An Introverts Guide to the Universe-ity

✨An Introverts Guide to the Universe-ity✨

Have you ever been told that university will be the 'best time of your life'?  

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Everyone has expectations when starting uni.

Whether its excitement or dread at the idea of meeting new people, these feelings can predict how we will adjust to university.  

Jackson et al. (2006) found that students with more fearful expectations about uni found it harder to adjust compared to students prepared.

While you're never fully prepared, understanding that there will be challenging, potentially lonely times can benefit our adjustment as our expectations influence how we understand and respond to events. 

There is a lot of pressure to have the best time, go out loads and make lots of new friends but the reality of uni may not initially meet these expectations. 

• You should not put pressure on yourself if first term did not pan out the way you hoped, everything will work out in its own unique way.
• It is such a daunting change, and you should be proud of yourself for just being here :)

1.) Saying no to loneliness: 

Imagine: It’s morning, you’ve travelled to your uni from wherever home may be, you arrive, unpack into your accommodation, your parents say goodbye and leave you to settle in. Feels lonely, right? But here is the part in your ‘moving to uni’ story that you step out of your comfort zone, meet your flatmates and find your feet.

Worsley et al (2021) conducted a number of interviews with university students, and found that those who connected with their flatmates early on felt supported, and their emotional wellbeing was improved. However, they also found that not everyone became “mates” with their flatmates, which negatively impacted their wellbeing. I’d suggest, give it a go.

Try game nights, go food shopping together, stick post-it notes on the windows, and take your time. You don’t have to like your flatmates, but learning to live with them will massively help in the long run. 

Everyone finds their friends in the end. But you have to take the first step. It might look a bit like this… 

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But it’s a first step regardless😊

2.) Finding friends

Finding friends in a new environment is always daunting, you’re not sure where to go or where to start finding people to talk to. It can be difficult at first, but making friends can be a huge help when it comes to your studies whether it be asking for help or finding time to relax.

As part of a study, it was found that “once at university the importance of friendship seems to be central to the student’s success" (Stuart, 2006, p.169). This shows that having solid friendships can benefit you by having a support network around you during your time at university where you may face many new challenges.

You have the option to join societies or go to events which is a great way to meet new people no matter if you live on or off campus, don’t be afraid to put yourself out there.

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3.) Discovering societies

If you haven’t looked at the societies your university offers yet, prepare to be amazed by what you may find. There aren’t societies for every niche out there, but you’d be surprised by what they may offer.

Joining societies is great for developing a sense of self, and it can really help with establishing your independence (Foubert & Grainger, 2006). If some of the societies seem intimidating in terms of member size, don’t worry about it! It’s more than likely you aren’t alone in feeling that, and it may not hurt to give at least one taster session a go. Still off-put? Keep searching! There may just be a place to call your second home.

Societies aren't a necessity but they can help make transitioning to uni that little bit easier.

And remember…

BE PATIENT!!

Transitioning to university can be difficult for everyone, many students choose to live away in an unfamiliar place and other students commuting may have difficulty attending social events.

It can feel lonely. New Government research found that 92% of students have experienced loneliness, of which 43% feared judgement for admitting this.

• Be patient with yourself and others because building strong and lasting friendships can take time.
• Step outside your comfort zone, because you never know where you’ll meet your next best friend.
• Try new things, like going to Pop and realise it’s quite bad but still go again.

Unfortunately, not every interaction will be successful but still strike up conversations with students on your course because you already have something in common. There’s no stronger bond than the students who all have to endure that one painful class (you know that 9am class).

Be okay with being by yourself.

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