If there has been one constant in my life over the past 19 years, it has been my tendency toward introversion. FOMO? Never heard of it. I have FOGO (fear of going out), and it’s a blessing and a curse.
Of course, I am exaggerating my condition. There is almost nothing I love more than spending time with my wonderful friends (except maybe hanging out by myself). If I asked a group of my friends and family, they would probably be quick to describe me as outgoing, energetic, and social, and yet, I am still an introvert. Why? Because I need a break from all of that. Like desperately. The only way to restore my social battery is to spend time alone. And if you are reading this thinking “That’s me!!” then you are in the right place because in this space, I’m going to give my best advice for introverts and talk about all things introverted @ ND!
1. Find People Who Don’t Take Up Your Social Battery.
People at Notre Dame are some of the kindest, coolest, most intelligent people you will ever meet. This is why I am confident you will be able to find people here who do not drain your social battery. Some of the people we love most in life are so full of energy that they can physically drain us, and that is awesome. But, believe me when I tell you that there are also plenty of people on this campus who want to sit and watch a movie with you on a Friday night just to recharge. This brings me to my next point…
2. Get Comfortable Being a Little Uncomfortable.
If you are reading this as an incoming freshman/applicant, first of all, I am happy to have you here! I previously claimed that you can be both outgoing and introverted, and that is so true. But, speaking introvert to introvert, I know it can be easier to lock yourself in your room alone after a long day. As freshmen at the beginning of your time here, I recommend putting yourself out there as much as possible. Trust me, you will find people who understand you - but to do that, you have to find people. Go to Welcome Weekend events, participate in group dining hall excursions, and get involved in activities from the beginning in order to find those people who are excited about microwave popcorn and a movie on a Friday night.
3. Make Your Space YOURS!
If, like me, being introverted means you enjoy spending a lot of time in your own space and taking time for yourself, then making the space your own is a must. I will not lie to you, my room at Notre Dame is not large. Yet, my
roommate and I have made it homey, with relatively inexpensive accent lighting, and pictures of all of our lovely extroverted friends. I love it because these touches make our room uniquely ours. Make your space liveable, and you will quickly find that being introverted at Notre Dame can be very fun.
4. Set Social Goals
I have found that because the hectic nature of college life can be very isolating, it is necessary, even for me as an introvert, to spend time around other people. This is why each week, I give myself a social goal. That goal can be spending time at club or organization meetings, getting dining hall lunches or dinners with friends, or studying with others in a group (it doesn’t just have to be going out with friends). This way, I know that I am interacting with my friends and engaging with my clubs and activities in a meaningful way. This allows me to show others that they are a priority in my life.
5. Schedule Non-Negotiable Time for Yourself
Just like it is important to set social goals for yourself, it is also important to schedule non-negotiable time for you. Academic life at Notre Dame can quickly become overwhelming, and when you add activities, clubs, sports, and all the many other things Notre Dame students are involved in, the stress can easily grow. This goes for everyone, not just introverts. However, it is particularly important as introverts to take time to recharge our social and emotional batteries so that we are able to do our best. Personally, during my first year, I completely blocked off most Thursday nights and dubbed them “self-care nights,” during which I would watch a movie of my choice, put on a face mask, make myself a snack, and completely turn off my work brain. I know this sounds basic, but truly, Thursday self-care nights gave me something to look forward to and time that was just for me.
6. Be Yourself!
As I said, there are so many incredible people on Notre Dame’s campus. You are bound to find people who match your energy and appreciate you for who you are. So, be yourself. Get comfortable with the uncomfortable, but do not force yourself into situations you do not feel good about. Take time for yourself, find people who both take you out of your comfort zone and meet you in it, and remember that being your own best friend is not overrated!