There are plenty of ways to get involved with university life, find the perfect activity for you by looking at our student life page, and visiting an Open day.
