Whether you’re coming to the United States for a single semester or the entirety of your college program, studying in the USA can be an incredible experience. Having a plan for what to do upon arrival can help make the transition much easier and set you up for success for the rest of the semester.
Going to college in another country can be daunting. But these tips will ensure you’re ready for the academic year:
You may be surprised by how expensive things can be in the United States, especially if you’re coming from a country with a lower cost of living. Creating a budget will help you manage your expenses and set aside money for fun activities, such as sightseeing in your new city or souvenirs to send home.
Designing a budget is simple:
Once you have a budget in place, track your spending so you don’t exceed your income. You can use free tools like Mint or GoodBudget.
Transitioning to a schedule in the United States can be challenging. From different time zones to rigorous class schedules, you may feel disoriented at first. As you adjust to living and studying in the USA, sticking to a schedule can help you adapt and keep up with your coursework.
Review your class schedule and design a schedule for yourself. Think about setting a certain window to wake up, such as between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m. local time, and when you’ll go to sleep; sticking to those windows will help you adjust to the different time zone faster. Note when you have classes and when you’ll study or work on your assignments.
Be sure to set aside specific blocks of time – or even whole days when you don’t have classes – for relaxation and leisure activities. Balancing your coursework with your social life will give you a more robust study abroad experience.
Homesickness is a natural part of studying abroad, and many students struggle with it. You can combat those feelings by getting involved on campus and joining college clubs. Being a part of a group will give you access to a support network and establish a sense of community on campus.
Colleges often have hundreds of clubs. There may be clubs specifically for international students (or even for students from your home country), for certain majors and other interests. Colleges also have groups dedicated to casual sports, such as flag football or frisbee.
To find out what clubs are available, contact the university’s residence life department or ask your international student office how to get involved.
Many students are unaware of how many services their university offers. But your school likely has a lengthy list of amenities and services that can help your experience. For example, your school may offer the following services:
Talk to your college advisor or the school’s international student office to find out what services and amenities are available to you.
The university financial aid office can be an invaluable resource to you as you adjust to studying in the United States. Not only can they help you find international student funding opportunities, such as private student loans, but they can also identify other solutions to funding gaps.
The financial aid office may be able to enroll you in a payment plan or recommend scholarships or grants that are designed for international students to cover your living expenses during holiday breaks. (See MPOWER Financing scholarship information.) The financial aid office may provide other resources, as well, including free or low-cost classes on budgeting.
Studying in the United States can be a life-changing experience. As an international student, it’s important to plan ahead so you can maximize your time in the USA. Creating a budget and getting help from your financial aid office will give you clarity and ensure your financial needs are met. By creating a schedule, you can complete your coursework and still enjoy yourself during your free time. And by getting involved in the campus community, you can build a support network and lifelong connections.
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