Student Life in the USA: Embracing Culture and Lifestyle

Did you know that the University of Chicago holds an annual scavenger hunt called “Scav Hunt” where 10% of the student body rifle through a 20-page list of clues and complete a mix of campus activities and even take up road trip activities? In fact, for their 25th year anniversary, they currently hold the Guinness Book of World Records for the largest scavenger hunt organised in the world.

Universities across the USA host unique traditions and activities for students to participate in, to bring a sense of unity and belongingness. Moreover, there are several activities and events that international students can participate in to enhance their student life in USA. From engaging in on-campus activities like team sports, clubs and societies to off-campus activities like treks, dining out, small road trips to nearby landmarks and more.

In this article, we will learn about the international student life in USA that is awaiting you this year.

How is International Student Life in the USA?

The United States of America has been recognised as one of the top study destinations in the world, not just because of its academic excellence but also because of the opportunities available to all, regardless of their citizenship or immigration status.

As an outsider, you may have seen numerous movies highlighting the student life in US universities and colleges. Here, we will talk about the culture and traditions, as well as the student experiences in the country that you will experience during your stay in the country.

While studying and living in the USA will have its own twists and turns, the decisions you make during your studies abroad will also heavily affect your student experience in the country. As a young student away from home, you may be tempted to experience everything you can; however, it is important to remember that your primary responsibility is to earn a US degree, be safe and healthy, and secure a good life.

Let’s take a look at the different aspects of student life in USA as an international student.

The USA Culture

One of the major benefits of studying in USA for International students is an interconnected collection of ethnic and racial backgrounds. Its multicultural atmosphere guarantees that all communities are accepted and discrimination of any kind is not tolerated. It will be an interesting and engaging educational experience since you will be studying with students from around the globe.

The American culture usually facilitates a strong and independent personality trait among people, where a focus on individualism is encouraged. Such an approach to life can imbibe skills and qualities within a student that can benefit their academic and professional journey. Moreover, the multicultural environment will also provide students with a global perspective, thus providing a wholesome student life in USA.

Participating in campus clubs or cultural exchange programmes is one approach to getting over the inevitable culture shock. These can be fantastic opportunities to meet new people and learn about other cultures. However, such a culture shock can also bring about homesickness among international students. Therefore, it is also important to find members of your own community and culture to feel a semblance of the country you belong to.

Social Life in the USA

As fantasised in movies across all ages, the social life in USA is one of the main attractions for students. From extracurricular activities on university campuses like sports, clubs and societies to off-campus hangouts with other students, there are numerous activities and events you can participate in, not only to network and befriend people but also to explore the country and its culture and traditions.

Team Sports like baseball, basketball, and football are some of the most popular pastimes among Americans during social events and parties. It is common to see a big showcase of even local games and sports being telecast and attended live by many. Therefore, students, teachers, professors and principals alike will be hosting or attending parties where they are watching these games together. This is a great way to show camaraderie and grow your circle during such events.

Another common alternative for students to become involved on campus is through clubs and societies. Part of the student life in USA is such clubs and societies, which are often born as a result of a group of people sharing a common passion or hobby. Connecting with others who share your interests can help build your circle even more, often allowing you a unique perspective on life and academia that can also affect your professional life.

Food and Dining in USA

Being a melting pot of cultures and traditions, the US is home to numerous cuisines from around the world. However, the bigger cultural shock would be the large portion sizes for one person. As an Indian student, you will also find several budget-friendly Indian restaurants and other food joints, both on-campus and off-campus.

The bigger shock would be faced by the vegetarian Indian community, as their options, especially budget options, would be limited compared to non-vegetarian options. However, there are plenty of options available to students regardless of their tastes and preferences. It would be advisable to learn cooking, at least the basics, such as your dals (lentils), mixed vegetables, rice and chapati, and other basic Indian meals that can help you through the week without having to rely on outside or restaurant meals.

Additionally, there is a culture and tradition of tipping the servers/waiters at different restaurants. If you visit a restaurant/cafe and order a meal or a drink, you will encounter an option to tip, usually around 20% of the total bill. Therefore, plan this additional cost when you decide to eat out.

Health and Safety on-Campus

One of the major concerns for every parent and child travelling thousands of kilometres away from home for education is the safety of the child. Especially when it would take the parents at least 1-2 days to visit the child in case of an emergency. However, universities across the USA take great pride in ensuring the safest environment for their students on campus.

From 24/7 security cameras and campus security guards to shuttle services and even dedicated apps for student safety, universities take every measure possible to ensure the students remain safe while on campus. However, off-campus, students are advised to take additional precautions to prioritise and ensure their safety. While the US is a relatively safe place to live, especially with a robust police force, personal safety measures are often advised.

Additionally, universities also offer numerous urgent health care services, both medical and mental health services and even health insurance to international students studying on campus. This allows students to receive the best healthcare without having to wait in the long lines of a hospital or a clinic.

Top Tips for Indian Students Studying in the USA

The US can be a hospitable country to live provided you adapt well to the cultures and traditions of the country. From engaging in their social and cultural activities to celebrating your own culture and traditions, the US is known to provide a safe space for everyone who travels there. Nevertheless, there are several tips and techniques you can use to enhance your student life in USA.

• Learn About Where You Are Travelling: Once you have been selected and enrolled in a university, it is advisable to do some research about the place you’ll soon call home for the next few years. From the top attractions to basic amenities available, it is good to learn about everything the district, city or town has to offer. And all of this will easily be available to you online.
• Budgeting: This is a skill that every international student must possess. Being able to budget your weekly/monthly/annual expenses can significantly improve your mental well-being while studying abroad. A proper budget will assign or earmark finances for different aspects of your international student life in USA.
• Accommodation: Finding the right accommodation is another important aspect to figure out as early as possible. While for the first year, you may be living on campus, from the second year onwards, you will have the option to live off-campus. If you choose to do so, researching as early as possible and shortlisting possible locations can make it easier when the time comes for shifting.
• Being Open-minded: It is important to realise that you will be travelling to a whole new country with different cultures and traditions. Therefore, for a stress-free and wholesome experience, it becomes necessary to keep an open mind, especially when exploring the country.
• Building a Network: Inevitably, networking and building friendships will be the only way to make your life easier when studying in USA. These networks and friendships will significantly improve your lifestyle and experiences, as they become extremely useful during difficult and trying times.
• Understand Transportation: Transportation, whether you live on or off campus, is an important part of your daily life. You must figure out the public transportation system around your university and other modes of transportation available to you.
• Student Support Services: Every university will have set up offices for student support services that can help you with a range of problems and doubts. From legalities concerning your immigration status, to working while studying and working after studies, these student support services can help you understand the steps and processes you need to complete while studying in USA.
• Health and Safety: While it is the responsibility of the university to ensure that all its students remain healthy and safe while on campus, it is the primary duty of every individual to ensure their own health and safety. Striking a healthy balance between enjoying your student life and also maintaining a healthy and safe life in USA is extremely important, especially, as an Indian student living thousands of kilometres away from your parents.
• Stay Organised: It is common to see students, especially university/college students, to be unorganised and live chaotically. However, keeping yourself organised in the day-to-day activities can significantly enhance your student life in USA.
• Manage your finances: Along with your cost of studying and the cost of living in USA, you will be tempted to spend a little more while experiencing the “American Life”. Be sure to manage and budget all these expenses every month or week to ensure you do not overspend and put a strain on your source of finances.

Embracing the culture and traditions, while also understanding and maintaining your responsibilities as an international student, is important for experiencing a good student life in USA. It is important to understand that your primary responsibility is to earn a US degree since that is the reason why you were awarded a US Student Visa, i.e. F1, M1 or J1 visa. However, it is also important to understand that “all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy”. Maintaining a good balance between studies and recreation is key to experiencing the best student life in USA that you can have. Connect with AECC Counsellors to understand everything you need to know about studying in USA this year.