College Life Through The Introvert's Eyes
Start writing a post
Student Life

College Life Through The Introvert's Eyes

How the introvert really interacts with others.

811
College Life Through The Introvert's Eyes

Everyone has a stereotype in mind for what an introvert’s life is like, and some of those are based on truth, but only a small section of them. Interacting with people can be a little nerve-racking for the Introvert, but you still have to find a way to express yourself in this seemingly extroverted world. However, it’s not always that simple. Several things are affected by this part of your personality.

Meeting new people: Socializing for the introvert-at-heart can be incredibly frustrating and stress-inducing. Introverts have a reputation for keeping to themselves because they are antisocial. It’s not that we’re antisocial. It's just that, meeting new people can be terrifying. Hundreds of judging eyes looking to find out who you really are...no, thanks. Also all those orienteering events the school does for new students can be pretty terrifying. You’d rather get to know a few people really well than to know a ton of random people you may never interact with again.

Hanging out with friends: You have no problem hanging out with your friends silently. You could be reading different books or watching separate shows on Netflix, but as long as you’re together, you’re hanging out. Hanging out and doing your own thing isn’t the only thing you do, of course. You also have incredibly deep conversations and really get to know each other. My roommate and I all know a ton about each other. We know each other’s deep, dark secrets and we’re that much closer for it. Of course we can be crazy, but we can be doing our own thing like it’s no big deal. Also, you don’t really get those awkward silences.

Flirting: That’s probably not going to happen much. You never know what other people think and interacting with a new person is pretty intimidating as it is. You feel awkward and not confident so you tend to keep to yourself. The people you do know probably don’t know how outrageous you can be, so you pretty much just feel like an awkward potato trying to not freak people out.

Homework: Contrary to common belief, getting homework done can actually be harder for the introvert. Yes, you probably spend less time hanging out with friends than some, but you’ve also developed a skill for finding something to do. Having these different activities to occupy your time can be dangerous, because, well, it’s occupying your time. You lose track of time and don’t get your work done as quickly as you’d like.

Interests: When someone finds out what your interests are, they can sometimes be surprised. They may surmise a few of your interests by looking at the stereotypes for introverts, but that’s about it. Not only that, but people can’t guess what your major actually is. People tend to not realize I’m a ministry major because everyone thinks that ministry majors are extroverts. I mean, ministry can be a lot easier for an extrovert, but that’s not who everyone is.

Class discussions: You internalize all your thoughts about the topic, so you don’t really say much. When you don’t really say much, people don’t expect you to. When you actually get a word in edgewise, everyone is surprised. When the class is discussion-based and your grade depends on that, you tend to wonder how your grade will look from your lack of speaking out. Then, of course, your professor tells you one-on-one that you should speak out more because you have some great ideas. But by the time you can say anything, the time is already come and gone.

Regardless of any possible struggles you might have, at the end of the day that's who you are. Sure, there's a bunch of other struggles not even mentioned here, but there's also a plus side to being an introvert. Of course I'm not saying that introverts are better than extroverts, and there's no reason for anyone to say that or vice versa. However, it's important to find ways around these ups and downs, and just live. And college is a pretty great time to get to know yourself, so take advantage of that.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

56816
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

36619
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

958432
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

189347
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments