Building Confidence at University

A little known fact about me is that I’m a complete introvert; although I do need and want to be around people I get my energy from being alone, and doing my own thing. However, at university, alone time can be in short supply, and can often feel overwhelming if you don’t feel particularly confident.

It would be incorrect to say I’m completely confident. I still struggle around new people and different situations, but considering the things I have done, taken on my second year as course rep, chaired Student Staff Committees, helped out on open days, and potentially my proudest thing, worked at Walt Disney World this summer just gone, I have found some ways to feel more confident. So I just wanted to share a few things to think about, to maybe start building your confidence at university.

1.You Deserve to Succeed:

A lot of confidence building comes down to positive thinking; reflecting on how far you’ve come can certainly help with this. You’ve worked incredibly hard to get to university, it’s important to have a little faith in not only your academic ability but also your ability to overcome difficult situations. You deserve to succeed in what your doing, and the fact you’ve made it this far proves you are capable of doing it.

2.In the Same Boat:

A lot of people struggle with confidence, whether young or old, so don’t be surprised if people don’t immediately strike up conversations with you. Often talking first can make you feel confident and make another person feel more at ease that someone else has started the conversation. I won’t deny that this is not my forte, but I am working on it, and for the most part it does make me feel better about myself that I’ve pushed myself.

3.Fake It ‘Til You Make It:

Potentially the biggest cliche in the self help book, but it’s true! Even if you just think about making sure you smile a little more, or stand a little taller, it really can contribute to the way you feel. Eventually things that you initially had to think about will become habit, and that’s the best way to go about it; repetition is so important!

I’m no expert, but to me the key to confidence is to do it at your own pace, to push yourself but not put yourself in a position you do not think you can cope with. Don’t be afraid to ask a friend to come along to something new with you, or simply ask to do something that will make an experience easier for you. There’s still so many things that I’m not able to do, but I accept that and think it’s okay, I’m building confidence and maybe I’ll get there someday.

Take Care Everyone, I’ll Speak to You All Soon!