Social anxiety whilst at university?

Has anyone had social anxiety whilst being at university? Were you able to make friends or did you find the social situation and emphasis on socialising with your peers made it harder?


I have passed my first year of uni but I am dreading going back in October as I have social anxiety and the friends I made at the start clearly think my introvert nature is because I am boring and quiet-when in fact I have just not been able to be myself with them because of this problem.


My problems are getting worse if anything and I dont know if I can face continuing university.

Social anxiety whilst at university?
you sound like a good egg and its brave of you to post this question





if i were you i would tell your friends about your social anxiety





true friends will stick by you





the ones who dont arent worth knowing





also, contact student support services - they will be able to advise you best





maybe a group or counselling will help you to continue your studies





also let your personal tutor know - people can help you best when they have all the facts





good luck
Reply:You must calm your self,forget about it,deal with the situation when it arrives,you are stewing on the thought and its making your anxiety stronger,enjoy and relax with the time before now and then,you will burn your self out if you don't recharge,and besides i bet most are having the same problem,be strong at the time and go do it,good luck.
Reply:uni is a strange time for many people its like going back to school,





just dont try too hard to fit in be yourself and have fun...





oh and have a star!! :) im so nice to people lol.
Reply:You sound like a nice person and don't let any one change you. I empathise with you, as I'm a mature student. The first few months I felt like an odd one out, as every one seem to be a lot younger than me.





Just give it time and you will soon meet friends whom you will be in the same wavelength with.





The other way of making friends is to join in some none academic activities. That may enable you to meet other students who are in a different course or modules from yours.
Reply:Perhaps you are just trying too hard to fit in. I had similar expierences while I was in college and in early adulthood but I soon realized that I can only be myself and so I gravitated to people I could relate to. I'm sure there are more low keyed people at your university so be patient and you will find your place at school and life and in the process you will blossom into a wonderful outgoing person.
Reply:there are some great self help books out there they really do help
Reply:Please do not fall into that trap of words or thinking of yourself as boring, that usually means the group wants more of you than you should be willing to give away. Focus on your reason for the education, you will use your education more often than an available persons opinion.
Reply:I've never been to university but I do have social anxiety like yourself. I have spent most of my life assuming I can't do things and will fail or cause myself a nervous breakdown trying. The reality is that just like anyone else, we can do anything we put our minds to if we just take things one day at a time. Stop anticipating and just hang on in there, the same as I am doing and ultimately you will make it in the end.