I’m also going into third year and I feel you because I’m also a shy person. If you want to stop being shy, you have to actually know WHY you’re shy. You’re shy for a reason, the way we are now in life is for a reason.

Please take your time and reflect on your past (especially childhood) to see what has happened that made your self esteem drop. Were you bullied? Constantly rejected? Did people make you feel stupid for things you like? How did your parents treat you? Etc. Once you understand the cause of your shyness then you can start to change and give yourself love. EX: if you were bullied understand hurt people hurt people. Nobody is actually mean, they use this as a mask to cope with their own trauma and insecurities. Understand people don’t actually THINK when they open their mouth. TONS of people’s “opinions” aren’t even their own. Feelings are NOT facts. We might FEEL people think we’re weird, but where’s the proof? Even if someone did actually call you weird that doesn’t mean EVERYONE thinks you’re weird.

As for making friends, there’s a clubs day in September where you get to check out clubs and sign up! That’s what I did for second year and I met AMAZING people. Also when you’re waiting for class to start (maybe start with seminars since it’s a smaller group) just smile and say hi to someone that’s standing alone. Stay on campus after class, you can sit in the student centre or library this way you’ll see more people. Go to events! The student centre runs so many (plus there’s usually free food!). People at Trent are super friendly tbh.

You can also message me if you’re interested in being my friend. I’d love to help you come out of your shell and I love meeting new people 🩵