Freshers’ Week can be exhausting. Especially if you’re anything like me— possessing a social battery that is quick to deplete, and slow to recharge. Since starting university last September, I’ve learned not to view my introversion as an obstacle that prevents me from being social, but simply as an indicator that I also need my alone time.Â
Creating space for yourself amidst the hectic whirlwind that is Freshers Week is an essential —and often forgotten — element of adjusting to life in St Andrews. To help make this process easier, I’ve curated a list of my favourite solo activities, things I find myself turning to when I need a minute (or more!) of calm.Â
Take a walk by the beach.Â
If you find yourself seeking a moment of tranquility, I recommend taking advantage of St Andrews’ unique proximity to the coast. There are three beaches to choose from: East, West, and Castle Sands. While East and West Sands both have expansive beaches, perfect for a thoughtful stroll, Castle Sands is my personal favorite. I love to sit amongst the jagged rocks, taking a moment by myself to think, sometimes catching up on my favourite podcast, or flipping through the pages of a book. During my first semester, I discovered that staring out into the vast ocean always helps to put things in perspective, offering the perfect place to decompress by taking a second alone.Â
Take yourself for coffee.
If you feel overwhelmed by your loaded social calendar this Freshers Week, I suggest taking yourself on a solo coffee date. While St Andrews may be small, it is certainly not short of coffee shops. Simply taking a walk around the cobbled streets and discovering your new favorite place to grab a drink before class can put a pause on the early-semester anxiety. My personal favourites are the Old Union CafĂ©, Spoiled Life (which does the best matcha!), or even a classic choice like Pret. If you’re looking for a quiet spot to recharge, I would recommend avoiding the mid-morning rush and consider going early in the morning or late in the afternoon for a cozy hot chocolate or chai latte.Â
Take a moment for exercise.Â
Something else that helps me decompress and take time for myself is exercise; I enjoy a simple yoga practice as it helps me gather my thoughts and stretch out any pent-up stress. You can find easy and relaxing routines for free on YouTube if you are new to yoga. I recommend doing whatever exercise helps you feel your best, whether that be cardio, Pilates, or taking a swim in the sea!
Take time for self-care.
My final recommendation involves taking time for self-care. Even putting aside ten minutes a day to carry out your skincare routine can help ease stress and allow you to feel more like yourself again. You can even purchase a face or hair mask to create an at-home spa experience. I also find combining self-care with meditation an effective way to reenergize my social battery, even if this involves sitting in silence for a few minutes in between Freshers Week events. Self-care activities like these have been proven to alleviate anxiety and boost your overall well-being.
I hope this list helps you create time for yourself this Freshers Week. Whether you consider yourself an introvert or not, it’s always important to find ways to be alone, especially during such eventful times. Take care!