How to Thrive as an Introvert in College

Reported By: Ellaynah Brown

Illustrated By: Sydney Simmons

After a long day of classes, homework, and socializing, you’re probably slumped over your bed in the peace and quiet of your dorm, ready to spend the rest of the day recharging your social battery.

If you identify with this scenario, you are probably among the group most often referred to as “the introverts.” But being more reserved as a college student is not a bad thing–it just means that your college experience may look a little different than that of the more outgoing type. 

A different lifestyle does not mean one is better than the other; it just means people are navigating life differently. Here are a few tips to thrive as an introvert in college:

First and foremost, find your balance. Giving yourself time to be social when you want to be, while also being aware of the time you need to recharge, is an important part of finding your rhythm in college. 

Find your spot on campus. Whether it is in the library, under a tree in the quad, or in a hidden corner of any of the academic buildings, find your spot. Having a place that is not your dorm room to go out and be productive is a good way to immerse yourself in a social setting while also maintaining control over the social interaction you get. 

Remember that you can say “no” to invitations. While saying “yes” can get you involved in more events, sometimes you will need a break. There will be plenty of opportunities in college to be social–you don’t have to be involved in everything. 

Find your group! Once you establish a friend group of people that don’t drain your social battery, stick with them. Sometimes it’s nice to just be present with people, whether you are all in the room working on homework or just hanging out. 

Finally, don’t compare your lifestyle with the lifestyles of others. Some of us just prefer to have balance. That is really all it is. While some enjoy the fast pace of going from one event to another, not everyone is like that. Give yourself the freedom to listen to what you need. If that means giving yourself a day to recharge, then do it! 

Being an introvert does not mean you have less fun in college, it means you are experiencing it from a different perspective, and that is just fine.