Studying in the US can be a great learning experience but international students may get overwhelmed during the first few months of their stay here. The initial cultural and academic shock is part of the whole experience, but don’t worry about it. Here are 10 things that every new international student should know about studying in US.
- Research on courses:
Do your research before choosing your courses. Talk to academic advisors and be aware of the academic criteria and grade policy of your department to avoid any surprises.
- Get connected on LinkedIn:
Be sure to have a LinkedIn profile as it is the most effective platform for networking online. Start connecting to recruiters and employees of companies of your interest and build a relationship with them to not only learn about the company in general but also to get notified of new job openings.
- Apply for Internships:
It is never too early to apply for internships for summer quarter. Having an internship is a great way to build your resume and gain valuable experience.
- Networking is key:
Get out of your comfort zone, attend various events and meet new people. Career fairs is the one of the most ideal ways to know about internship or full-time job opportunities available in companies. It is important that you are fully prepared for such events by having an updated resume and elevator pitch.
- Find your study buddies:
Have a study group and help each other grow as a graduate student. There are times when you will not understand the subject or will have to learn new concepts, a study group of two to five will help in filling such learning gaps. Not only do you learn faster but it is one of the best solutions for procrastination as study group meet regularly and attending students cannot procrastinate till last minute.
- Keep yourself updated on changes in visa status:
Be aware of F1/J1 visa criteria as there are some benefits and restrictions related to this student visa status. There are some terms such as Curriculum practical training (CPT) and Optional practical training (OPT) that might sound alien to you. Hence, contact an advisor at the UCI International Center if you have any questions about your current or future immigration status.
- Carry an identification card:
In America, a valid official photo identification card or document is very important. Get a state ID or driving license as early as possible because it is always easier and safer than carrying a passport on a normal day to day basis. You should look at California state DMV websites for Driver license and State ID application information.
- Don’t pay full price for anything:
Students in USA are entitled to student discounts for online and in-store purchases. You will likely need to show proof that you are a current student, so be sure you get your ID card at the Hill. The Associated students of UCI has discounted tickets to movie theatres, amusement parks and zoos in and around Orange County (https://www.asuci.uci.edu/store/tickets/), which you can buy in person or online. Hence, take full advantage of your student status.
- Follow the rules:
Give yourself sufficient time to get accustomed to US culture and educational system. Make sure you do not ignore even the basic rules of traffic, banking or insurance policies as it might differ from your home country.
- Enjoy your time in the US:
Last but not the least, explore the campus and experience the city. Go to Los Angeles or San Diego for the weekend and try to have as much fun as you can during your stay here!