Day 1 - Adjusting in the first 24 hours
If you don’t have somebody meeting you at the airport, arrange a taxi or shuttle to take you to your accommodation immediately. Avoid sightseeing and travel straight to your accommodation. As soon as you arrive at your new home, take some time to inspect the property for any issues or problems. If you see any, raise these with the landlord.
Let your family know you’ve arrived. Activate your new SIM card. Link to the Wi-Fi network. Secure any valuables and unpack. And don’t forget to appreciate where you are while taking a moment to acclimatize. You’ve made it and are about to embark on a new journey in exciting new surroundings. Well done!
SIM Cards resource
Week 1 - Learning & discovering your surroundings
Take time to familiarize yourself with the immediate vicinity. Locate the nearest grocery stores, medical facilities and police station. Learn about the area’s public transport options and, most importantly, if you’re living off-campus, establish the best route to your college.
Once you’ve got a good idea about what’s around you, you can start exploring further afield. Get acquainted with the layout of your area. Look for main roads and landmarks you can use as a guide if you get lost. Be aware of your surroundings and try to avoid any isolated or unsafe areas - at least until you know which ones are OK to move through.
Month 1 - Take your time to adjust during the first few weeks
Avoid trying to rush your adjustment to college life for international students. Things will take time. Don’t check off all your activity boxes immediately. Save some of the exciting things for a little later on. Start preparing for the academic year ahead and find things to keep you busy. Introduce yourself to neighbors and classmates. By now, you should have started to adjust quite well. If not, don’t worry, you’ll adapt soon. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, retreat to your accommodation and chat with friends and family back home via video link or phone. They will offer you much-needed support and encouragement.
Life in the U.S as an international student
Many international students find adjusting to U.S. life can be tough. Others find adapting to U.S. college student life quick and easy. Whatever your experience, as you explore, exchange and engage with the people around you, your life in the U.S. will grow increasingly more comfortable and rewarding. There are some areas of your international student life to consider and focus on that will help to speed up your adjustment.
Cultural integration
Adjusting to your new town and city’s local norms, customs, and behaviors will take some time. While most things like local regulations, sights, music and food can be researched beforehand, smaller elements like basic courtesy, local customs and public expectations can only be learned through experience.
A great way to become familiar with local life is to head out into social settings and, once there, to observe. Restaurants, parks, malls and sporting events are great ways to watch how locals behave and become familiar with their conduct. Be careful of causing unintentional offence, and if in doubt about what is deemed acceptable and what isn’t, simply ask. There is always somebody willing to help you adapt to local cultural norms.
Read up on local laws and regulations. Jaywalking, for example, is a prosecutable offense in some U.S. cities, but it is generally OK to do in others. Learn about fines, citations and your rights, as they too will vary from state to state.
Academic life
The US education system is different from many others around the world, and this must be considered as you learn how to adjust to U.S. student life. Adapting to U.S. college student life can be difficult, but many universities have on-campus resources to help you adjust to these new settings. Before starting your academic journey, read all the material sent to you and contact the university if you have any questions or are unsure about something. Don’t overlook anything - these materials were sent to you for a reason.
Engage with campus administrators and talk to your lecturer or professors. Many international students will be assigned somebody to assist them in becoming acquainted with campus life. Do not skip orientation. Make notes to help you adjust more effectively and remember things like lecture hall numbers, contact details and student identification numbers. Follow recommended study guidelines and set up a class and studying schedule as quickly as possible. Locate quiet workspaces like study centers and libraries to use when necessary, and don’t forget to take advantage of free-to-use student resources.
Once you begin attending classes and mingling with other students, the adjustment process will become a lot easier. Join study groups, participate in online discussions, and, once you’re ready, consider signing up for extracurricular activities.
Social life
Many international students may worry about making friends once they arrive in the U.S. The bustling, social nature of many U.S. campuses means you will have plenty of opportunities to do just that. In the meantime, try to find other international students to collaborate with, exchange tips and information, and offer support. Together, the adjustment process will be much easier and more comfortable.
Most U.S. colleges hold on-campus social events designed to help new students - both local and international - feel welcome and to meet others during the early part of the academic year. These can range from campus festivals to smaller faculty-specific dinners and ‘socials.’ Keep an eye out on messaging boards and other notification spaces and try to attend at least a few of these activities.
Once you’ve got to know a few people, you’ll have the chance to attend off-campus social events like parties and friendly get-togethers. These are excellent opportunities to establish your social circles and meet new people. Remember to always be safe when attending social activities and behave responsibly.
Money & payments
The U.S. dollar is the only currency accepted in the country. When spending, avoid converting everything directly from your local currency at current exchange rates, as this may not accurately reflect the real value of items. Instead, you can use scales like the Big Mac Index, which provides a more realistic exchange rate, to determine if you’re paying too much for something. Remember, something very affordable back home may be much more expensive in the U.S. and vice versa. Try to avoid imported products and look for bulk buying deals - especially when it comes to food.
Opening a U.S. bank account means following some important guidelines and regulations. Depending on your visa and immigration status, you’ll need to provide additional documentation, including your identification (passport and visa), proof of your residential address, student ID, and other documents the bank may require. Setting up a payment app to send and receive money may be a good idea until you open a U.S. bank account.
Money in the U.S. resource
Sales tax
The U.S. does not operate a value-added tax (VAT) system, instead charging a sales tax on most goods. This tax is usually not displayed on the sales price of items, and it is added to your purchase after being totaled at the cashier. Depending on what you’re buying, these tax amounts can vary significantly. Some states, like Delaware, New Hampshire and Oregon, do not levy a sales tax, while others, like California, charge up to 7.25% to be added to the sales price.
International student tax return resource
Language
The most spoken language in the U.S. is English. It’s a good idea to brush up on your English speaking skills before departing to the U.S. Aside from likely needing a good grip of English to complete your studies, having a basic understanding of the language will make adjusting to student life in the U.S. much easier. Download a language app to help and practice as often as possible.
Restaurants & food
American cuisine is well-known around the world. Pizza, burgers and hotdogs are all American staples, but the country is famous for offering a wide variety of international cuisines. A quick Google search for a food type you’re craving, followed by “near me” will soon point you toward great restaurants, fast-food outlets and food trucks.
At the grocery store, you’ll be able to find a wide range of basic foodstuffs, perfect to keep you fueled up throughout the academic year. Most U.S. grocery stores stock readymade meals and ‘TV dinners’ that require only a few minutes in the microwave or air fryer - perfect for on-the-go students and late-night study sessions.
Weather & climate
The climate you’re moving into may be very different from the one you’ve just come from and can have a big impact on how to adjust to U.S. student life. If you’re traveling to the U.S. from a different hemisphere, the contrasting seasons could initially make acclimatizing difficult. Make sure you pack accordingly - the last thing you need is to catch a cold before the semester begins. Likewise, depending on which region you’re in, summertime in the U.S. can get very warm, so ensure you have the clothes to match. Invest in a quality umbrella, and don’t forget to wear sunscreen!
AccuWeather
Transport
A bicycle is always an excellent option if you live near the university or on campus. Most places in the U.S. have made provisions for cyclists, including bicycle lanes and spaces to secure your bicycle. Always remember to wear a helmet and check local regulations regarding permits, reflectors, and road rules.
Most U.S. cities have well-established, efficient public transport systems. Many do not accept cash anymore, and you’ll likely need to buy a card with pre-loaded money or register with an app to use the transport network. Some larger cities also offer free public transport options, and most universities and colleges provide shuttle services to their registered students on and off campus. UBER is widely available alongside other e-hailing services and you may also find alternative ride-sharing options to use as well.
Renting a vehicle is simple, though it can be expensive, especially if you have to commute long distances or want to take a road trip somewhere. However, it is essential that you obtain a valid driver’s license first and budget for fuel, which can also be a costly expense. Unless you are familiar with U.S. road rules and have experience as a driver, renting or leasing a vehicle is not recommended.
Transport in the U.S. resource
Entertainment & activities
The U.S. has countless entertainment options to keep you busy when not studying or in class. Many international music acts regularly tour the U.S. - even visiting smaller towns. Local venues and theatres will likely stage live music and show performances. Local bars and nightclubs are also plentiful across the U.S. but be aware that the legal drinking age in the U.S. is 21.
Don’t be afraid to explore the outdoors. The U.S. is a rich, vibrant country with much to offer across many of its great, wide natural spaces. Hiking, kayaking, skiing, biking, surfing (if you’re on the coast), and more are widely available and often free. Enjoy the beauty around you and stay fit and healthy in the process.
For the sports fanatics, the U.S. offers world-class sporting action. Tennis, golf, swimming, soccer and running are plentiful. But if you really want to get a taste of U.S. sports, then opt for American football, basketball, baseball or ice hockey. Support your college’s teams or pick a professional one to back.
Tips for adjusting to life in the U.S. for international students
Adjusting to student life in the U.S. can be especially difficult for international students. Here are some helpful tips and pointers that will help to make your transition easier.
Life in the U.S. isn’t always like the movies
It may be easy to imagine that life in the U.S. is similar to what you see in Hollywood movies and on TV shows. It’s not. Don’t be fooled by these fictional portrayals and stay focused on the realities of what student life in the U.S. will be like.
Don’t be afraid to volunteer or work while you’re studying
Working part-time or volunteering while in the U.S. to study is a great way to help you integrate into the local culture, meet new people and learn. Consider exploring internship opportunities, participating in local volunteering initiatives or finding work part-time at a coffee shop, retail outlet or non-profit. However, be aware of your visa restrictions and double-check to ensure you can work.
Working in the U.S. resource
Adjust for the long-term
Don’t just focus on adjusting for the immediate future. Consider your post-study career opportunities and how the adjustment decisions you make now may affect prospects. By adjusting for the long term, you’re laying a platform for a path that may involve spending more time in the U.S. than you originally planned.
Don’t forget about loved ones back home
Staying in contact with friends and family back home regularly will help make your adjustment smoother. Besides having someone to share your process with, seeing familiar faces will help to keep you motivated and confident as you adapt to your international student life in the U.S.
Stay grounded and focused on your studies
Remember that the main reason you’re in the U.S. is to succeed academically. Keep this fact at the forefront of your decisions, and don’t do anything to jeopardize your studies. As you adapt to this new chapter, try to adjust around your academic efforts rather than alongside them.
