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Settling into my first College Dorm room was the most terrifying experience ever, and it wasn't because I was afraid of the campus food, the big city, the homework, or even my new roommate. I was scared because I'm an introvert.

That doesn't mean I'm a 100-year-old librarian with tiny glasses perched on the end of my nose with a penchant for hissing, "Shh." Nor does it mean that I stare at a computer screen in a dark room all by myself for weeks on end playing games with lots of blood and explosions, only acknowledging people with grunting sounds when spoken to. I hate computer games, but I love to talk. I've even been described as bubbly. And while I do love books, I also happen to enjoy lots of loud noise almost all the time.


What is it then? Being an introvert simply means I derive strength from being alone. If I don't have "me" time nearly every day, I'm easily angered, stressed, and worn out. Having such solace gives me a chance to process the day's events in my journal. Time alone also helps me reconnect with who I am. Then I'm ready to spend time with my friends. But this can be tricky in college, mainly because there are so many people around.

I grew up in northern, rural Minnesota, and I had my own room. When I went to Bethel College (St. Paul, MN), however, I shared a room half the size of my room back home. And, even though I loved my roommate, she slept all day and was up until about four every morning. This made spending time alone in my room next to impossible, and it made my interaction with her difficult -- until I realized the cause of my tension. I saw that if I didn't get some quiet time on my own, my roommate and I would be enemies by fall break.

If you're an introvert, too, you know exactly what I mean. Your relationships suffer when you don't take time out for yourself, which can be difficult in college. Here's how you can take care of your needs as an introvert and still have friends:

1. Try the laundry room. This location may surprise you, but very few college students do laundry until they absolutely have to. Usually Saturday afternoon is crunch time for the laundry room, so try going there in the middle of the week. These spaces, usually in your own dorm, are warm and safe, providing you with an area to be alone without leaving your home.

2. Get up early. I used to stay up very late in high school, and that would be my time alone. When I got to college, I soon realized staying up late wouldn't work. A lot of people are night owls, especially in dorms, so I had to become an early riser. Getting an early start lets you choose where you'd like to spend time, because very few students are up early for any reason except class.

3. Have breakfast on Saturday. Even fewer students are up early on Saturdays, so this is the best time to be alone. Get to the Cafeteria as soon as they start serving breakfast, bring your journal or headphones, find a nice corner table, and just chill.

4. Take a walk. Be sure to do this in the daylight, and choose a safe area. Walking can be a great way to be alone, even when there are other people around -- just be sure not to walk anywhere too secluded.

5. Find the music department's practice rooms. Sometimes these rooms are reserved specifically for music majors, so make sure your music department doesn't mind if non-music students use the rooms, and sign up for a time slot. These sound-proof areas are great for reflecting.

6. Find out if your library has an accessible basement or archive, and if so, check it out. These spaces often provide comfortable tables and chairs as well as interesting pictures or old books. They are generally not very busy because most people use newer books for their research purposes.

7. Eat dinner early. Within the first week, you will know when the dining hall rush happens. Avoid it occasionally since time spent in line isn't necessarily time well spent if you're an introvert. If you're having a particularly difficult day, head to the dining hall a half hour before crunch time.

8. If you have a car, use it. Go for a drive. Explore new territory. The best time to do this is on a Sunday morning. Fewer cars are on the road, so it's safe as long as your car is reliable. This can be a great way to get to know your surroundings and spend time alone all at once.

9. Find an out-of-the-way hallway. Every building has one or two hallways that very few people use. Sometimes these halls even have lounges or chairs, but if not, try sitting on the floor and flip through your fave magazine or class notes.

10. Learn to be alone in a crowd. Despite your best efforts, the odds of ever being completely alone in a room on a regular basis are slim. Try going to a mall on the other side of town where no one knows you. Take a load off at a bench in the mall and watch people go past you. Grocery shop without your friends. Do homework on another college's campus.

You've heard it said that being in the right place at the right time is valuable. Well, that's true for spending time alone as well. Figure out where everyone else is during the time of day you feel the urge to be alone, and make it a point not to be there. When you've had some time away from the group, come back refreshed and ready to have fun with friends!

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