The U.S. is a very welcoming place for Indian students. Each U.S. university has an international student services office with trained counselors available to answer your questions and guide you through the process of adaption to U.S. university life. The international student services office also organizes a variety of regularly schedule events for international students. Many U.S. campuses also have Indian student associations, which also organize events on a regular basis.
For more information on preparing to study in the U.S. and adapting to U.S. campus and academic life, see: https://educationusa.state.gov/your-5-steps-us-study/prepare-your-departure
Here are some tips from the EducationUSA offices on how to have a successful U.S. university experience:
Living as a foreigner: You will be living in the US as a foreigner in a new culture. This is very different from living in India as a native citizen. You will often have to make efforts to bridge the cultural gap between you and other students to avoid cultural misunderstandings. Always stay calm and collected and be willing to listen.
Living comfortably while studying: Indian students usually have the option of living in dormitories (similar to a hostel system in India) or in private accommodations. Wherever you stay, we advise you to live close to your university or near a university shuttle bus or metro station. Dormitories can be a good option because you will not have to worry about maintaining your rooms and will not have to pay utility bills for gas, water, and electricity.
Medical insurance: International students are required to have medical insurance and many universities offer their own medical insurance services. Consult your university’s international student services office to research your options. Without medical insurance, it is almost impossible to get treated by a doctor in the U.S.
Orient yourself to campus safety and security measures: U.S. universities are committed to creating safe and welcoming environments for international students. U.S. universities prioritize the safety and security of their students, faculty, and staff, implementing various measures to create a secure campus environment. Some standard safety and security measures found on U.S. university campuses include:
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Surveillance systems, security cameras, well-lit areas, emergency call boxes, safety-related mobile apps, improved lighting, building access restrictions, metal detectors, fencing, and physical barriers
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Safety orientation programs for new students, support services
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Availability of safe transportation options on and off-campus, campus shuttles, public transportation information
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Initiatives in place for preventing sexual assault on campus and awareness around consent
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Mental health support/counselling to help prevent incidents
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Dedicated law enforcement departments
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Existence of gender-inclusive spaces
We recommend that students get informed and stay abreast of the specific safety-related provisions and services at the universities they are attending. Like any other country, students should also observe best practices for maintaining their safety, such as avoiding staying out too late at night or being in lonely places. Click here to learn more about features and facilities that promote student safety and wellbeing at U.S. university campuses.
EducationUSA centers partner with U.S. universities and current students to provide the following services:
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Pre-departure orientations
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Pre-departure booklet with valuable tips and resources
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Sessions on safety and security on campus
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Sessions for parents
We encourage you to go through these additional resources about student safety and wellbeing -
https://spanmag.com/campus-safety-and-security/
Interview by Jagran Josh - Studying in the US: Women’s Safety in US University Campuses -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvpuFeW8xLo
EducationUSA India YouTube sessions
EducationUSA U.S. University Prepathon: Making the Best of University Resources and Support Services -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5XfUelclCmw
Safety and Security on a U.S. Campus by U.S. Consulate General, Mumbai -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qxTNoNrvYOs
Conversing with American people: International students can learn about American culture, history, and traditions by talking to American students and professors. Remember to speak slowly and clearly when speaking to Americans. Indians tend to speak faster than an average American and it can sometimes be difficult for Americans to understand Indian accents. Speaking slowly and clearly will resolve this communication barrier.
Developing cross-cultural networks: In the U.S., Indians often live together sharing accommodation and feel secure within their own community. While this has certain advantages, this should not come at the expense of cross-cultural ties. Make an effort to meet, work, and travel with members of other ethnicities, U.S. regions, and foreign students from other countries. The U.S. offer a great diversity of people and this is an excellent opportunity to develop global networks while learning about different cultures and traditions. Do your best to make the best use of these opportunities, both inside and outside of your academic life.
Preserving personal information - your own and others: Always protect your personal information, including social security numbers and credit card numbers. Be aware of scams that are often communicated via email, in which you may be asked for personal details, such as your social security number or credit card details. Legitimate organizations will never ask for personal information such as your ATM PIN or online banking password. Do not ask Americans to tell you their salary and other personal information. Americans value their privacy, and it is best not to be too inquisitive.
Learning basic cooking: Cooking for yourself will save you money. Indian food is expensive in the U.S.! It will also satisfy your urge to eat ‘your food’ during moments of cultural shock. Before you travel to the U.S., learn how to make basic Indian foods, such as rice, daal and gravy. Indian spices are not commonly available in smaller cities, but there are often shops on campus where you can get ingredients used in most Indian food.
Shopping in the U.S.: Large shopping malls and supermarkets (i.e. Wal-Mart, Target) in the U.S. are one-stop shops for all of your daily needs. Such supermarkets are under surveillance cameras and they often employ detectives to guard their shopping floors. Be vigilant to ensure that all of your shopping is properly billed and that you keep the bills with you at all times.
EducationUSA centers host pre-departure orientations for admitted students that cover topics such as:
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Preparing for Departure & Arrival
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American Culture and Society
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Adjusting to the Academic System
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Safety and Security on Campus
Watch this space for a registration link to our upcoming pre-departure orientations.
Here are some recorded sessions from the 2022 EducationUSA U.S. University Prepathon Series to prepare for your departure:
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Plan, Pack, Prepare: Start Your U.S. University Adventure - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ug-V36nprB0n
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Academic Life: A Class Perspective (American Classrooms, Engagement with Professors, Assistantships and Research and More) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUAjsYxojXo
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EducationUSA U.S. University Prepathon: Academic Life - Ethics and Code of Conduct - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JoCJv4WzA98
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Beyond the Classroom: Socio-Cultural Environment and Student Life at U.S. Universities - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xflZjFluI5o
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Making the Best of University Resources and Support Services - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5XfUelclCmw
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EducationUSA U.S. University Prepathon: Gear Up- Be College and Career Ready! - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RyojAfAnP4o
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Strategies for a Successful Return to India: Career and Cultural Readjustment after a U.S. Degree - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SlxbZHjXVXM
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Stress-free Student Transition to the U.S. - A Decisive Parent's Story (session for parents and admitted students) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9OWxlTvo-nI
