The American college experience is world renowned for many reasons; some good and some not so good. Regardless, students travel from all over the world to study in the US This year, my freshman year, I decided to room with an international student from Greece since my own family just recently moved to the United Kingdom. After hearing about my roommate’s experience and pairing it with my own, I came up with 13 things everyone should know about studying in the US.
Just like some places in the United States, there are some places in the world that are very diverse, and there are others where some people may very rarely see people from other cultures. College is like one huge melting pot of cultures, so don’t be afraid to branch out and talk to new people that are unlike you. In fact, you may have more in common with them than you think.
According to my roommate, classes in Greece were more focused towards exams rather than homework. On the other hand, in the United States you may spend several hours a night on an assignment.
Yes the drinking age is 21 here, but people do still find their way around this rule and always will. There are, however, consequences if you are caught, so it is important to be smart about where you drink and how much if you decide to take part in this.
Many international students are exposed to the club scene much earlier than students in the US, and the transition from that to frat parties is somewhat of a downgrade to say the very least. (If you do choose to party in college!)
With just a swipe of a card, a gate opens and you are welcomed into the world of as much ice cream and fries as you can fit onto your plate. In the US, we call it the Freshman 15, so beware of it. At the same time, American food is something everyone should try at least once.
Granted, this depends on where you came from and where you are going to school. Most states in the US experience all four seasons, and appropriate clothing is a necessity.
This is especially evident when going out to a party. My roommate and I were honestly surprised at how much skin was being shown at parties. This could be quite an adjustment if you are coming from a place where this is not common, or even frowned upon. Unlike high school, there is a very minimal dress code in college and it’s something you should be aware of.
My roommate came up to me one day and just said, “This guy I didn’t know just asked me for my number when I was at McDonald’s”. For me, this seems like a somewhat normal flirting technique (which I explained to her), but while it may be normal here, people in other countries may have never been in a situation like that before. In addition, you are new and different, and people like that and are attracted to that so embrace it!
Athletics are a huge part of college life, especially American football. Regardless of whether or not you know what is going on, a college football game is an experience like no other.
As mentioned before, you are new and different and it is understandable that an American that has only grown up around other Americans would be fascinated with your background. Be prepared to answer why you came to the United States (a lot).
You are just as much a part of the university as anyone else, and there are so many support and mentor programs to help you get adjusted. In addition, there are so many other people new to the United States as well on campus. It may be nice and helpful to talk to someone else in the same boat as you about anything from missing home to classes.
The US celebrates things such as Halloween and Thanksgiving, which may not be celebrated in your home.
The things that make you different make you beautiful. And despite those differences, you are all one college campus, but don’t lose sight of home.
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