Sure, no one likes group work. But is your aversion to group work something more than just distaste? Does the thought of presenting in front of your class make you weak at the knees? Does the prospect of icebreakers leave you contemplating pulling a sickie? Does the mere idea of having to find someone to sit next to on your first day of semester make you think of dropping out and doing your degree online? You may just be an introvert.

Researchers have estimated that anywhere from 25 to 50 per cent of the population are introverted. Yet according to Susan Cain, author of Quiet: The Power Of Introverts In A World That Can’t Stop Talking, introverts are being raised in a world where social structures – including our education institutions – are focused on nurturing the extroverted.

But seeing as collaboration is the buzzword of the classroom, how do you deal with uni when you’d much prefer to be alone?

When It Comes To Friends, It’s Quality Over Quantity

Uni is synonymous with meeting new people and making a bunch of friends. Other people may be posting photos all over Instagram of their huge friend groups, partaking in the latest campus party or student night out. However, it’s important to remember that meaningful friendships will always outweigh a whole bunch of fake friends.

Don’t believe the FOMO. If you’ve got a few close friends at uni, you’re doing just fine.

Listen To What Your Body Tells You

So you’re facing a jam-packed schedule with uni assignments, work shifts, day activities and night celebrations. Everyone around you is excited for their week ahead, but there’s honestly some social events you’d rather skip out on and read a book instead.

As Susan Cain explains in her novel, introversion and extroversion isn’t about being shy or outgoing; it’s about how you respond to external stimulation. Introverts need to take breaks from life because they have physical responses to too much stimulation, like a lowered immune response and fatigue.

Listen to when your body is telling you to take a break and stay in instead. You’ll thank yourself the next day. 

Preparation Is Key

Starting a new class? Joining a new group? There’ll be unfamiliar faces and dreaded icebreakers.

In order not to panic, suss out the location in advance and catch the bus that arrives 10 minutes earlier. Think of a few interesting facts about your life that can fit typical introduction exercises. That way you can avoid feeling flustered on the spot. Getting to class five minutes early means you can also have more freedom to choose a seat that feels comfortable for you, i.e. not right near the teacher so they don’t call on you to answer questions.

Challenge Yourself A Little

In saying this, it’s important to push yourself to try at least a few new things and challenge yourself.

University is a whole new life and you might end up joining a club or learning a new skill that’s right up your alley. You won’t know until you try. You don’t want to leave your university days with regrets that you didn’t explore something new.

It’s OK To Say No

At the end of the day, you won’t like everyone and everything. Everyone focuses on uni days being a time to say ‘yes’ – especially if you live on campus – but you shouldn’t feel bad for saying no.

Remember, it’s your introversion that means it’s OK to have a little more Netflix and staying in.

Grace Potter studies Communications & Media at the University of Wollongong and is an avid fan of Harry Potter and coffee.

(Lead image: Daria/MTV)