HOW TO SUSTAIN AS A NEPALI STUDENT IN THE US
Though the pandemic has halted the plan of thousands of international students planning to go abroad, some of us are still planning for the spring semester. If you are reading this, you are probably accepted into a US university and anxious about life there. (If you are applying to the US you will want to read this first) This guide is meant to tell you about things you need to keep in mind before leaving Nepal. You will want to remember these as you start your educational career in the US.
It’s getting cold!
The climate in the US varies vastly between different regions. Since you will be moving from a somewhat ideal climate of Nepal (especially if you are from the hilly region), the extreme climate may make you uncomfortable. Winters are snowy in most regions of the US so pack clothes and accessories accordingly. Be prepared to face some pretty weird climate out there.
Hot in the US is a lot hotter than hot in Nepal. Cold in the US is the same unless you’re from the Himalayan region. It will get extreme and you will have to be prepared for it.
All kinds of people
Weather isn’t the only thing that’s diverse in the US. You will find all kinds of people at your university, and it is best to adjust yourself to fit in with everybody else. Culture shock is quite real so it is advisable to be ready for it beforehand to avoid shock and extra stress when you get there.
Be mindful of other people’s cultures and how much it may mean to them. Do not use any kind of language or phrases that may hurt the identity of someone around you. You will have to be considerate of other people’s feelings and speak only after thinking thoroughly. At the same time, it is important to not lose your identity around the plethora of others that you will find there.
Living space
Students in the US live on or off-campus, in either rooms or dormitories with other students. Almost all US colleges will have an office for housing facilities. They will help you in finding the right place for you to live. They will also provide you with information regarding roommates, restaurants, parks, shopping avenues, laundry shops, libraries, etc. Don’t hesitate to contact anyone at your university if you are unsure about your living space.
On-campus housing is a more convenient option. It helps to immerse in both academic and social activities together which is why many students prefer to stay on-campus, especially in the beginning. Living on-campus is also a good option because you won’t have extra utility bills, your college will pay for it and everything will be streamlined. Moreover, you will be saving money by not unnecessarily spending on the bus, subway, or other forms of travel.
Running out of time!
Studying in the US is pretty hard, especially if you are going to a competitive university. One of the reasons for this how strict your professors are going to be with deadlines. You will need to be on time with everything, if not you will risk losing grades. Exams aren’t as important there as it is here. You will mostly be graded on the basis of your work so managing your time is essential.
You will have to find time to manage your studies, manage chores in your apartment, and your social life. Days will get very hectic so it will work nicely to have a proper schedule for each day. Plan each day, each week, and probably even a month in advance to keep your life in place.
Speak Up
The US is, for the most part, an incredibly friendly place. Due to the diversity of its people, people around you are inclined to be more thoughtful of your concerns and hardships. Don’t hesitate to ask for help. No one will ever say no.
I get that being confident is hard in a strange new country. But once you put yourself out there, you will realize that you have nothing to fear. Keep in constant touch with your counselor in college, your house deans (if you’re living on campus), and your professors. It will only benefit you to do so, academic and otherwise.
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