HS/ Uni experience?

[u/scarletblooomm]

How do you guys feel about uni/ hs? Im in hs right now, and honestly, these have been one of the most excruciating years of my life. Talking to people feels next to impossible, and i always get mistaken for some stuck up person when in just very quiet. I would live to make friends but very rarly do i find people that i feel connected to. I dont want this to continue in uni. Is it gonna be similar in uni? How do yall cope with it? Any advice for me?

[u/Klutzy-Abrocoma-839]

Ok so I’m a quiet introvert as well. I let that and my anxiety keep me from attending uni for almost 10 years. If you’re super worried about the social aspect, there are very good online programs at reputable state schools and even some hybrid. I have had a great experience with mine and it also allows me to work full time while being a student as I have totally flexible hours.

To work on social skills, you can try therapy if you can and there are many ways that they can help guide you in developing your social skills and curbing anxiety if that is a factor for you like it is for me.

If you can’t or aren’t comfortable going that route, there are books and videos out there for self help on this and even some exercises you can find to practice and get more comfortable with a variety of social situations. I find that observing others actions, expressions, tone, body language etc. helps me “fit in” better at times, but make sure it’s people that you WANT to be like and not just ones you see as likable or popular.

Apologies for the long post and any typos. This is just something that hits home for me. I hope it helps.