Whether you call it Induction Week or Fresher’s Week, that first week at university before the academic year starts appears to be one of non-stop noise and meeting people. Everyone everywhere is urging you to get involved, sign up for countless social groups and make more new friends than you could possibly hope to remember all of their names. But what do you do if you’re an introvert or socially awkward in this abundance of extroversion?
Remember, You Are Not Alone
In a university population numbering in the thousands, it is highly unlikely you are the only introvert or socially awkward student. Introverts largely keep to themselves and that is what most will be doing right now – keeping away from the majority of events at Fresher’s Week. That’s because, just like you, they are struggling with it. Seeing people having fun convinces you that everybody already knows each other – this is not the case.
Fresher’s Week is Not The Norm
Many socially awkward people arrive at university for Fresher’s Week and feel so overwhelmed they think they’re making a big mistake. It might seem that university (not just Fresher’s Week) is one long party. This is not the case for most students. It’s an exciting time, but soon enough things will return to normal. For the overwhelming majority of students, the people they meet in Fresher’s Week seem to drop off the face of the planet – they will most likely never see or speak to them again. If you haven’t made friends at this point, don’t worry!
Societies and Groups
If you don’t sign up during Fresher’s Week, it doesn’t matter – student social groups are not going to turn you away if you sign up later. You’ll find many different types of groups covering all interests. Are you a writer? A reader? Do you have religious or philosophical interests? No problem, you’ll find a group for you. Do you want to do something rewarding such as volunteering in the community? Guess what, you’ll have options here too and they won’t all have alcohol-based initiation ceremonies. You will make acquaintances and friends in these common interest groups more in line with your comfort zone.
Your Course Mates
Even the quietest and the most socially awkward student will make friends on their course. You will spend the next three years studying with these people. Some of them will become friends; it’s best not to worry too much about how long it’s taking you to make friends. It’s not a race and you will have opportunities to get to know each other through group working and invites to revise together. Not everybody is socially awkward; some people will talk to anyone and everyone and in some cases, you will form the strongest friendships with people who are the complete opposite of you.