Considering the fact you have to take a bus to get around campus, Rutgers is a pretty big school. And, of course, with a big school comes lots and LOTS of people. For social butterflies, this is a dream come true but for us introverts, this can be rather intimidating. BUT not impossible! Here are some tips I've picked up from my time at Rutgers that have made my inner antisocial person more comfortable.
Bring headphones on the bus (and pretty much everywhere)
Having music when you are on the bus, especially during the first few weeks and during exam time, is a must if having people all up on you isn't your cup of tea. It works as both a distraction from the fact that someone is pressed up against your butt (yup that happens on a crowded bus) and gives you some mental personal space. And when is there ever a bad time to listen to music?
Sit in the front and GO to office hours!
Yeah I know, you don't want to look like a dork sitting in the front but it's worth it. Not only can you see and hear everything clearly, but it makes the class seem significantly smaller. You only really see the people in your row and the professor so, even in a lecture hall with hundreds of people, it feels small somehow. That and you don't have to worry about people doing distracting things like talking or texting or switching back and forth between multiple tabs on their computer. It sounds trivial but these can really make your mind wander, especially if the lecture is on the dull side.
Also, if you can, go to office hours. It's another way to make the class seem a little bit smaller. That and Rutgers professors are, more often than not, kind and down-to-earth people that have amazing knowledge to share.
Don't study in the library
EVERYONE studies in the library. If you want to study alone, look for an empty classroom or, if you have roommates that are never in the dorm, use the dorm to study. If you're feeling adventurous and the weather is nice, there are also nice places outside to study; it's a great break from being inside all day.
Try to socialize
Being alone is great but humans need people so you gotta get out there.
Some great indirect ways to do this are to study in areas with people, perhaps with some headphones if you don't like the noise. You still get to be around people but you don't have to be directly social so it's less pressure.
But you still need that direct socializing! Joining a club is a great way to make this happen. I like clubs that are more doing than talking (like dance for instance). That way you are focused on the task at hand and don't have to go through all that awkward small talk. Rutgers events are also a great way to get out there. These can be something small your RA organized or something big like a concert or football game; whatever it is, just push yourself to do something.
And of course, since this is college, don't forget to network. Future you will thank you.
Be aware of your mental health
Lastly, make sure you know all the mental health stuff Rutgers and the nation has available to you. Yeah, I know, you don't need that stuff right? Maybe you don't but college is stressful. You are being asked to pick what you want to do for the rest of your life along with having to socialize and gain leadership experience and do all this other stuff. Any and all of your insecurities are bound to bare their ugly head with all this pressure and stress. So even you are sure you'll never call/text one of those hotlines or go to one of those CAPS events, keep the information handy in case you lose it. After all, it's better to talk to a trained listener than to put yourself at the mercy of your own thoughts (introspection is both a gift and a curse of many quiet folks).
Rutgers is big and college is stressful but, dare I say, you don't have to be social to be successful. Just be you and have fun. Life is short.
