Embrace the benefits of being an introvert

Welcome to university life! Moving into student life in London is an exciting milestone, but for introverts, freshers' week and the first few months can feel overwhelming. Fear not! This guide is here to help you navigate and thrive during your time in student halls and beyond.

Are You an Introvert?

Before diving in, let’s see if you resonate with being an introvert. Ask yourself these questions:

• Do you feel drained after social interactions, even if you enjoyed them?
• Do you prefer one-on-one conversations over group activities?
• Do you need time alone to recharge after spending time with others?
• Do you find small talk less appealing and prefer deeper discussions?
• Do you often feel more focused and energised when working alone?

If you answered yes to most of these questions, you likely have introverted tendencies.

Understanding Introversion, Shyness, Sensitivity, and Social Anxiety

These are all very different traits, so let’s clarify some terms:

• Introverts recharge by spending time alone or in low-stimulus environments. They may enjoy socialising but typically prefer smaller groups and meaningful conversations. Importantly, not all introverts are shy, and vice versa. Introverts can be very outgoing and comfortable in social situations; they simply need time alone to recharge afterward.
• Shy people experience discomfort and anxiety in social situations due to fear of judgment or embarrassment. Shyness is more about the fear of social interaction rather than the preference for less stimulation.
• Highly Sensitive People (HSPs) are deeply affected by sensory input and emotional experiences, often requiring more downtime to recover from overstimulation.
• Social Anxiety is a more intense form of shyness characterised by extreme fear of social situations and being negatively judged by others. It can significantly impact daily activities and requires more than just time alone to manage.

Additionally, it’s crucial to note that being an introvert isn’t the same as being egocentric. In fact, introverts are often very empathetic and thoughtful towards others, valuing deep connections and understanding.

While these traits can overlap, being introverted doesn’t necessarily mean you’re shy, highly sensitive, or experiencing social anxiety. Understanding these distinctions can help you better navigate social situations and self-care.

The Benefits of Being an Introvert at University

1. Depth of Connections: Introverts excel in forming deep, meaningful relationships. University is a great place to find like-minded friends who appreciate quality over quantity.
2. Self-Reliance: Introverts often enjoy their own company and can be more self-sufficient, a valuable trait when adjusting to a new environment.
3. Focus and Reflection: Your ability to focus and reflect can enhance your academic experience, as you’re likely to engage deeply with your studies.

Tips for Thriving in Halls

1. Create a Personal Sanctuary: Make your room a comfortable retreat. Personalise it with items that bring you peace and joy. This space will be your refuge when you need to recharge.
2. Balance Social Time: Attend events that genuinely interest you. Quality over quantity is key. Prioritise smaller gatherings or clubs focused on your hobbies.
3. Set Boundaries: It’s okay to say no to invitations if you need time alone. Your well-being is a priority. Politely declining or suggesting another time to hang out is perfectly acceptable.
4. Utilise Common Areas Wisely: Spend time in common areas during quieter periods. Early mornings or late evenings might be less crowded, allowing for casual interactions without the overwhelm.
5. Join Niche Societies: Look for clubs and societies that match your interests. These groups often have fewer members, providing a more intimate and comfortable setting for socialising.
6. Seek Out Quiet Spots on Campus: Libraries, study rooms, and serene outdoor spaces can be great for unwinding or focusing on your studies without the hustle and bustle.

Making the Most of University Life

1. Engage with Academic Support: Introverts often excel in one-on-one or small group settings. Take advantage of office hours and study groups for a more personalised learning experience.
2. Network at Your Pace: Networking doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start with smaller events, and don’t be afraid to approach people individually. Authentic connections are often more valuable than broad networking.
3. Take Care of Your Mental Health: Regularly check in with yourself. Utilise university counselling services if needed. Mindfulness and relaxation techniques can also be beneficial.
4. Find a Routine: Establishing a routine that includes downtime, study sessions, and social activities can help manage your energy levels effectively.

Alternative Freshers' Activities

Freshers' week and the initial months at university are often portrayed as being all about parties, clubbing, and loud social events. However, this doesn’t have to be your experience if that’s not what you enjoy. Here’s how you can have a fantastic time without feeling pressured to engage in these activities:

1. Join Niche Societies and Clubs: There are clubs for every interest—from book clubs and board games to hiking and cooking. These groups often have smaller, more manageable gatherings that provide excellent opportunities for meaningful interactions.
2. Attend Cultural Events: London is rich with cultural opportunities. Explore museums, galleries, theatre productions, or concerts. Many universities organise tours and discounted events for students.
3. Participate in Workshops and Classes: Sign up for workshops on topics that interest you, whether it’s a new language, a crafting hobby, or a personal development course. These environments are great for meeting people with similar interests.
4. Engage in Volunteering: Many universities have volunteering opportunities that allow you to contribute to the community, meet new people, and build your CV.
5. Use Common Study Areas: Libraries and study lounges are perfect for low-key socialising. Strike up a conversation with someone studying the same subject or join a study group.

Embracing Your Introversion

University is a time to embrace who you are and to find environments and activities that suit your personality. Being an introvert can be a great asset; your ability to connect deeply, reflect thoughtfully, and enjoy quieter moments can lead to a fulfilling and unique university experience. Remember, there’s no right or wrong way to enjoy freshers' week or university life—what matters most is that you feel comfortable and happy in whatever you choose to do.

Starting university in a bustling city like London offers endless opportunities for personal and academic growth. With these strategies, you can not only survive freshers’ week but also enjoy a fulfilling and enriching university experience.

Welcome to university life, and here’s to a fantastic journey ahead!

Book Recommendations

Thriving as an introvert, especially in environments like universities which can often seem geared towards extroverts, involves embracing your introverted traits and leveraging them to your advantage. Here are several book recommendations that explore introversion, with a focus on how introverts can thrive in personal, professional, and academic settings:

1. “Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking” by Susan Cain (2012)

• Susan Cain’s book is essential reading on the topic of introversion. It delves into how introverts can use their inherent qualities — like deep thinking and sensitivity to subtleties — to their advantage in a predominantly extroverted world. While it is not university-specific, its insights are widely applicable, including in educational settings.

1. “The Introverted Leader: Building on Your Quiet Strength” by Jennifer B. Kahnweiler (2009)

• This book offers strategies for introverts to harness their inner strengths and excel in leadership roles. Kahnweiler provides a four-step process that introverts can use to handle leadership situations, including managing stress and harnessing quiet time. While focused on leadership, these strategies can be particularly useful for university students involved in student organisations or group projects.

1. “The Secret Lives of Introverts: Inside Our Hidden World” by Jenn Granneman (2017)

• Granneman’s book is a comprehensive look at introversion, covering various aspects of life from social gatherings to career choices. It offers insights into managing social energy and finding comfort in one’s introverted skin, which can be particularly useful for students navigating the social landscapes of university life.

1. “Introverts in Love: The Quiet Way to Happily Ever After” by Sophia Dembling (2015)

• While focusing on relationships, this book provides guidance that can help introverted students manage their personal relationships more effectively, an important aspect of university life that can impact academic success and personal well-being.

1. “Quiet Power: The Secret Strengths of Introverts” by Susan Cain, Gregory Mone, and Erica Moroz (2016)

• This version of Cain’s work is tailored specifically towards younger audiences, including students. It focuses on scenarios typical in schools and among peer groups, offering practical advice on how introverts can thrive in these environments.

1. “The Introvert Advantage: How Quiet People Can Thrive in an Extrovert World” by Marti Olsen Laney (2002)

• Laney’s book explores how introverts can use their inherent traits to their advantage in various aspects of life, including educational settings. It offers tips on how introverts can conserve their energy and thrive in extrovert-preferred environments like universities.

1. “Quiet Influence: The Introvert’s Guide to Making a Difference” by Jennifer B. Kahnweiler (2013)

• Another book by Kahnweiler that explores how introverts can exert influence in their environments. It discusses six strengths of introverts and how these can be used effectively to achieve personal and professional goals. University students can find this particularly useful for group interactions and presentations.

These books provide a rich source of strategies and insights that can help introverts understand and value their unique qualities, and learn how to leverage these in environments that often favour extroversion, such as universities. They are beneficial for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of introversion or seeking practical advice on thriving as an introvert in various aspects of life.