Starting college as an introvert can be a big transition from high school. Luckily, there are ways that you can make the most out of your college experience while still taking the necessary time for yourself.
Set your boundaries
For introverts, social situations can be incredibly draining, both emotionally and physically. Knowing your own boundaries is key to making the most of your college experience. You do not need to completely change your personality to make the best of your college years. Setting your boundaries lets those around you know when you need time to recharge and process what you are going through on your own. This is a very important part of an introvert’s daily routine. We need alone time to be able to function. Unlike extroverts, social situations are extremely draining for introverts and we need time to recover and recharge. Managing your time and scheduling personal time is key to succeeding as an introvert in college. Take that personal time to do whatever you are passionate about.
Getting involved
Getting involved in clubs and organizations are a great way to pursue your interests and to meet others with the same interests. Clubs are a great way to be able to listen to the ideas of others and you can join them at your own pace. Getting involved in something is a great networking opportunity. Clubs and organizations on campus are an amazing way to make connections in whatever field you are interested in. Pre-med? There are a lot of clubs for that. Pre-dental? There is a frat for that. Cannot find a club that fits with what you want to do for your career? Start one yourself.
While getting involved is great, know that you can still set boundaries and say no. You do not want to get too involved if you are not ready for it. You do not want to throw yourself into everything because you think that is what you have to do. Don’t let yourself burn out. In high school, I was very involved in clubs — and I mean very involved. President of the chess club, co-president of the science honor society, vice president of the chemistry club, math honor society statistics competitor, editor-in-chief of the school yearbook and more. But now that I am in college, my involvement has dropped. Was that much involvement that healthy? Probably not. Did I burn out from clubs? Probably yes. Now my only involvement is with The Current. I have learned from my mistakes and I am now limiting my involvement to what I am comfortable with.
Keep in mind, know thyself. Know your boundaries and know what you are comfortable with.
