Top 10 Tips to help International Students in the USA

Thinking about studying in the US? In this article, we’ve gathered 10 tips and advice to help international students in USA.

Table of Contents

Always check your email

Firstly, on our list of 10 tips for international students in the USA is to always check your emails. From the minute you’re accepted into an American university, your email becomes an important part of your life. In other words, you’ll be responsible for checking your emails daily, so you don’t miss any important information from your professors.

In fact, not only do professors send emails to notify you about upcoming assignments, they also use email to give you important information about your courses or to notify you if a class has been canceled.

Master the English language

Even if English is your first language, enhancing your grammar and spelling skills are important for your assignments and final papers. Pointing out your mistakes and fixing them may even help you get an international student scholarship.

It should also be noted, American students don’t speak formal English like that in English language textbooks. Make sure to look up some common expressions and slang terms that American people use.

Get all your textbooks before your studies start

Before your classes start, it’s important you have all your textbooks ready. For that, you have two options: renting or buying. The benefit of book rentals is that they are very cost-effective. They also prevent you from the headache of having to resell them back once you’ve finished used them.

However, you need to make sure you won’t cause any damage to the books, or the renter will charge you for the damage. The only setback would be that you can’t add highlights or notes into the books, an option you can have if you purchase them. One of our tips for international students in the US who choose to purchase their books is to buy them in online markets (Amazon or other sellers). This is the most affordable option.

If you’re assigned to a group project, make sure to understand your role

When you join a group project, it is important that you understand that every person in the group has responsibilities. Do not hesitate to ask questions and notify other group members if you are unsure of your own responsibilities.

Be punctual and prepare for presentations early

Wouldn’t it be embarrassing if you came to class forgetting that you had a presentation? It can happen! So make sure to always note down any important dates. It should be noted that timing and organization are an important part of succeeding as a university student in America.

Furthermore, there’s no easier way to fall behind than arriving to class late. For that reason, you should remember to check the class evaluation form for whether your professor will deduct points for being late.

Try not to skip classes

Many professors prefer students who attend regularly. Therefore, they give points for participation and arrange weekly competitions and tests to make sure that students are keeping up with the courses. Moreover, make sure you always attend regular and participate in class.

Use the library to your advantage

Be prepared to spend endless nights in your university library. The library has free Wi-Fi, plugs to charge your electronics and infinite resources to read from. Above all, it’s a quiet study-friendly environment.

Make friends

In the USA, group projects and study groups are very important. In fact, professors often encourage students to work and study together. It should be noted, getting to know people will help you make friends and standout in your studies.

This is also an excellent way to improve your English-speaking skills, so try to interact as much as possible with your professors, and fellow students. It might be intimidating at first, but American people love to meet international students and won’t make a big deal of your English skills.

Participate in activities

Extracurricular activities are a big part of American student culture. Especially in American universities where the needs of the students are a priority, you’ll probably find a club for practicing any activity you can think of.

In other words, you should join sporting activities, charities or anything related to your field of study. That will help you make friends and blend in with your surroundings and the American culture.

Save money for traveling

Our final tip on our list of 10 tips for international students in the USA is to save money for travel. Traveling and visiting different states is among the advantages of studying in America. Unfortunately, traveling in America is expensive due to there being no economic airlines. Therefore, be ready to spend $300 on a flight or find alternative means for travel. That may include riding a bus or hiring a car. However, that will lead to a longer travel time depending on where you’re going.