<p>Anyone care to comment on how a slightly introverted individual could feel comfortable around all the exciting and very social experience of Yale? Is there space on this campus for someone not interested in getting drunk every weekend and will they be able to find others interested in the same?</p>
<p>The kids sort themselves out during the first year and find like-minded roomates as sophomores. There is a full spectrum of students, more than you would imagine, from kids who who are promiscuous and get drunk every week to introverts whose greatest entertainment is getting coffee with a single friend. There has always been space on campus for all based on the very small number of undergraduates who transfer out or even move off campus. Perhaps 50 kids a year change residential colleges so the kids must be finding a comfortable place even within their residential college community.</p>
<p>There are introverted drunks there, too.</p>
<p>Seriously, there are all kinds of people.</p>
<p>My freshman is not a drinker and has no interest in the party scene. He quickly and easily found friends in his res hall, and they have a great time together without getting drunk. There is no shortage of things to do on campus that don’t involve alcohol. </p>
<p>I think that the residential colleges very successfully put a mix of people together so that there’s someone for everyone. Some of the more extroverted people he hangs out with noticed some of the more quiet types in the dining hall, went over and sat with them, and now they are all friends. Socially, my son has never been happier – he is amongst his people. The friends he has made this year has been his favorite thing about Yale.</p>
<p>sahp3kids: i know you’re sincerely looking for advice but if I can point out you describe a false dichotomy. SOmehow you equate extrovert=drunken partier and introvert=the opposite. This is extremely narrow and incorrect.</p>
<p>The amount and type of socializing occurs across the spectrum and is practiced to varying degrees by all the students.</p>
<p>But to your point: a painful introvert might have troubles anywhere no? But a quieter person (the slightly introverted person you’re describing) who genuinely enjoys interaction will find many people who party to a minimum. There are many social offerings that have nothing to do w/alcohol – and these are widely enjoyed by everyone – even those who were partying the night before.</p>
<p>I was an extrovert hiding as an introvert… so you never know what you are.</p>
<p>Thank you everyone for your honest replies. One very positive about the posters on Yale’s CC forum is you all are truly active and prompt with responses. It’s terrific to see such strong supporters of the institution. And thank goodness, as a parent I can turn here to ask everyone their thoughts b/c I wouldn’t have anywhere else to start!</p>
<p>I agree that the question is a bit of black/white or all/nothing presentation when in reality the issues of partying and socializing are anything but. </p>
<p>Again, as a parent just looking for info from others. Just a fluke for us that our student had the visit experiences that they did? Not sure and just trying to flesh that out.</p>