According to a report, International students made up 4.6% of the American population and contributed approximately $39 billion to the country's economy in 2020. Yet, international students often struggle with their time in college. For many, this is the first time they have spent so much time away from home and without a family and friends support network. It can make adjusting to life at college difficult, but there are ways you can make it easier. The best way to do this is by mixing with existing students and making friends with similar interests and passions. It will help you settle into your new surroundings quickly and easily.
Here are a few tips on how they can get mixed with resident students and make their college life enjoyable:
Take Part in Other Activities Besides Studies
Students must take part in other activities besides studies. The idea is to get out there and explore new things, try new things and find a hobby or passion that makes their college life even more enjoyable. In addition, they must participate in extracurricular activities as it helps them make friends with other students from different parts of the world who share similar interests. It will also help them get involved with the local community and develop skills that could prove useful when they look for jobs after graduating from college.
Make Yourself Presentable
How you dress makes a great impression on people. When you are socializing with other students, remember that they will judge you on how well-dressed and clean you are. It may seem like a harsh thing to say, but it's true. You don't have to wear a suit and tie all the time, or even when going on a date with someone from another culture or background. For example, if you're going out for a party or even just hanging around campus, it is probably better not to wear jeans and sneakers as this may make people think you are not taking your studies seriously. However, always remember to make yourself presentable by wearing clean clothes and taking care of your health issues such as acne and body odor.
The best way to go about this is by informing yourself as much as possible about what is considered "appropriate attire" in certain situations. You can get more information by reading articles online or asking around through friends who may have already gone through what we call "culture shock."
Explore Online Study Portals for Study Help
If you're unable to get help from your friends and family, or if you want to learn more about the subject matter for your classes, online study portals can be very helpful.
These websites are great resources for students because they offer various study materials, practice tests, and other information. They also have tutors who can help you with your studies via video chat or phone calls. Additionally, there are online communities where other students post questions about their classes and receive answers from experienced users.
Many students find math to be challenging. Fortunately, numerous online study portals can help you get through your coursework. One such name on the list where tutors and online study material are ready to help you with college math is proprep.com. So if you are overwhelmed, you can consider a college math Proprep course for additional help.
Make New Friends and Do Not Hesitate to Talk to Them
The most important thing is to make new friends and have a lot of fun. You should not be afraid to talk with people from different backgrounds, even if you are not fluent in English. They are often willing to help you if they know you are trying your best. Do not worry about making mistakes; they will understand you better than someone who speaks perfect English. A survey found that around 53% of people find it difficult to make friends because they are shy. Be friendly toward them and be cheerful all the time.
Explore New People, Places, and Cultures
There are so many things to do in a new city. You can check out different places, try new foods and drinks, and explore the host country's culture, style, and fashion. In addition, you could attend musical festivals or sporting events that may be taking place in your area. There are also exciting activities such as shopping at local markets, trying out new hobbies, or meeting up with friends for an afternoon coffee.
Participate in Informal Gatherings at Campus Bars, Clubs, and Cafes
If you are looking for ways to meet new people and practice your English, you should consider participating in informal gatherings at campus bars, clubs, and cafes. You will probably find many students with similar interests as yours and professors and other students who would love to get to know you better.
You can also learn a lot about life in the U.S., including how college students spend their free time. These informal gatherings will help you understand American culture and customs, which is crucial for any international student.
Attend Lectures and Engage with Other Students in Class
Mixing with other students and engaging in class are the two best ways for international students to make friends. After all, making friends is hard when you're isolated from your classmates and teachers. Attending lectures is a great way for students to meet people who share their interests.
Many students also find that attending lectures helps them learn more effectively than simply reading textbooks or online materials. In addition, students should try asking questions during class or discussing topics with their peers outside of class time. These interactions can help you get to know your classmates better while helping them learn more about who you are.
Find a Mentor to Help You with Your Studies
The next step is to find a mentor who is willing to help you. A mentor can be anyone from friends, teachers, or family members. Mentors play a vital role in helping international students with their studies, career planning, and personal issues. You should have multiple mentors so that if one does not respond or is unavailable for whatever reason, others can take his/her place.
Join a College Social Group
One of the best ways for you to meet new people and make friends is by joining a college social group. It can be through your university or one of the many clubs and societies available for students in your city.
These groups allow you to enjoy yourself with others with similar interests or hobbies. It's necessary to find out what groups are available before moving into university accommodation.
With Small Things, You Can Overcome Culture Shocks and Enjoy College Life
One of the things you can do is to get involved in extracurricular activities. You will meet many new people this way, and it will help you to make friends.
You should also take advantage of the student services on campus, as they may help you with your problems or concerns.
With a heart filled with joy, prepare to embark on a journey to a foreign land. You've got your visa and passport, you're all excited, and now it's time for some last-minute tips and tricks for adjusting to life as an international student in college. Follow these simple guidelines and have the most fun-filled experience possible.