<p>Hi,
The thing is I'm pretty socially awkward. I mean, I can be nice and have a few friends and all, but when it comes to forging a friendship I'm awful at it, mainly because I'm very shy and socially anxious. UMD is a school I am considering and I've heard there are lots of parties. I know every college will have its parties and that I'd have to interact with people at any of them, I just DON'T want to be pressured into be outgoing. The less noticeable I am, the better. So is UMD a good fit for me? Or should I look elsewhere?
I was thinking that maybe there would be less chance for socialization (I know it sounds awful that I don't want to socialize, but that's just who I am) if I commuted from DC. I'd love to live in DC. I would also like to live on campus because it would be much more convenient, I'm just worried I'll be pressured into making a lot of friends and talking to a lot of people, and that people at dorms are going to have parties and leave their doors open and be best friends and all
Thank you. </p>
<p>I think you’ll all sorts of kids at UMD. Some who like to party and some who don’t. It’s a large school with room for all types. My D is going there in the fall (Honors College), and while she is sociable, she is hardly a party animal. You should be able to find like minded students as yourself. Have you visited UMD yet? Go for a visit and see what you think. talk to current students. Good Luck.</p>
<p>With such a big school, you’ll find kids exactly like that. I’d recommend you still live on campus. (Tbh, also look at George Washington–it sounds like you may fit in well there.)</p>
<p>I think u should consider Capella Univ. its an online school and decent. U don’t have to have any personal relationships at all. Might be the most comfortable for you. </p>
<p>I was a pretty socially awkward 18 y/o when I entered UMD 25 years ago. But I was amazed on the first day how easy it was to make friends, even for someone like me, in the dorms. College students tend to be very welcoming and eager to make friends. If you think it will be an extension of high school, that is incorrect. College students are much more mature and accepting. </p>
<p>You will definitely find others will similar personalities. And you can socialize as much or little as you want. But I strongly suggest you make an effort to join in with those who live near your dorm room, because you will get to know them and feel comfortable around them simply by going with them to the dining hall, bookstore, etc. Time together will breed a comfort level. Then your fear of social situations will diminish. You will not be the same person in 2 or 4 years. You will gain confidence and grow as a person.</p>
<p>There are also medications available today that will ease your social anxiety with minimal side effects. It’s not hard to get a prescription - about 1 in 5 Americans take them today. Probably many of them shouldn’t but for someone with your anxiety level, it is worth talking to a doctor.</p>