Every step out of your dorm is painful. It's not because you don't like college, or because you don't have any friends. It's because you're surrounded by thousands of other people and are probably the most alert you have ever been in your life. It's stressful. I know.
But there are a few ways you can combat the stress and enjoy your four (maybe five) years of school without worrying so much.
Walk with headphones if the walk to class bothers you.
Sometimes you just don't wan't to be talked to. That's okay. Maybe you're worried about running into someone you've got some bad history with, and you honestly just can't muster up the strength to make small talk with him/her. Just put in headphones. You don't even have to play music – just have them in. People will either a) acknowledge that you have them in and leave you alone, or b) will give up on talking to you when you don't respond. If they call you out on it (which would be dumb for them to do), you can just say your music was up super loud. Works every time.
Wear sunglasses if you're worried people are staring at you for some reason.
It works. Sometimes I'll just be walking to class and get this feeling that something is on my butt and everyone is looking at me funny. If you're feeling the paranoia, have no fear! Sunglasses are your best friend. You can watch to see who is looking at you, and where they're looking. Nine times out of 10, it's all in your head, and you look on point as usual. Now you can be sure!
Compliment people randomly.
You're not the type to speak up in class, most likely. Or maybe you just have a hard time interacting with people. Its hard going to school with thousands of extroverts and teachers who like to call you out. You know what you do? Compliment people. People in your class, people in your hall, your professor, etc. Their opinion of you will be positive, and when you do speak, they'll be eager to hear what you say (since they know you have good things to say about them). It'll make speaking up a hell of a lot easier, and maybe you'll learn to open up if you know people want to hear you.
Bring homework with you wherever you go.
It's great talking to friends. It's also great being alone. Want to be left by yourself, or get out of an awkward social situation? Bring homework with you to wherever you are on campus. We all know how stressful school is, and most people will gladly leave you alone so you can finish that thesis paper or research project. You'll also probably find yourself getting ahead in school from all the homework you get done! It's a win-win!
Sit in the middle rows during class.
When you go to a school of 5,000 (like I do), you have very small classes as a consequence. We're talking 30 people max in all your classes. This means the chances of you getting called on to read a passage or answer a math question are very high. After careful observation, I've found that sitting in the middle gives you the best chance of not getting called on. The teachers tend to look to the front for the people they think are genuinely interested, and the back for the slackers they want to call out. If you sit in the middle row, maybe in an obstructed corner somewhere, you're guaranteed to blend in. Sure, you may get called on once or twice, and it will suck, but at least it won't be every class. Not to mention, you'll still be able to see the board! Perfect.
Bring a friend with you to events on campus to help with the nervousness.
I can't tell you how many times I didn't go to a sorority Open Sisterhood Event because I had no one to go with. There's always something going on on campus, and you probably have found yourself wanting to go participate every now and again. However, there's no way in hell you're going alone. Find a friend – a reliable friend – and bring them with you to these events as your backup buddy. Try to avoid people who are extroverted, because there's a high chance they'll have friends at the thing you're going to, and leave you to talk to them. Then you're just stuck. However, if you've got an introverted buddy who wouldn't mind hanging out at some cool event, then you're set. They'll be there for you if you're nervous, and can enjoy meeting people with you.
Join a smaller club on campus.
Perhaps a fraternity of 70+ guys is not your cup of tea. That's okay! Getting involved on campus is important, and there are lots of littler clubs that have only a handful of members. While they may not be as extravagant as the other clubs or have as much funding, they'll have a homier feel, and it'll be easier to get to know the other members. Instant friends, a fun time, and something to put on the resume. You will have to take a small leap of faith and go to that first interest meeting, but once you get there, you'll probably realize everyone else is just as nervous as you.
Relax.
College is stressful. Sometimes you're going to get overwhelmed and want to give up on the whole experience. I'm telling you this now; DON'T GIVE UP! You'll find your people, you'll find your passion, and you'll learn how to love yourself in the process. College is about finding out who you want to be, and exploring a plethora of opportunities laid out for you, courtesy of your awesome university. It's okay to feel awkward, and feel out of place in big social situations. You've got time to get used to things, and time to come out of your shell if you put in a conscious effort. Plus, pics or it didn't happen, ya know? Life is a gift. Don't let that gift go to waste, and live it!
