Lockdown: 4 things every introverted university student can relate to

07 Apr 2020

Even if you’ve been living under a rock, chances are, you’re fully aware about the current pandemic that’s scaring everyone out of their wits.

It’s probably all over your social media feed – people are losing their jobs, there are talks about a recession, people are panic buying and universities are closing or shifting online as the coronavirus outbreak spreads to more cities around the world.

But without dismissing the seriousness of the situation, let’s take a few minutes out of our day to look at some of the lighthearted side of the current situation.

Specifically – how some introverts at university may be thriving under these unprecedented times. Who, unlike the rest of us, are not-so-secretly enjoying a world that no longer equates success with performing and being extroverted, but where one-third of humanity is under a stay-at-home order and more than 800 million students worldwide are affected.

Here are four reasons why your introverted university friends seem happier than usual these days:

Social distancing

Don’t come near me. Source: Mario Tama/Getty Images North America/AFP

Physical proximity is not everyone’s cup of tea – for introverts, a lack of physical space can drive one over the edge.

Which is why the call from health officials to practice social distancing (or physical distancing) is a major win for introverts who love – and need – their personal space.

Less face-to-face communication

If your country of residence has a stay-at-home order, you have a valid reason not to have any face-to-face communication with others outside your home, apart from the food or grocery delivery person.

This gives you the power to choose your preferred mode of communication, like WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger, when keeping in touch with friends and family, should you choose to do so *insert evil grin*.

Phone calls? Adieu!

Zero parties or large social gatherings

Introverts tend to be more at ease without company compared to their extroverted counterparts. Source: Zak Bennett/AFP

It’s not that all introverts hate parties or mingling with others – they just have a limited capacity for social outings or have a preference for a tight-knit group of friends.

With a stay-at-home order or lockdown in place, this means no parties or large gatherings are allowed, relieving you of the task of coming up with a reason for skipping a social outing.

Hardly a sacrifice for introverted souls.

Studying solo

Depending on your preferences, having your classes cancelled or shifted online during this period is glorious for introverted students who love the freedom of learning online at home, without the presence of other students.

To boot, it’s amazing how much more time you have when you no longer commute to university daily, which translates to more sleep!