Introverts studying History at University: you can ‘do the thing’

Guest Post | Claire Turner

Extroverts roll their eyes when introverts tell them ‘they have it easy’. But, when it comes to things like university, they potentially do. There often seems to be this intangible divide between the ‘confident’ and ‘outgoing’ students versus the ‘shy’ and ‘reserved’ students. I am an extrovert in most cases. I always tell myself: if I am not confident in myself, then who else is going to believe in me? But for subjects like history, it is often more difficult for introverted students to get by. The sad fact of the matter is that, in essay-based subjects, you regularly have to verbally articulate an argument before it fully makes sense. You have to discuss ideas in seminars in order to fully understand their meaning. You have to ask questions (and answer them too!). And now I have successfully created a nightmare scenario for those lovely students, wonderfully shy and reserved, who want to do nothing more than study history (or anything else!)

Fear not, for university is not a place where you are encouraged to ‘talk all the time’ and ‘be more confident than is actually true’. Despite not being an introvert myself, I have found many ways to overcome problems with confidence and social anxieties that others might experience (particularly when studying an Arts course). First things first, ignore anything by The Tab. If you’re interested in ‘how these people lost their virginity’ or ‘how to be an alcoholic on £0.00’ or ‘how to judge people based on their outfits’, then go ahead. The Tab also released an article within the last year, stating that introverted students ‘shouldn’t bother attending seminars if they aren’t going to speak – you’re ruining it for the rest of us’. ARE YOU KIDDING ME? FOR REAL? It has to be said, some lecturers do make the statement ‘if you like to listen in seminars and not talk, that is also fine’. We need to become more reasonable when it comes to students who are more reserved about sharing their ideas. Ignore The Tab guys, we don’t stigmatise people based on their contributions.

So then there is the problem of introverted students having said little in seminars and understanding little as a result. I must stress, this is not always the case. However, if you do find yourself struggling to understand something, there are two things you can do about this:

1)    Be brave! Seminars are not for exposing the intelligent from the brainless. Ideas are thrown around and (especially in history) the level of interpretation is soaring. Nothing is the ‘wrong’ answer.

2)    Make the most of what you are paying for. Office hours are crucial when you don’t understand something. Like I said, articulating your argument verbally is fundamental. Speaking to staff on their own, rather than in front of fellow students, can be easier for people who feel like they are being persistently ‘judged’. And, if you’re really struggling to find the confidence to talk to someone, tell your dog / cat / cute small furry pet your argument (ok, admittedly more difficult if you live in accommodation). Talking out loud about your argument to anything (person or pet) can help you understand it better – and you might even find yourself contributing more in the future!

I have heard, in the past, that introverted students tend to think that students who contribute more know more about the subject. In some cases, confidence levels distort an individual’s perception, making them believe that they know less than their friends and fellow students. Alternatively, the people contributing more are actually just being lame. If you go to university having studied medieval history at college, then pick something else for a change. (If you love medieval history and took it at university, please don’t hate me). You build a better experience for yourself if you experiment and endeavour into different areas of study, regardless of whether you are introverted or extroverted. Students who sit and openly express that they’re ‘doing it because they did it at A-Level’ are living their lives on repeat. They aren’t any better at the subject than you, they’re just reliving the same thing over and over.

And finally, to all the introverts who prefer not to speak in seminars, prefer not to spend every night out in town, and prefer not to read The Tab (my favourite people), you’re doing the right thing. There is no ‘how to do university’ guide. You make your own experience from it. Remember not to let anyone tell you that you’re wasting your money (that £9k a year, I cry) purely because you don’t contribute as much as others. In the end, if you find your own alternatives (be it telling the dog your ideas or pushing yourself to speak more in class), you’re making the most of everything you’ve been given. 

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Twitter: @claire_oturner