Thousands of introverts flock to college every year. And for many, it’s the perfect place to find the balance between individual pursuit and a supportive community. At the University of Montana, in particular, introverts flourish in our mountain environment.
Maybe it’s the miles of Rocky Mountain landscape to explore, or our stately campus stationed below Mount Sentinel and next to the Clark Fork River, but UM introverts have the room to think and find space of their own.
Scroll below for our Introvert’s Guide to UM:
To study alone, or not to study alone? Whether you like being around others to feel not-so-alone or finding a hidey hole, there’s a place to study on campus! From the quiet labyrinthine library to the bustling UC, you can find your special study spot!
At UM, students are dining by themselves all the time! Being a single diner shouldn’t deter you from enjoying the delicious selections at The Lodge. Bring your study stuff, a comfort show to watch, or headphones to listen to music while you eat. We promise you won’t stand out by eating alone.
It's a big step to push yourself out of your comfort zone. Though scary, it's a great way to make friends and enjoy new experiences. One way you can step outside your comfort zone is by joining a UM club. Joining can be a great way to meet likeminded people. It's also an easy way to immerse yourself into a community that meets on a regular basis.
Nestled in a mountain playground, UM boasts walking trails, beautiful hikes and other outdoorsy niches. You can rent gear here on campus and go cross country skiing, or grab a bike and go for a ride. Even if you’re alone, it’s hard to feel lonely amidst Montana’s natural wonderland.
Do you have a new roomie? Whether a friend or stranger, it’s best to establish boundaries and learn how to live with others. This is especially true when you are someone who recharges through alone time.
Quality over quantity? You’ve heard that, right? Yeah, us introverts feel more comfortable when we have quality interactions and friends. Making those friends in the first place, though, can be daunting. Once again, you have to put yourself out there. But fear not my introverted friends- we also have a guide for that!
Read More: How to Make Friends at UM | University of Montana
Events are year-round at UM! Whether you prefer Mansfield Lectures or competitive game nights, we’ve got you covered. Take a look at all the happenings over on Griz Hub and head there solo. Whether you meet people or not, practicing independence is a great way to see you don’t need to be with friends to have fun!
Dreaded as it is, public speaking is inevitable at some point in college. To prepare, UM’s Writing and Speaking Center can help you through the entire process. Practicing in front of friends, family, or yourself in a mirror is useful as well. You won’t have to present in all classes, but when you do, practicing can help you feel more prepared.
Professors teach, but they are also there to help! As an introvert, feeling comfy in class makes it easier to be there. Make sure to meet with your professors during office hours. After that initial meeting, going to your professor for help is easy. They want you to succeed and are there for YOU, so reach out when you need to!
Read More: Advice I’d Give My Freshman Self
Fellow introverts understand the need to have ‘me time’. Everyone recharges their social battery differently, but a defining characteristic of an introvert is the need for some space to take stock and catch a breath. We encourage this on campus, and while you’re recharging, it’s worth reading about all the ways UM caters to your eight dimensions of wellbeing.