thriving in poly as an introvert ✨️

hi my fellow introverts 👀 i know a new poly year has just rolled in, so i decided to share some tips here *especially for freshmen* because i know how intimidating a new environment can be 🫶

btw, i'm from TP's comms and media, and i'll be graduating next month as a course bronze medalist with a diploma with merit, so i'd say i've done well for myself grades-wise, but the tips i'll be sharing will be from my polytechnic experience as a whole ❤️

1) WORK SMART, NOT HARD

starting off grades-wise, this is something a lot of people tend to overlook. in poly, you'll *always* get the assignment briefs so make use of it!! a good tip i've learnt is to also analyse what the lecturer is looking for specifically (you can usually tell if it's an aspect that they would always bring up eg. for design, you can tell what they prefer most from the styles/examples they always show). let's face it: they're the ones who grade you at the end of the day, so best to focus on what they want. think of it as if they are your clients and the work you present should be catered to their liking. i think paying attention to details is something that introverts are particularly skilled at, but an additional tip is to get out of your comfort zone a bit to clarify with your lecturers if you need it. your assignments will thank you.

2) TIME MANAGEMENT

this is so so important. i would say assignments are manageable, but only if you make sure to set ample time. the first thing i do each semester is to open up all my subject & assignment briefs. keep track of your assignment deadlines, work out a timeline for each subject, set your study schedule and stick to it - keep your focus and don't deviate. i don't have much of a big social life outside of poly but in my opinion, school and social life goes hand in hand in poly. which brings me to the last point:

3) PARTICIPATE IN CCAs

i highly highly suggest that you participate in as many CCAs as you can handle because this is where i made many unforgettable friendships - even as an introvert ❤️ you get to connect with people, basically networking while having fun and gaining experiences that will actually help you beyond poly.

there are many "events-based" CCAs where eg. you can sign up as a volunteer for a particular time period that you are free.

my biggest tip, especially for introverts like me: get into 2 CCAs in year one; 1 events-based, 1 full membership one (one you hold a leadership position in) - then see how that goes. you'll be able to gauge the amount of commitment needed and change it accordingly once you're in year 2 or 3. personally, i was only in 1 "events-based" CCA in year 1, and found that i could manage more so i regretted not taking up more. but in year 2, i overestimated myself when i participated in 4 🥲 2 of which i had leadership roles in. (basically, learn from my mistakes and start small to gauge, but not too small, ya feel?)

4) SEIZE OPPORTUNITIES

yes yes it will sound scary at first to have to really put yourself out there. trust me, i've been there. but i can wholeheartedly say that i do not regret every single opportunity i have seized, regardless of whether i actually got it or not in the end. what's the worst that could happen? maybe you won't get that one, but there'll always be another. what matters is that you put yourself out there and TRY ❤️ your future self will thank you for it.

that's it! 🫶 the 4 big tips i will ALWAYS tell people when they ask me about thriving in poly ✨️ take my tips with a pinch of salt because remember that only you know yourself best - it's okay if it takes time for you to step out of your comfort zone because everyone grows at a different pace. i know it can be intimidating, but you got this!! feel free to message me if you have questions 🫶

- from an introvert who was terrified of poly 3 years ago.

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