Don’t want to feel like an alien (visa status pun) in your first year of college? Follow this advice!

The first semester of college is already a very daunting experience by itself. If you’re an international student on top of that, your first few weeks on campus may feel like you’re in a completely different world altogether, which can get pretty stressful.

Here are some things to keep in mind while trying to adapt to the Barnumbia college life when you come from another country:

  1. Do try to attend all NSOP info sessions. Yeah I know, there’s so many of them and some start so early in the morning—but I assure you they’re worth it! There’s no need to remember every little detail they share with you, but it’s good to know what office you can visit if you need to know more about some particular topic or other. Especially attend the sessions organized by Columbia’s International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) or Barnard’s International Student Services (ISS). They will share vital information for you to have a successful career as an international student, which doesn’t always apply to US students. For example, did you know that you need to be enrolled in a minimum of 12 credits each semester in order to be considered a full-time student on an F-1 visa?
  2. Make friends with other international students. Even if they’re not from your home country, they will still relate to the rollercoaster of an experience that it is to attend college in the US. Potentially, you can even keep in mind that other groups on campus such as transfer students and first-generation students will share many of your questions, experiences, and struggles. Sometimes it’s easier to connect with people through sharing common difficulties—which is a great opportunity to make friends—and the best part is that most of the time you can help each other through them!
  3. You are bound to face cultural shock. Whether that is realizing that people from the US don’t kiss hello or goodbye or noticing their weird love for mac and cheese (what’s that about?), you will undoubtedly start picking up on the differences between life in the US and life in your own country. There’s of course nothing wrong with things being different, although it is normal to wish for some things to be “like they are at home.” Something that always helps me deal with this is to remember that the key to navigating cultural shock is realizing that just because two cultures are different doesn’t mean that one of them is superior or inferior to the other!
  4. Stay in contact with people from home. Schedule weekly calls with your friends and family. The first few weeks of college are hectic to say the least, and time zones may be an issue, but there’s nothing like talking to someone who has known you for longer than your NSOP friends have. People from home will help you remember that your life is much more than just orientation week and shopping period madness. This is especially helpful if you miss speaking in your native language—sometimes English just doesn’t cut it, folks!
  5. Find your roots away from home. You will probably find a place, an object, a restaurant or maybe even a class that for some reason reminds you of home. Cultural or identity-based clubs also do the trick! Try to stay connected with whatever reminder you find. It’s completely normal to feel homesick, so a piece of home away from home may help soothe your heart.
  6. Keep track of the food and objects you miss so that you can bring them back next semester. Feel like you shouldn’t have left your third favorite teddy bear at home because now you can’t really sleep? Wish you had brought those really specific jalapeño and lemon tortilla chip snacks so you could eat them while doing your homework? Then by all means make a note of it and bring those things with you the next time you have the chance to go home—if they bring you comfort then they’re worth carrying!
  7. Embrace your unique perspective as an international student! Talking to your friends about your life back in your home country is not only a great cultural sharing moment but will most likely be very interesting for them to learn about. Take me for example, my friends love when I explain to them how it’s possible that we don’t have mail services, letters, or packages in my home country. That being said, keep in mind that while some situations or topics may be completely okay from your perspective, they may represent more delicate topics in the US. Stay alert to social cues from your friends and classmates so that you don’t come off as insensitive or disrespectful accidentally.
  8. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. People who’ve lived in the US their whole lives are bound to know a thing or two about the country. I have found that most of the time people love being asked about something that they know very well—you’ll probably make their day while also clarifying your doubts!
  9. Pay attention to emails from your respective International Students Office. Everything they share is usually very important to ensure your stay in the country and your visa status go without any hiccups. And they organize fun events where you can meet other international students who will most likely be as eager to make friends as you are!

Above all, just remember that this is your college experience, and you should live it and make it yours however you see fit. Being in a new country may uncover a side of yourself you had no idea you had in you and which you love! Stay open-minded and open-hearted, and best of luck!

Cover Photo via Bwarchives