The Top 3 Challenges of Every International College Student – Social Trends

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Attending college in the U.S. this fall has been more difficult than you expected. It takes a lot of courage to uproot yourself and move to a different country. Before anything, give yourself credit for making it through these past few months.

Explore about International college student- Regardless of how much you had prepared to move here, being away from a familiar environment is always difficult. As the initial excitement and novelty fade, you are slowly settling into your new life—which isn’t any easier than when you first came here.

Here are the top three challenges you will face as an international student and how you can manage them:

Managing Your Academics

If you are not a native English speaker, you may be discouraged when you need more time to understand your course materials and work on your assignments. While studying overseas may be the time to build independence, you don’t have to go through it alone.

Reach out for help to review your research paper with the best essay writing service Reddit. Consult your teaching assistants to clarify what you don’t understand in class. You may be worried about being judged for seeking help. Don’t be. You are in college to learn—seize every opportunity you have to improve.

Besides seeking help for your coursework, taking care of your health is key to succeeding academically. How many hours of sleep do you need to feel rested? Keep to a regular sleep schedule where possible. While being sleep-deprived in college may be the norm, you are more likely to fall sick, which prevents you from keeping up with your classes. Having sufficient and restful sleep improves your concentration and memory to learn and study effectively.

Each of us works best at different hours of the day. If you work best during the daytime, staying up to study or do your assignments will not be effective. Instead, schedule your study sessions and other activities requiring more brainwork during the day. Save the later hours for errands, leisure, and rest.

Managing Your Finances

Set a weekly budget and track your spending. What are your priorities? Aligning your priorities with your spending ensures that you have sufficient funds to meet your needs (e.g., school fees, rent) and fulfill your wants (e.g., travel). You may have to limit your spending on conveniences and luxuries, such as takeouts and online shopping deals. Keep a lookout for student discounts you can enjoy. Every dollar you save is an extra dollar to spend on a more meaningful purchase next time.

While it may seem restrictive to spend within a budget, budget-friendly options are not worse alternatives. They provide an avenue for you to hone other essential life skills such as cooking and managing your time well. These skills will serve you well even after graduating from college and returning home.

One way to grow your finances is to get a job. There are on-campus job opportunities that allow students to work part-time. Before committing to any opportunity, it’s best to understand the legal regulations of working on student visa. If it is not an issue, find a job that suits your academic schedule and lifestyle. Instead of committing to long hours, increase your work commitment gradually. It will give you time to adapt to the demands and prevent burnout.