University, to me, felt like opening Pandora’s box—but instead of being gobbled up by ancient curses, I was swarmed by highly energised extroverts. The moment I stepped into the cafeteria, I blurted out, What have I gotten myself into?

Trust me when I say assignments and deadlines won’t be your biggest concerns at first (keyword: at first). It is going to be the three S’s—socialisation, social anxiety, and social battery.

If you are an introverted student about to start university, here is a heads-up on what you can expect.

The introvert’s nightmare: Finding quiet spaces on campus

The heading is not an exaggeration; it is an understatement.

Every inch of the place is packed with loud, chatty, or gabby people, from the entry gates to the gallery, corridors, and even the washrooms.

The cafeteria is a no-go zone for introverts. Overruled by the sounds of clanging trays, echoing laughter, and boisterous noise, it creates an overwhelming sensory load. You won’t even survive an hour in there.

What about the library?
Isn’t that supposed to be a sanctuary for recharging your social battery?

Extroverts begin their conquest of the library with muffled whispering, escalate to murmuring, then hushed talking, and finally reveal their true form: blathering and chattering.

Guardians of the Library? They occasionally pop up to yell “Quiet please!” before vanishing into thin air.

Recharging your social battery: Introvert survival tips

I never truly understood the phrase “Silence is golden” until I entered university.

For introverts, the lack of quiet spaces can lead to burnout. So, how do you recharge when silence is so hard to come by?

Unfortunately, avoiding human civilisation is not an option. But adapting is.

I prefer using noise-cancelling headphones when I’m in the library. That way, I can focus on what I am doing without distractions. It is a simple but effective way to manage sensory overload and recharge my social battery.

A great alternative is finding an empty classroom. Although those are generally hard to find, but once you do, it’s like winning the lottery. Emptier and quieter than a library, and the best part? You can control the temperature of the air conditioner.

Sometimes, I go to the top floor, because it is relatively emptier and beautifully sunlit. The only problem? It can get too hot sometimes.

I wish there were a study café nearby. Those are also great charging spots. If one existed, I would have been their star customer.

Can an introvert make friends?
Absolutely! Since networking is practically a competitive sport at university, someone is bound to talk to you at some point.

If you’re good at studies, people will definitely reach out, most likely during exam season. Odd timing, but it’s up to you whether you respond to their gesture or not. That’s how I made friends as well.

It’s actually easier than you think for us to make friends. At some point, you’re likely to be adopted by an extrovert. Many introverted students experience this “extrovert adoption phenomenon”. It is when an outgoing student takes you under their wing and introduces you to their social circle.

I was adopted on my very first day. She introduced me to everyone, and honestly, I didn’t have to put in much effort.

Was it a bit draining? Yes, she knew a lot of people.

Was it worth it? Also, yes, I ended up with a solid group of friends.

Even if you’re not adopted, you’ll still interact with people through clubs, group projects, or even just course group chats. Slowly but surely, you’ll find your people.

Final thoughts
University may feel overwhelming and even a little intimidating at first. But trust me, everything will turn out just fine. You don’t have to change who you are.

Yes, there will be awkward moments, and that is completely normal. I have had my fair share of those too.

We introverts may be a bit reserved, but when it’s time to shine, we always get it done.