An Introvert's Guide To Blossoming At University

By Chong Ka Yee

When I first started university as an international student, I was apprehensive that I would be able to enjoy my student life as I wasn't too confident about speaking English with my new friends as it wasn't my first language. To add to that, I was an introvert by nature.

However, that all changed when I decided to step out of my comfort zone to get to know more people. Since then, university has become a very fulfilling and enriching experience thus far. So to my fellow introverts who are struggling to adapt to university life, I hope you will be able to draw inspiration from some of my personal experiences that helped me overcome my fears so that you'll be able to seize the opportunities ahead of you!

#Be Part Of A Club
You've probably already heard how joining a student club will be a meaningful experience for you- trust me, it's not all hearsay as I can truly vouch for that! With SIM being home to students of many nationalities, we have several international clubs such as the Chinese National Network, International Multicultural Mix as well as the Indonesian, Malaysian Myanmar and Vietnamese Communities. This is a great opportunity to get acquainted with friends from your home countries if you are an international student. Hence, I chose to join the Malaysian Community to get to know more people from my home country.

As I started participating in activities such as the MCSIM (Malaysian Community in SIM) orientation party and camp gatherings, I got to know like-minded friends that made feel at home. By making friends through this Club, I was also able to grow in confidence and expand my social support network. These experiences paved the way for me to come out of my shell and to know more people of various nationalities as well. Something that I kept telling myself was to never be afraid to try new things and to meet new people. As I thoroughly enjoyed MCSIM activities, I eventually took up a leadership role at the club and became President of MCSIM. Although I have since stepped down to focus on my studies, I continue to be involved in the Club's activities.


That's me (second from right) with my friends at our International Student Night (ISN) Organising Committee Camp 2017.

#Take Time To Build Bonds
Of course, university life isn't all about hitting the books and attending lectures (what a dread that would be!). There are numerous learning spaces that are accessible in SIM for you to enjoy a good student life balance and to get to know more people. We have facilities like the gym, dance studios and even the wellness centre where you can play games and even take a snooze. My personal favourite has to be the basketball and badminton courts located at the Multipurpose Sports Hall. Whenever we are in need of a break, my friends and I will drop our books and head for badminton and basketball sessions to sweat it out! These sessions are always filled with lots of fun and laughter and it draws us closer together.


A game of badminton with my friends always draws fun and laughter.

#Step Up Your Career Game
You may be a shy person and wonder how to get ahead in your job search before graduation. Fret not, SIM has plenty of opportunities for both local and international students that will give you an employment edge.

The Career Development Office regularly organises resume writing workshops, career talks and even visits to well-known companies. There are also career fairs organised on campus where you can find out about job opportunities available from a wide range of sectors. You can find out the latest listings of events here. That's not all, by attending events such as this, you will grow in confidence and get to meet many professionals and employers from different industries who will be able to share their tips and advice on what it takes to land your dream job!



Joining some of SIM's Career Development staff at Career Café 2018.


Having a good time Career Connect Appreciation Night 2018!

These are just some tips of how you can experience a more enriching university life on campus. Above all, you should stay true to yourself. Do what makes you laugh and be open to opportunities that come your way and I'm sure that you'll be able to find like-minded friends who will make your university life an experience to remember!