Studying In The U.S.? Here's How To Thrive Academically, Socially, And Culturally

Studying in the U.S. is much more than attending classes and acquiring a degree. It is a holistic experience of both academic and non-academic factors. There is a balance to be struck between professional ambitions, study aspirations, and cultural curiosities. As you start discovering the depth and range of the U.S. educational system, here are a few tips on how you can maximise your time over there.

Networking

Good old-fashioned networking has always been the key to building an enriching college experience with peers, mentors, and professors. Find effective ways to engage in productive discussions with your academic advisers. Professors usually have designated office hours during which the students can make a prior appointment and approach them directly.

The more we show up in person for active networking, the easier it will be to put a face to the number or email address. Some campuses also have mentorship programs that double up as an opportunity to connect with faculty members and/or senior-year students. Before you leave, it is highly recommended to attend an EducationUSA pre-departure orientation to meet and learn about the experiences of current students and alumni of U.S. universities.

The Comfort Zone

By choosing to study in the U.S., you have already crossed half that metaphorical pond and taken a big step outside your comfort zone. However, you can always push yourself a bit more by exploring more experiences and challenges. On a U.S. campus, there are countless new experiences to explore—from debate and music clubs to fitness groups and science societies, all of which are an essential part of campus life you should embrace.

Keep telling yourself that it is important to try new things, and that is exactly how you keep getting better at something new. Take these opportunities to improve your communication skills, increase your academic repertoire, and develop your confidence while showcasing your skills to stakeholders.

Travel, Explore, and Discover:

The United States is a vast land with so much to offer for the avid traveller filled with wanderlust. The country offers a lot of long holidays around the weekends. Take some time to travel to places highly recommended by the senior-year students from the international diaspora. Make use of the school breaks for travel, and plan ahead of time to find affordable tickets to museums, concerts, and cuisines. Take your pick and explore.

Managing Your Finances:

Depending on where you are enrolled, campuses may offer a lot of student discounts at their stores. It is wise practice to keep track of your expenses and account for every dollar spent. Scholarships and assistantships can help reduce expenses to a certain extent. In any case, be prepared for unexpected expenditures. Dive deep into your health insurance and check for the policy’s coverage.

DSO, Policies, and the I-20

Your visa status as an international student is important and should be a top priority while you are studying in the U.S. Check in with your Designated School Official (DSO) on a regular basis and ensure you are complying with the visa regulations and all U.S. laws. There may or may not be travel restrictions, based on how close you are to the expiration date on the I-20. It is your responsibility to keep up with the policies. Remember, when in doubt, check. You’re encouraged to always check with the DSO or International Student Services (ISS).

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT)

As an international student, it is crucial to understand the dos and don’ts of CPT and OPT. Start by interacting with your DSO to go over the options available and whether they may be pursued within the F1 status. Universities also facilitate interaction at the time of career fairs, where students can understand the demand for their skills in the market. This can further help in understanding the gaps, if any, between one’s own skills and what the industry demands.

As you keep progressing through your time and unravel the different facets of the U.S. education system, you will quickly discover how encompassing the overall experience is. Every new conversation, every new network, and every single meeting with professors paves a new opportunity in the foreseeable future. What you do and how you do it make all the difference. So go for it!

The author is an Adviser at EducationUSA, United States-India Education Foundation, Chennai.