Freshman year can be tough, especially for an introvert (trust me, I would know), but have no fear! I have a few tips that will make it slightly more bearable.
1. Just Say “Hello”
As an introvert and someone with social anxiety, I sometimes struggle with starting conversations with people I have never spoken to before. I have found that starting the semester by saying “hello” to the peers sitting next to you in class can make it a lot easier to talk to them in future classes. Learn at least two peoples’ names so that when the dreaded group projects or discussions arise, you will have someone to more easily talk to.
2. Create a safe space
After a long day of classes and social interactions, it is so nice to have a comfortable and safe place to return to and relax. When decorating my freshman year dorm, I made sure to surround myself with all of my favorite things—lots and lots of fake plants. I also furnished my bed with a super cozy mattress topper, a fluffy comforter and a couple of cute pillows. Make sure that your dorm, apartment or house feels safe and comfortable so that you can relax.
3. Get Involved
During my freshman year, I found that the easiest way to meet new people is to get involved. This way, you will be more likely to find peers with common interests. Personally, I have always loved movies, so I chose to get involved in my school’s Student Life Cinema. If it does not go without saying, I also chose to get involved in Her Campus. Both of these organizations allowed me to meet amazing people who I have had a much easier time sparking great and easy conversations with.
4. Embrace Your Introversion
It’s totally OK to be an introvert. Embrace it! Find something you like to do alone—maybe something that gives you energy or feels therapeutic. For example, when I lived on campus, I’d walk all around campus for at least an hour while listening to my favorite podcast (Crime Junkie). Sometimes I’d treat myself to a nice Starbucks iced peach green tea lemonade. In college, there can be a lot of pressure to constantly be around other people, but it is totally ok and very important to take some time to be alone.
5. Be Aware of Your Resources
If you feel that you may be having a difficult time adjusting to college or reaching out to others, there are resources on campus that can help you out. Feel free to visit your school’s counseling center if you need someone to talk to. Many schools also host therapy dog events, which I’ve found to be incredibly helpful and exciting—especially during finals week.
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