5 Tips for an International Student in the US

5 Tips for an International Student in the US

Moving to a new country can be an exciting yet daunting experience for some when they realize they are moving far away from their homes to a whole new environment. However, if you are traveling to the US to study for the first time, here are tips that will help you adjust and ease the transition to your new student life and the American culture.

#1: Prepare Before You Leave Home

Once you get accepted into your preferred school, there are certain things you need to prepare before you leave home. The most important are your travel documents such as a valid passport, visa, insurance, and your plane ticket. To ensure you don’t forget anything, start making a list of all the things you need to bring with you.

#2: Join Clubs & Organizations

One of the best ways to have fun and get out of your comfort zone while at university is to join clubs and organizations. A significant benefit of joining clubs is meeting new people, and forming friendships with people outside of your classroom, which can be a great way to cope with homesickness. Many universities often have a Singaporean Association, and it can be a place where you are able to feel more at home.

#3: Get to Know the Locals

Making the most of campus life in the US also means getting to know the locals. If you are having trouble adapting to the American culture, befriending a local will help you understand them better. Not only that, you’ll get to share some of your own culture as well. Do not be shy to take the first step, as college is all about meeting new people.

#4: Make Time for Friends and Family at Home

Studying may take up most of your time, but it’s also important to make time for your friends and family back at home. Connecting with your friends and family can help relieve homesickness. Whether it’s a video call or just sending them a few text messages, regular communication with people back home can bring you comfort, even when you’re miles away.

#5 Explore and Travel Around the U.S.

The US is a country with many beautiful sites, locations, and tourist attractions you can visit. Traveling is a great way to relieve stress and anxiety, but beyond that, traveling exposes you to new experiences, which allows you to absorb the US culture fully. Your main purpose may be to study in the US, you’re able to properly experience the country through travel.