Hi CCers! I’m a second semester freshman at a CSU. I have always had a history with anxiety, and while I rarely get panic attacks, I often get extremely anxious in social situations. The college atmosphere stresses me out–I hate when my roommates have friends over partying (we have an apartment; I have my own room,) and the thought of frat parties literally stresses me out! I have found a few friends who feel the same as me, and it’s comforting to know that I’m not the only person who prefers staying in, but I can’t help but feel like I’m going to be missing something in my college years. Everyone says it’s your chance to go wild, and all my friends seem to be having a great time, but I just can’t help but feel that I’m an old soul.
I have a great group of supportive friends, and I’m involved on campus; I have a job, and I’m potentially joining a club. Even with all my ups, I still feel weird about being a homebody! (Does that even make sense?)
I’m so confused! Does anyone else relate or have some advice for me?
I’m a sophomore who can relate a little bit to your situation. Although I have a great group of close-knit friends, I’m pretty awkward around most other people. I don’t party (nothing wrong w/that for those who enjoy it, but not necessary for those who don’t). When I look around me, it looks like everyone’s having such a great time/doing all sorts of crazy things. But guess what? Just because many people have a certain definition of fun doesn’t mean that it has to be your own. As long as you’re enjoying what you’re doing, that’s all that matters.
You’re not weird; pretty sure there’s plenty of other students in similar situations (people are pretty good at hiding these things). At the end of the day, your college experience is what you make of it. Suggestion: make a college bucket list. If there’s something you’d regret not having done once you graduate, add it to that list. Don’t include stuff that you’d think other people would want to do, but add things according to your perspective of what a great time in college looks like. 
Well, please reread your post now that you have written it. On the one hand you say “everyone says it’s your chance to go wild,” while in the same post you decribe yourself and your group of friends as not being into those stereotypical “going wild” activities, so not “everyone.” You are in college to get an education and transition into adulthood. Is all the anxiety of not living up to some fantasy stereotype college student image worth it? No. It is causing you unnecessary stress. Accept and embrace who you are and the fact that you have found like minded friends who enjoy a similar lifestyle and activities. There is plenty of room for all types at college and life in general.
Thank you, NorthernMom and Lilliana. I feel like even though I already knew that I was “normal,” I needed a little validation. It had been a long hard day!
For what its worth, I think there are a lot of students who aren’t into partying and have a quieter college lifestyle. My own daughter is a freshman and is not into partying. She and her friends pop popcorn and watch movies together in one of their rooms, go to the campus movies, play board games, go for walks, go ice skating, once in a great while go out to eat, and they are all having a great time. They are also serious students and even study on some weekend nights depending on their academic demands.
Hope your day was better today.
I agree with everyone else. Not everyone goes wild at college. Not everyone is a super extrovert who thinks 200 drunk college kids, a floor sticky with beer and deafening music is a good time. Hang out with your friends. Do what you enjoy. Explore other things your school offers for social life such as concerts, plays and movies. You are not doing college wrong, I promise.
Introverts can have fun too. Just find people with common interests and that you can connect with easily!