Whether it’s due to insecurities, fear of judgment, unfamiliarity with course content and expectations, or just plain nerves, participating in class can feel daunting, especially as a first-year student. It’s hard for me, too. I still experience the racing pulse, the flushed cheeks, the shaky hands and trembling voice, but I speak up nonetheless, and not just for participation marks.
Here’s how I gradually learnt to manage my first-year jitters, one small step at a time:
Step 1. Say “hi”
Instead of sitting by myself—the easiest (though loneliest) choice—I challenged myself to make eye contact with classmates, sit beside someone who seemed friendly (most people are), and say hello. Some easy conversation starters include: “What’s your major?”, “What classes are you taking?”, and “How was your weekend?” This small act can lead to fun conversations and sometimes even friendships! At the very least, having a familiar face in the class makes participation feel less intimidating.
Step 2. Join the conversation (even if it’s awkward)
Next, I pushed myself to assume an active role in in-class group discussions and activities. It wasn’t always smooth sailing. Sometimes I forgot my point in the middle of a sentence, and other times I repeated what others said because I’d been too busy formulating a response to listen, but I persevered and these stumbles gradually eased my fear of messing up. I began to truly understand that group activities aren’t designed to torment shy folks; rather, they enhance learning by helping students explore different perspectives, develop critical thinking and communication skills, and build confidence in low-risk settings.
Step 3. Be brave, raise your hand!
Eventually, I started raising my hand and contributing to larger class discussions. I still get butterflies when I do this, but the benefits far outweigh the costs for me. When I participate, I feel more engaged, understand and remember material better, gain confidence, and, of course, earn participation marks.
Step 4. Beyond the classroom
Pushing myself out of my comfort zone in various other aspects of my life has helped me continue building confidence. I’ve tried making small talk with strangers, working in customer service, and even taking singing lessons. There are many more options you can explore based on your interests, including joining a club, participating in a conference, or taking improv classes.
Why participation matters
University is not just about absorbing knowledge—it’s also a place to express yourself, contribute to the learning environment, and form connections. That may seem scary, but it’s also incredibly rewarding.
The key for me was to start small and adopt a growth mindset. Progress takes time. Try to be patient and compassionate with yourself, and if you ever need extra support, don’t hesitate to reach out to a friend, mentor, or counselor.
Getting comfortable with being seen and heard is very freeing. Let yourself take up space. You belong here, just as much as anyone else. 🙂
