by Interstride
As a first-year international college student in the US, exciting new experiences await you. Whether you are about to start your first week of college or are still preparing for your journey to the US, the advice we share can help you make the most of going to college abroad and ease into the transition to living and studying in another country.
Tips for international students
Studying in the US as an international student involves traveling across the world and adapting to a new culture, language, and education system. And that’s on top of all the normal challenges of being a new college student! These tips for studying abroad were gathered from the collective experiences of former international students in the US.
1. Make sure all your ducks are in a row
“Getting your ducks in a row” is an American saying that means to make sure all your personal affairs are taken care of. This should happen before you leave your home country. This includes:
- Securing a valid visa for the duration of your academic program
- Making several copies of your passport and other important documents
- Planning your finances while abroad, including money for social life and travel within the US
- Honing your English skills
- Familiarizing yourself with US federal, state, and local laws especially those that pertain to immigration
- Acquiring housing and health insurance coverage while in the US
Most first-year international students live in on-campus housing with a meal plan. Colleges and universities also provide health insurance that international students will be automatically enrolled in unless they opt-out. Contact your school’s admissions office for more information.
2. Get to know the US education system and your specific school really well
Many international students are not able to physically visit their college campus before they arrive for their first semester, but you can still get to know the campus ahead of time through virtual tours on the school’s website and social media. A lot of US colleges also have mentorship or student ambassador programs that connect prospective and new students with current students or alumni to answer any questions they have from a student’s perspective.
Once you arrive, take time to walk the campus before classes start and make note of important buildings such as the library, campus bookstore, and international student services office. Get to know the transportation options on and off campus. Besides mandatory orientation, many schools will also have optional pre-orientation activities such as hiking or an art class. Join some of them if you can to get to know the school more.
College in the US may differ greatly from what you are used to in your home country. Take time to research the academic calendar and grading system of your school. Most US colleges and universities are on a semester system with two main semesters each year – fall and spring. Other schools use a trimester system (three terms each year) or a quarter system (four terms each year).
3. Be open to new experiences and perspectives
To get the most out of your time studying in the US, immerse yourself in the culture as much as possible. The US is racially and ethnically diverse, so stay open-minded and curious. Be willing to try new foods and new hobbies. And, don’t be afraid to practice your English in academic and conversational settings. The more you practice, the more natural it will become!
4. Build a support network
As a new international student, challenges are inevitable, so the key is to be prepared. Stay connected to family and friends back home through regular communication and video calls. This will help with homesickness, especially in your first few weeks in the US, which may be the hardest adjustment-wise. However, it’s important to be present in your new space as well. Consider seeking out other international students, especially those from your home country, to help with homesickness and build community in the US, but be careful not to rely too much on other international students. You are in the US to get to know people and cultures that are different from your home country.
Joining an on-campus club or student organization is a great way to meet people with like-minded interests. Clubs provide instant community, and you can build meaningful friendships by being consistently active. Student clubs and organizations can also help you begin to build a professional network in the US.
5. Take advantage of school resources and don’t be afraid to ask questions
Depending on your school and program, you may have an advisor assigned to you. This is a person you can reach out to at any time if you need anything. Some schools even have mentor programs that can connect you with an alumni or upperclassman in your field of study. Outside of official mentorship, don’t be afraid to talk to third and fourth-year international students you meet. They may have the best advice for you as they were recently in your shoes. Your professors will also hold weekly office hours where students can stop in to ask questions or further discuss class content and assignments.
You can also visit your school’s international student services office (ISSS) for assistance with navigating the campus, finding community, and more. Have questions about the job market in the US for college graduates or how to write a resume? Visit your school’s career services office. They encourage first-year students to stop by and start thinking about their career development in the US long before it’s time to start applying for jobs. This is especially important for international students, who will likely need employer sponsorship if they want to remain in the US for work after graduation.
Wrap up
Traveling to a new country alone for college can be intimidating and anxiety-inducing, but it can also be exciting and life-changing! The key to having great experiences as a new international student in the US is being prepared. This includes preparation before you leave your home country and once you arrive in the US. Be brave and put yourself out there. Ask questions, join clubs, and take advantage of all the institution’s resources available to you. You can read success stories from current and former international students in the US on Interstride’s blog.
