Find a quiet place to study or hang out.
The hardest adjustment in my first semester was getting used to being around people all of the time. There was a point when I had to listen to ocean sounds to block out the noise in the hallway at night and felt an intense rush of joy whenever I was alone in the bathroom. I couldn't even escape to my room after an exhausting day because other people were in it, even if it was just my quiet roommate doing homework at her desk. Once I discovered the nooks around campus where I could crack open a book or kick back without being disturbed by screeching girls, my sanity returned. If your school library has a silent floor, USE IT--even if you just want to sit at a desk and surf Pinterest for an hour. If this is not an option or the library is too "mainstream" for you, find an empty classroom, study room, or rehearsal room to get your daily dose of peace and quiet. When the library gets too crowded or delinquents violate the noise rules, I retreat to the serene silence of the interfaith prayer room in the school chapel. Every campus has unbeknownst niches that you can escape to when you need some "you" time. Find yours to avoid a sure-to-come mental, emotional, or physical breakdown.
Become emotionally invested in a new book or show on Netflix.
Introverts characteristically become over-stimulated in loud, busy environments with high activity. Despite only being able to handle a distracting atmosphere in small doses, we still need a form of excitement. Gaining energy through binge watching your favorite show or getting caught up in a riveting book is a great way to combine stimulation and relaxation. Plus, it's the perfect study break and a legitimate excuse when declining an invitation to a party.
Skip out on catching up with friends if you're feeling overwhelmed.
Freshman year of college is the prime time to pluck up any friend that comes your way and add them to your security collection. At the beginning of the year, I never wanted to refuse an opportunity to hang out or or ask someone to leave my room when I needed alone time because I prioritized making friends over mental health. Once I couldn't handle my increased anxiety through repeated forced socialization, I started to make more time for myself. Real friends will understand if you need to pass up a chance to spend time together for your sanity or your grades. It's definitely important to maintain friendships, but it's perfectly okay if you need to spend Saturday night alone in your room.
Eat a meal alone.
As ridiculous as it may sound, one of the most stress-inducing activities in my daily life is eating with my peers, especially one-on-one. For those of us who prefer listening to talking, it's exhausting to have to constantly think up conversation topics to avoid awkwardness. Oftentimes, I sit with a friend and we both end up eating in uncomfortable silence while occasionally asking a question and responding with one-word answers. Save yourself the suffering and eat a couple meals per week alone. Nothing ruins the eating experience like increased social anxiety; so if you're feeling particularly quiet, choose to sit by yourself in the dining hall. Trust me, no one is staring at you--and it's worth not having to worry about asking interesting questions while trying to identify what type of meat is on your plate.
Do one thing that relaxes you every day.
Whether it's listening to your favorite music, taking a solitary walk around campus, or spending the night with your adult coloring book, remember to relieve your daily stress. If you prefer an active lifestyle, make time for the gym or sign up for a yoga class. For students who are more sedimentary and reflective, such as myself, try meditation or writing in a journal. Alleviating stress gives you the energy you need for social interaction and day-to-day stimulation. Even if it's just taking a few deep breaths before bed, set a ritual or two to relax yourself.
Know that it's okay to want to be alone.
Don't force yourself into any social experience that makes you uncomfortable. If you're not interested in partying, just avoid it. You're not abnormal for being overstimulated in social settings or for craving solitary time. Your nervous system simply interacts with environmental cues in a different way, and that is nothing to be ashamed of. Never feel as if you need to justify your introversion and force yourself out of it. Introverts are the silent superheroes of the world who observe, reflect, feel, and think with more vibrancy and depth. Appreciate your unique personality and take care of your mental health instead of trying to change who you are.
