2: Navigating U.S. College Culture
- Page ID
- 375690
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\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)What should new U.S. college students know?
As an international or immigrant student, navigating the U.S. college campus culture can be an exciting and sometimes overwhelming experience.
What’s It Like to Come to America as an Undergraduate?
As you watch this video, consider your own experience. Do you see the same contrasts as these students do between the college cultures of the U.S. and your home country?
"What's It Like to Come to America as an Undergraduate?" by Laurel Bowman via VOA News is licensed as Public Domain
Here are some essential tips and insights to help you adapt to and thrive in the college environment:
Embrace diversity
U.S. college campuses are known for their rich diversity. Be open to meeting people from various backgrounds and cultures. Engage in multicultural events, join international student organizations, and participate in campus activities to broaden your horizons and build meaningful connections.
Understand academic expectations
Familiarize yourself with the academic expectations and grading system at your college. Attend orientations and workshops, and utilize support services like academic advising to understand the requirements of your program and develop effective study strategies.
Grades
Many, but not all, U.S. colleges use this standard grading system based on the percentage of possible points you earn in a class:
- A = 90-100% = 4 points for your Grade Point Average (GPA)
- B = 80-89% = 3 points for your GPA
- C = 70-79% = 2 points for your GPA
- D = 60- 69% = 1 point for your GPA (not passing, but may count for some purposes)
- F = below 60% (not passing)
- W = withdraw (you started the class but dropped it)
- I = incomplete (you finished most of the class, but something happened that kept you from finishing, so you have a contract with the instructor to finish the last bit after the semester ends)
Some colleges also offer the option of a pass/fail or credit/noncredit grade, which usually means that you will earn a pass for any score at or above 70% of the possible points. Choosing this option can take the pressure off your performance. However, this choice might affect your GPA, visa status, financial aid, or transfer eligibility, so check with a counselor or advisor before choosing this option.
Attendance
In U.S. colleges, you are expected to attend every class session and arrive on time. Most instructors take attendance and expect you to email them if you are going to miss a class or arrive late. Colleges often have a policy that if you miss a certain number of class sessions, you can be dropped from the class.
Homework
Most college classes require homework. As a general rule, you can expect to do two hours of homework each week for every one hour the class meets each week.
Engage in classroom discussions
Active participation in classroom discussions is highly encouraged in the U.S. Share your thoughts, ask questions, and engage in respectful debates. This not only enhances your learning experience but also helps you build relationships with professors and classmates. You might feel nervous at first, but you will soon feel more confident. It's fine if your English is not perfect because your classmates and professor want to hear your voice!
Seek support services
U.S. colleges offer various support services to help students succeed. Visit the international student office for immigration-related guidance, cultural adjustment support, and information on campus resources. Additionally, utilize academic support centers, writing centers, and counseling services for assistance tailored to your needs.
Understand campus policies and norms
Familiarize yourself with campus policies, rules, and regulations. Respect cultural norms, academic integrity standards, and codes of conduct. Adhere to deadlines, attend mandatory orientations, and be aware of campus safety measures.
Build a support network
Create a support network by connecting with other international and domestic students. Seek out mentors, join student clubs, and participate in extracurricular activities to build friendships and a sense of belonging. This network can provide emotional support and cultural exchange, and help you navigate challenges.
Practice time management and self-care
Managing your time effectively is crucial. Create a schedule, prioritize tasks, and allocate time for studying, socializing, and self-care. Balancing academics with leisure activities and taking care of your physical and mental well-being are essential for success.
Celebrate your culture
Share your unique cultural heritage with others. Organize cultural events, participate in international festivals, and engage in intercultural dialogues to promote cultural exchange and foster a sense of community.
Stay curious and flexible
Approach your college experience with an open mind, curiosity, and a willingness to adapt. Embrace new challenges, learn from different perspectives, and be open to personal growth.
Check your understanding of U.S. college culture
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1. If you are taking a class that meets for 2 hours each Tuesday and Thursday, how many hours should you set aside for homework for that class during each week?
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At least 8 hours (4 class hours x 2)
2. If you get 87% of the possible points in a class by the end of the semester, how will that class grade affect your GPA?
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You will get a B, which counts for 3 points in your Grade Point Average.
3. Is the best way to succeed in college to stay alone studying every minute you are not in class?
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No! Participating in fun activities and self-care are also important to your English fluency and college success.
Find out more about your own college
Apply this!
Look at your college catalog or website, and the syllabi from each of your classes.
- What clubs meet on your campus that you might like to join?
- What tutoring and academic advising services does your college offer?
- Do your professors all have the same grading policies?
- What is an upcoming event you could attend to meet other students with common interests?
Remember, your college years are not just about academics but also about personal growth and cultural exploration. Embrace the opportunities and challenges that come your way, and make the most of your college experience.
Licenses and Attributions
CC Licensed Content: Original
Authored by Nicole Otero, Kapi'olani Community College. License: CC BY NC.
CC Licensed Content: Previously Published
"What's It Like to Come to America as an Undergraduate?" by Laurel Bowman via VOA News is licensed as Public Domain.