Being an introvert in college can come with so many personal challenges. These challenges are escalated when you are an introvert. Moving away from home, trying to make new friends and leaving the friends you've worked up four years of courage to keep are all trials that must be faced and conquered. Having been an introvert my entire life I understand how hard it is to adjust to a new "home". Breathe and read, every tunnel as a light in the end.
Moving away from home can be hard on most of the college population. While some kids cannot wait to get out, there will always be the kids that feel as though their home is their safe place. That is you. You are that kid. Being an introvert can be hard on the homesickness because you must learn to adapt to a new environment, plus add a roommate and bathroom mates it can get pretty crazy.
It's so important to find your group and try and make friends so you have that comfort place you can turn to when you have these feelings. Once you find friends the homesickness will get easier throughout the year. If that doesn' t work, Netflix will always have your back. Don't forget going home is NOT a bad thing. If you live close by, going over on the weekends can give you a sense of anticipation and make you feel grateful to have something familiar near at all times if you DO feel those panics.
One of the best pieces of advice I have received upon arriving at college would find a place just for YOU. Whether it be a quiet study booth or a corner in the library, you need to find a place that gives you space to take away the stress, fears, and worries and put them away to worry about you and yourself alone. Now there will always be people no matter where you go. Another thing you could do is communicate with your roommate and create a designated "Study Hour" where you can de-stress and enjoy some quality time with your not so squishy bed.
One of the biggest fears I am working on overcoming would be eating alone. No matter where you eat the dining hall and other areas of eating will be packed full and loud. I mean loud. These places may feel as though they are swarmed with social suicide and judgmental people with daggers for eyes, but, it's time to overcome. It is okay to be the kid sitting alone, maybe it will open opportunity for new friends and a space to people watch.
Trying to find your place within an extroverted cesspool can be overwhelming but, I promise it can get better and it will. Always remember to keep Netflix on your phone, have Technics if the craziness becomes too much, and it is okay to have a meltdown if it happens. You are in college. It is the time to make mistakes, look like a fool, but it also going to be one of the most exciting times in your life. Go out of your comfort zone, try new things (wisely), and meet new people. This is your time to the sunshine
