Is it permissible to avail oneself of the opinion of those who do not consider the niqab obligatory, due to its conflict with co-educational studies and the prohibition of niqab in schools, knowing that I am by nature disinclined to speak with men and feel shy around them?

Covering the face for women is a matter of scholarly disagreement, and the preponderant opinion is that it is obligatory. However, if there is a need for education and the female student cannot find an educational institution that allows covering the face, then there is no harm in adopting the opinion that permits uncovering the face to avoid hardship, while committing to covering it when not in a situation of dispensation. Furthermore, unlawful mixing in educational institutions must be avoided except out of necessity or urgent need, in which case presence should be limited only to attending essential lectures.