Freshman here and someone that’s OK with being alone at times, I like the peace and quiet and being able to do things without distraction. However, I feel like I may be going back to my dorm a lot earlier than others, usually around 6 or so this first week. My roomate is really social and usually doesn’t pop back up until 11 or 12. I don’t think I want to go that far since I’m usually trying to get sleep by 12 anyways when I have class, but am I going back to my dorm to early? I’ve been studying and then just getting some time to check social media/talk to people back home/watch stuff etc., and I’m on campus all day prior to that, have signed up for some clubs etc. so I don’t really feel socially deprived, but I don’t have a nightlife so far and just wanted to see if that’s abnormal.
You do you! I’m also an introvert and on many days, there’s nothing I enjoy more than coming back to my own room for relaxing downtime. I’d only say it’s a problem if it’s getting in the way of making friendships/relationships/connections that you want to have. It is nice to have things happening on some nights a week, which is why clubs are a good idea. So if you’re happy and fulfilled, don’t worry about what other people are doing.
I think it is more normal to have some interaction with others in your dorm in the evenings. When you walk around the halls after dinner, are others keeping their doors open because they are interested in hanging out with others who stop by? Is there a lounge where other students gather? Maybe you can find some other students who want to order a pizza.
rebeccar said it perfectly! You’re great! Enjoy yourself and be confident in your choices. I love “you do you!”
That is totally normal! It is overwhelming moving into a new environment like college where you are being bombarded with so many different personalities so I think taking time to yourself is very beneficial. It might seem like you are the only person doing the whole going back to the dorm thing early but trust me there are SO MANY other people just like yourself.
I would suggest maybe have a couple of nights where you have time to yourself and a night or two where you leave the door open for visitors or just to say hello to people passing your room. You could keep the door open for maybe 30 mins or an hour to begin with and then keep it open longer if you wish but there isn’t any pressure to do so and I think it is good to sign up for clubs.
Like CheddarcheeseMN said you will find others like yourself that enjoy quiet nights in. I like their suggestion of finding others that just wanna order pizza and chill out. Maybe once you make more connections you could invite people over for a low key movie night in your room. It will take time but in the meantime like rebeccar said “you do you” that is the best part about college is that you can do whatever you want and don’t have to worry about what others are doing.
I think it is not normal to be out that late everyday when you have class, if you ask me. Nightlife should be on weekends, but not everyday.
Your roommate may be more of an extrovert and need that time with others, while you need the time alone.
Use the time to do your homework.
Do make sure you are reaching out to socialize and make friends sometimes.
You will probably return to your room when you finish classes for the day. You could use the time after classes to relax and then study or responding to email before dinner. I find the time between the end of classes and dinner to be special because of quiet and freedom from expectations. You could do schoolwork after eating. I think it is helpful to establish a routine for school nights so you can channel your time and energy.
It seems like forever away, but midterms start in mid to somewhat later in October. You should expect that the midterm will be the first test of the semester. The final occurs right before Christmas or winter interim and maybe the second test of the term and will cover material for the second half of the course. Be prepared to earn a good percentage of points toward the final grade on these to tests. College classes are unlikely to include do overs or extra credit work. Hence, you must maintain a regular schedule doing the school week.
Some freshmen socialize at almost every opportunity until midterm and spend lots of money potentially. Panic and cramming ensue, but good grades are often elusive. The final grade rests on the paper and any assignments combined with the final. Academic problems and frustration may persist until the end of the term and may continue the next semester.
Getting your routine established helps you devote enough time to schoolwork, sleep and personal time. It also helps you find out how your energy flows through the day. Basically, you are setting up your work schedule that you will carry into adulthood. Besides, grades first semester in college are often the worst you will receive.
That’s some good recreation time to head over to the gym.
It’s college. If you want to go back to your room at 6, go back to your room at 6.
Key here is do you want a nightlife? Not do you feel like you should have one, but do you want one. If you do, yeah, probably shouldn’t stay in your room from 6pm until bedtime, but if you don’t, then by all means keep doing what you’re doing.
As a current sophomore, I totally understand you. I was really similar last year, usually staying in during the night and being out and about during the day. In some ways, I might have stayed in even more than you did. I do feel that I probably would have made the friends that I had earlier in the year if I wasn’t inside my room pretty much every night. However, this is in no way saying that having a night life is a “must”. Believe it or not, many students, especially introverts, will spend most of their nights in their rooms, and that’s perfectly fine! If you don’t feel like you’re missing out on anything, then just keep being you.
Here’s a quick tip that I wish someone had told during the beginning of freshman year: If you want to socialize and make friends but not be out partying the night away, you can just hang out in the common room on your floor on school nights. Many people (at least during my freshman year) will go out to the common room to hang out with friends while doing their HW on school nights. It’ll help you get to know others who are on your floor/in your building, make more friends (if you feel the need to), and best of all, if it gets too loud or you don’t want to hang out with them anymore or whatever, you can easily just take a walk down the hall/up the stairs and you’ll be back in your own room.