Are introverts at a disadvantage at university?

Introverts are commonly considered to be at a disadvantage to extroverts. With less social battery and a general dislike for small talk, they are much less likely to go out and find opportunity for themselves than their more congenial counterparts. But what skills can introverts hold over extroverts in day-to-day life, and does this counterbalance what has been previously assumed about them?

It could be argued that introverts are at a severe disadvantage when it comes to their social life. While extroverts thrive within most social scenes and enjoy conversation in their free time, introverts find themselves tired and needing time alone in order to ‘recharge’. Introverts also tend to value deeper conversation over small talk, meaning that they tend to surround themselves with less events and support. This tends to result in more loneliness and unhappiness at university, which can be extremely lonely if plans aren’t made to socialise. Contrary to popular opinion, introverts do enjoy socialising at times, and having less options in which to converse can actually affect both their confidence and their relationships with others. 

However, while extroverts are more likely to act before they think and make rash decisions, the logical introvert calculates their moves and are therefore able to achieve their goals quicker. Scientific research has also concluded that overall, introverts are more intelligent than extroverts and also tend to have closer (albeit often less) friendships. Feeling closer to the ones you love adds to general happiness and contentment in life, and highlights that having less close friends can actually benefit mentally. Introverts also have an impressive personal drive that extroverts often lack - which can actually be very beneficial for university, where most work is individual. 

Despite common opinion, introverts have just as much advantage as extroverts. Although their social life tends to be more lacking, their intelligence and levelled view of the future allows them to plan ahead and achieve personal goals. Whether it be introverts or extroverts, there are elements of university which are difficult for everyone; it’s up to us to recognise how to use our strengths and differences to solve them.