An introvert's guide to university life
Although I've had many years of experience of moving from one country to another for university or volunteering opportunities, it doesn't cease to be a challenge to start something new, away from home. Here are a few tips that helped me, an introvert, live my best life at uni.
Freshers week
The first week or two is probably the best time to start getting out of your comfort zone and socialise. Many students are new to the area and don't know anyone. Everyone is just as nervous and excited as you are, and Freshers week is the perfect time to go to events and join activities to meet people, socialise, and have fun! The earlier you decide to get out there and socialise, the easier it will get, because everyone is at that same starting point.
During the first few days of your course, you'll also get to know your classmates through group activities and workshops.
Student Union
If you can, go to the different events that are organised by the university's Student Union, where they usually present what they are all about, what they have planned for the following weeks/months, all while enjoying refreshments.
Another easy way to meet people is to join a society or a sport's club, which also offer taster sessions for you to try it out and see if it's something you'd enjoy. Going to those taster sessions can give an idea of the people who might decide to join the society or club, as well as the size of the group, which may vary depending on the society.
Accommodation
If you move into uni accommodation, you'll most probably meet your flatmates on day 1 when you all move in, get to know each other (and agree on flat rules
). You may even decide to have meals together, enjoy movie nights or just a nice chat with a coffee in the morning. The accommodation team may even organise little events for the residents throughout the year.
Finding your people
It may take time to find the people you feel most at ease with, as it usually does going into adulthood. I have also found that making very close friendships may not happen as easily, and may not be everyone's priority or need. But you'll always find people you get along with, can hangout or have a nice chat with, whether that be a classmate, society member, or flatmate. During university, we are constantly meeting new people, making small talk (as much as I dislike it!), and learning more about ourselves (yay for personal growth!)... University is a period of many transitions in life, so naturally friendships will come and go, and that's okay!
Self-care
As much as it is great to get out of one's comfort zone like that, sometimes it's just too much, and in those moments it's important to listen to yourself. As an introvert, being around people all the time can be draining, especially with everything else that is going on in life. As much as I enjoy spending time with the people I get along with, I find myself spending most of it on my own. I enjoy taking walks along the riverside or in a park, going to the cinema, grab a coffee and read a book... I spend more time alone than I do with people, and I like it that way, that's how I take care of my mental wellbeing. We're all different, and that's awesome!
How ever you decide to go about living your university life, remember to not let the pressure take over, and be yourself!
If you have any more tips or anecdotes, post them here
Freshers week
The first week or two is probably the best time to start getting out of your comfort zone and socialise. Many students are new to the area and don't know anyone. Everyone is just as nervous and excited as you are, and Freshers week is the perfect time to go to events and join activities to meet people, socialise, and have fun! The earlier you decide to get out there and socialise, the easier it will get, because everyone is at that same starting point.
During the first few days of your course, you'll also get to know your classmates through group activities and workshops.
Student Union
If you can, go to the different events that are organised by the university's Student Union, where they usually present what they are all about, what they have planned for the following weeks/months, all while enjoying refreshments.
Another easy way to meet people is to join a society or a sport's club, which also offer taster sessions for you to try it out and see if it's something you'd enjoy. Going to those taster sessions can give an idea of the people who might decide to join the society or club, as well as the size of the group, which may vary depending on the society.
Accommodation
If you move into uni accommodation, you'll most probably meet your flatmates on day 1 when you all move in, get to know each other (and agree on flat rules
). You may even decide to have meals together, enjoy movie nights or just a nice chat with a coffee in the morning. The accommodation team may even organise little events for the residents throughout the year.Finding your people
It may take time to find the people you feel most at ease with, as it usually does going into adulthood. I have also found that making very close friendships may not happen as easily, and may not be everyone's priority or need. But you'll always find people you get along with, can hangout or have a nice chat with, whether that be a classmate, society member, or flatmate. During university, we are constantly meeting new people, making small talk (as much as I dislike it!), and learning more about ourselves (yay for personal growth!)... University is a period of many transitions in life, so naturally friendships will come and go, and that's okay!
Self-care
As much as it is great to get out of one's comfort zone like that, sometimes it's just too much, and in those moments it's important to listen to yourself. As an introvert, being around people all the time can be draining, especially with everything else that is going on in life. As much as I enjoy spending time with the people I get along with, I find myself spending most of it on my own. I enjoy taking walks along the riverside or in a park, going to the cinema, grab a coffee and read a book... I spend more time alone than I do with people, and I like it that way, that's how I take care of my mental wellbeing. We're all different, and that's awesome!
How ever you decide to go about living your university life, remember to not let the pressure take over, and be yourself!
If you have any more tips or anecdotes, post them here
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