College is just one long social interaction. It’s challenging to find alone time in college, especially if you live in a dorm, and no matter how much you love your friends or your roommate it’s important to still have time to yourself. Some of us thrive off of alone time more than others and college has proven to be a struggle for those of us who physically need to be alone to stay sane. However, there are a few things you can do to give yourself alone time even if it’s just for a few moments of complete solitude.
1. Embrace eating alone
One thing I never thought I’d enjoy doing is eating alone. It seems intimidating the first few times you do it, especially in the more populated areas of campus, but it’s completely acceptable. I don’t like to do it that often, but when I’m just grabbing a bite to eat in between classes, eating alone is reviving.
2. Embrace walking alone
There’s nothing better than being stressed out and going for a walk while listening to music. No one can talk to you when you have headphones in and if you have resting b*tch face like me, no one will even acknowledge your existence. It’s nice to be in your own little world for the extension of your walk from one part of campus to the other.
3. If you go to the gym, try going alone every now and then
I’m a huge supporter of gym buddies to help motivate you and keep you on track with your goals but every once in a while working out alone is therapeutic. It gives you the opportunity to go and put your work in on your own terms and for your desired length of time.
4. Go to the library by yourself
It’s obviously more fun to go to the library with others but you will get so much more work done if you go to the library by yourself. The quieter floors are perfect for sticking to yourself and being productive without the sound of other people in your ear.
5. Unplug yourself
When you do have a break from social interaction, unplug yourself from ALL social interactions. This means putting your phone and laptop away even if it’s just for a few minutes. You need some time during the day to just exist and not have any obligations to others.