College can be a scary time for many, and for introverts, sometimes even more so. The image of constant socialization, parties, and tons of people can be daunting to those of us who can be easily worn out by too much "social interaction". Luckily, it's not all bad. In fact, there are some upsides to the college life that many introverts will find appealing.
1. Listening to music on the way to class.
Walking solo to class with earbuds in and enjoying your favorite music can be extremely relaxing for many introverts, as it's a way for them to "recharge their batteries" by disconnecting themselves from other people. It's like a quick pick-me-up if you're starting to feel exhausted, and can sometimes even help you concentrate in the following class.
2. All of the quiet places to study.
The bench at the quad. The dorm common room. The coffee lounge. The list of quiet study spots can go on and on. They're great for getting away from people for a little bit and doing homework, or just chilling alone.
3. Single seats in the diner.
Sometimes you want food, but not people. Single seats allow introverts to eat alone while not taking up an entire table, and also eliminate the chance that an uninvited stranger will sit next to them.
4. A dorm room nearby to escape to.
Sometimes the party may get tiring. Maybe you've just had a long day, or are tired from classes (or people). In most cases, your college dorm is right around the corner if you need to relax or re-energize with a book, music, YouTube, or Netflix.
5. The homework excuse.
"Sorry, I can't, I've got a lot of work to do," will become every introvert's favorite line pretty quickly, whether it's true or not. It's a quick and easy opt-out for parties or social gatherings that you don't have the energy to attend.
6. Coffee.
Chances are coffee will be in abundance in college, one way or another. A nice warm mug of coffee (or hot chocolate, if that's what you prefer) can be comforting to many, not just introverts.
7. It's OK to be on your phone.
For a lot of people, especially introverts, pulling out a cell phone - whether you use it or not - can be a coping mechanism for anxiety in social situations, especially crowded places like the diner or hallway. And for the most part, it's a pretty common trend among college-age millennials: so you won't draw much attention to yourself. (Just don't use it in class!)
8. The library.
Books, quiet, and tons of little nooks to be alone and study. What's not to love about the library?
9. Yoga classes.
A lot of colleges offer free yoga classes, sometimes several times a week. Yoga can be a great relaxing tool, especially after dealing with classes and people all day.
10. Independence.
Being able to create their own schedule and do their own thing can be a pretty freeing experience for introverts. It allows them to be more flexible - maybe they want to go out with friends, or maybe they just want to stay in their dorm by themselves.
11. Wi-Fi.
Netflix? YouTube? Spotify? Wi-Fi is the key to many of the relaxing tools used by introverts. And at college, it is often in abundance.
