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The introvert’s guide to starting university.

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For some, the introductory games, guided tours, and name rounds at the start of university are a huge party, while for others, it’s a challenge where you’d rather hide under the duvet and show up later in the year when things have settled down. However, you can actually use your introverted nature as a strength.

Table of contents

The first meetings are the hardest
Is introvert vs. extrovert just a buzzword?
Are you an introvert? Here are the typical signs
Adapt and leverage your introverted nature
Quick guide to starting university
DTU has become more aware

If you feel most comfortable in your own company, where the thought of standing in a circle and reciting 23 names including a fun fact about yourself makes you break out in a sweat, then starting university can be anything but the great experience you’ve been promised. However, there’s no reason you can’t have a good start to university, even though it often seems that icebreaker activities are designed on extroverts’ terms. That’s why we have a little guide for you, which can help you work with your strengths, stand by your preferences, and take things at your own pace while getting to know your fellow students and lecturers.

Your ppcoming daily life

The first meetings are the hardest

Starting higher education is a huge experience. You can now look forward to delving into a highly specialized field and spending time on subjects you have chosen yourself. But if you belong to the part of the population that identifies as introverted, the initial period at university can present significant challenges. Fortunately, universities and advisors are very aware that we all encounter new daily lives in different ways and do a lot to ensure there is room for all experiences.

When you are very introverted, it can be extremely overwhelming to meet so many people and become part of the university environment. And for the extroverts, it’s a party. They love it, and then there are all those in between, says

Heidi Berggren Brønddal Pedersen, Chief Consultant and Team Leader at the Student Guidance Office at DTU.

Considering skipping the start of your studies?

Did you know...

Is introvert vs. extrovert just a buzzword?

In short, yes, it has become a buzzword in today’s understanding. It often becomes a box that can define many of the interactions you have. But just like being a morning or night person, preferring an introverted or extroverted approach to daily life doesn’t have to exclude you from participating in social contexts. It’s often a question of what you define as your primary preference when meeting new people, dealing with new areas or topics, etc. You can use your preference as a strength rather than seeing it as a disadvantage or hindrance.

Looking at studies that analyze data from personality tests across cultures and countries, the results show that somewhere between 30-50% of the populations identify as introverts. So, it’s completely normal if you recognize the feeling of being completely drained after a festival. Despite your preference, you chose to participate, but it’s not just the alcohol and minimal sleep that make you exhausted. If you’re introverted, it can certainly also affect your energy levels that you’ve been around many people in a noisy environment for several days in a row.

Just to clarify, being introverted is not a diagnosis. The differences between being extroverted and introverted depend on how sensitive your brain is to dopamine. Extroverts have a lower tolerance for dopamine and will therefore seek social interaction, visual stimuli, and other things to make them happy and satisfied. Introverts, on the other hand, don’t need a large dose of dopamine to experience the same amount of joy and satisfaction.

The best way to prepare for an exam

Fact box

Are you introverted? Here are the typical signs

Recharges alone

Introverts gain energy by spending time alone. Social interaction can be very draining, and you need time alone to recharge.

Prefers small groups

You often feel more comfortable and relaxed in small groups rather than large social gatherings.

Thinks before speaking

Introverts typically think carefully about what they want to say before speaking. You may therefore come across as quieter, more reserved, or shy.

Deep conversations

You often prefer deep and meaningful conversations over small talk and superficial interactions.

Independence

Introverts often work best alone or in small groups. You are typically very independent and can concentrate deeply on your tasks without the need to include others.

Thinkers

Introverts tend to be analytical and reflective, making you skilled at planning and analyzing complex issues.

Sensitivity to stimuli

Introverts can be more sensitive to external stimuli, such as noise and light. So, a crowded canteen with fluorescent lights and lots of chatter can be overwhelming.

Limited need for stimulation

Introverts do not have the same need for stimulation as extroverts and are most comfortable with quieter activities in calm environments.

Adapt

Leverage your introverted nature

The new environment, the many people, and the demands for social interaction can seem overwhelming. But with the right strategies, you can navigate this transition in a way that promotes both your well-being and academic success. We have gathered a range of good tips and strategies that you can use to navigate the early days of university (and other new situations).

Quick guide to starting university

1. Prepare mentally before starting

Understand that it’s okay to feel overwhelmed at first. Accept your feelings and give yourself time to adjust.

2. Research

Read about your course and university in advance. Find out where the quiet areas are, such as libraries or study rooms, where you can retreat when you need peace.

3. Choose activities carefully

Intro week can be overwhelming with many social activities. Choose the events that interest you the most and allow yourself to skip some if you need a break.

4. Small steps

Set small goals for yourself. For example, introduce yourself to one or two new people a day. This can be less intimidating than trying to meet many people at once.

5. Depth over breath

Focus on creating a few deep relationships rather than knowing many people on a superficial level. Find fellow students with common interests.

6. Listen and observe

Introverts often have good listening skills. Use this to your advantage by listening to others and observing the dynamics in social situations before participating actively.

7. Find like-minded people

Join clubs and societies that match your interests. It’s a good way to meet people in a less intense setting.

8. Structure and planning

Create a fixed study schedule and stick to it. Structure can provide you with calm and predictability.

9. Your own pace

Do things at times when you feel most energetic and focused. Many introverts work best alone and at their own pace.

10. Prioritize alone time

Ensure you have time alone to recharge. Plan breaks between lectures and social activities.

11. Self-care

Do things that help you relax and feel good. Read a book, take a walk, or something else entirely.

12. Set boundaries

It’s important to be able to say no to social events if you feel overwhelmed. People will often understand if you communicate your needs honestly.

13. Talk to your advisor

Your academic advisor can provide advice and support if you feel overwhelmed.

14. Use counseling services

Many universities offer psychological counseling and support. It can be a good resource if you feel stressed or have anxiety-like symptoms.

15. Create a support group

Find other students who may also be introverted or have similar challenges. Together, you can support each other when things get too overwhelming.

Life outside of studies

DTU has become more aware

The Technical University of Denmark has changed the start of the academic year for new students. They recognized that only about half of the students participated in the introductory trips, which primarily catered to extroverted types. Therefore, they have created a new start to the academic year, replacing social games often accompanied by alcohol with study days on campus.

According to the advisor, students meet from 9 AM to 3 PM and are only with those who have chosen the same field of study. You could say it is more focused on the academic direction, where you can also meet your study group, program leader, and lecturers.

The start of the academic year varies from institution to institution, so the focus on the differences between introverted and extroverted personality types may not be the same across the country.

However, at the Polytechnical Association, the student organization at DTU, they focus on the different personality types.

We don’t want students to be unnecessarily challenged, but first and foremost, we believe it’s important to attend the various events. We do what we can to organize different activities at the beginning, where we divide the students into smaller groups. Additionally, students can choose to get involved in various committees, such as the party committee or the student association, for example.

Polytechnical Association

Whether you’re eager to meet as many people as possible or prefer to approach social activities with some distance, we hope you have a great start to university. Remember, you can always call advisors from IDA if you have questions about work and student life.

Navigate the (unwritten) rules of your new study

If you found this article insightful for starting your studies, you might find more inspiration in other content like the following:

How to get off to a good start in your studies

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Success without grand gestures 2/2

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