A Student's Guide to Life in US: Insights for Indian Students
Studying in the US represents а lifetime opportunity. As one of the top study abroad destinations globally, America offers a world-class education system, unique culture and experience, and abundant career prospects after graduation.
However, navigating life as а student in the US also comes with its fair share of challenges and adjustments. Preparation is critical to overcoming difficult hurdles, from managing academic pressures to paying tuition fees, finding housing, and adapting to American social norms.
This comprehensive guide will help Indian students to understand what student life in the US truly entails.
Why do Indians Prefer the US?
Despite the sinking Indian Rupee (which has increased the cost of studying in the US), Indians prefer to study in the US because of the following reasons:
- Unparalleled on-campus resources
- Cutting-edge technology/tools,
- World-class infrastructure,
- Intellectual atmosphere,
- Experienced faculty.
The number of Indian students in the US decreased due to visa restrictions, a slowing US economy, and an increasingly complex job environment. Nonetheless, India is second only to China regarding overseas students seeking higher education and research in the United States.
Academic Environment
Studying in the US provides international students invaluable access to cutting-edge research resources, global perspectives in the classroom, opportunities to join diverse student organisations, and a launching pad to global careers after graduation.
- US universities offer various courses and majors, allowing students to explore various fields before committing to a specific study area.
- Students have the unique opportunity to personalise their educational journey. This includes choosing electives outside their major, enabling a more comprehensive and interdisciplinary educational experience.
- The grading system in US universities is rigorous, and students are expected to maintain a certain GPA to demonstrate their academic competence.
- Faculty members often assign practical and project-based work, ensuring students gain hands-on experience in their field of study.
Accommodation in US
International students get different accommodation options in the US with one-of-а-kind facilities, attracting most students across the globe.
On-campus Housing
Most institutions provide students with on-campus housing where they can share a room or live alone.
- Campuses in the United States are noted for their dynamic аnd busy social scеnes.
- You can join clubs, student organisations, or sports teams that interest you.
- Expect an average housing cost of $9,800 per year at public institutions and $11,000 per year at private
Off-campus Housing
Off-campus living is another option for students.
- Students prefer to reside off-campus in flats or private areas near the college.
- However, because living in a private house might be costly, it is always preferable to live in shared quarters.
- The average monthly lodging fee for off-campus housing is $3,500.
Bring Indian American Cultural Gap
Indian students in the US can find it challenging to adapt to the American culture. However, the following tips can help you deal with such а situation better:
- Active Participation in Campus Life: Join Indian student associations, cultural groups, and professional chapters to build a supportive network and ease cultural transition.
- Diverse Social Engagement: Expand your social circle beyond fellow Indian students in the US. Engage with diverse groups to immerse in American culture fully to enhance your cultural understanding and personal growth.
- Consistent Communication with Home: Maintain regular contact with family and mentors in India for emotional support and a sense of connection.
- Adapting to Informal Social Norms: Learn and adapt to the more informal social norms in the US, like casual interactions with faculty and peers.
- Seeking Support Services: Utilise university support services, such as counseling and international student offices, for additional assistance in adapting to student life in the US.
Navigating the path to global ambition begins with the first step. Career Launcher’s study abroad experts can guide you from start to finish in this exciting journey.
Finance Management for International Students
Living cost in the US can be high, so learn to be frugal with domestic tasks and budget finances wisely:
- Cook your meals and limit eating out to save money.
- Set spending limits and track expenses to maintain your budget.
- Check if your college offers paid on-campus jobs for students.
- Consider part-time jobs to supplement income. Remember, a student visa typically allows up to 20 hours of paid work per week.
Be aware of your legal rights before taking any paid work.
Ensure Personal Safety in US
Safety cannot be guaranteed in any country, although using common sense and avoiding dark corners is prudent.
- Attend international student orientation to understand laws, emergency protocols, and cybersecurity best practices in the US when you arrive.
- Carefully review your health insurance and understand covered providers to access care if injured or unwell.
- Save emergency phone numbers for campus security, local police department, medical services, and other key contacts. Ensure your phone has location tracking enabled.
- Be cautious when strangers approach, and do not feel pressured to share private details publicly. Protect your identity, immigration status, bank accounts, and more.
- Take help from the international student office if you have any problems adjusting, feel isolated, or need help with academics, visas, healthcare, or anything else.
Final Thoughts
Life as an Indian student in the US is an exciting journey that extends beyond academic learning. Such an opportunity can help you understand diverse cultures, develop a global perspective, and build a network that spans continents. Remember, this experience is about achieving academic excellence, personal growth, and cross-cultural exchange.
Shaifali Bhardwaj
Content Writer
About Author
A people- and story-person, Shaifali enjoys crafting narratives inspired by the life of people she meets. She likes to read autobiographies and fiction, indulge in some YRF drama, and even spin stories inspired by everyday objects (like her work desk). Stories being her oxygen, she began her career with HT Media, where she wrote health and entertainment news stories, and later started helping students write and edit essential application documents like statements of purpose. This fulfilled her desire to uncover unique stories and articulate them in the most compelling manner, while forming lasting bonds with her students. Presently with Career Launcher Study Abroad, she’s expanding her skills in website content and copywriting to advance in her field. On weekends, you may find her at a dance workshop or requesting weekday leaves for trekking adventures.