In about 8 weeks, our 2023 recruits are about to make their journey to their new home for the next four years. The first few months of college can definitely be an adjustment, and it is normal to have moments of homesickness as you adapt to your new environment. We, therefore, like to share 4 tips on how to best transition to your new college environment once you arrive in the US:
Get to know the campus
Take some time in the first week of arrival to explore your new home. Familiarize yourself with important locations (library, gym, student services, etc.) on campus that you will need to visit frequently. The sooner you can navigate your way around campus, the sooner you will feel at home.
Get out and meet people
Forming meaningful connections with new people can help make your college feel like home. In this regard, we recommend meeting and getting to know as many people as possible in your first few weeks. So when you get invited by teammates or classmates to join them in certain activities (work out, walk to class, dinner, coffee) – say yes! Before you know it, the people who feel like strangers in your first week will feel like close friends by mid-semester!
Make a good first impression
The saying “you only get one chance to make a first impression” definitely applies when you meet your coach and team for the first time. A good first impression, for example, can make getting accepted into a team easier or may influence a coach’s decision about the starting lineup. Make sure that you work hard in the summer months so that you arrive in top shape on the first day of practice. Being early to practice and displaying a good, positive work ethic can contribute to a good first impression.
Introduce yourself to your professors
In the first couple of months of college, it will take some adjustment to find a good balance between full-time sports and studies. You will miss classes and deadlines because of games, so it is important to keep good relationships with your professors. Introduce yourself in your first week of classes and let them know that you are an international student-athlete. Ensure they understand your academic goals and career aspirations. If they see that you care about your academic success, they will be more inclined to provide support and flexibility around deadlines and missed classes. In addition, when looking for internships and employment opportunities after college, professors can be your biggest advocates.
Hopefully, you are able to use the tips on how to best transition to college. Once you have settled down, you will find that time goes by fast, and before you know it you will be graduating. Therefore, embrace every opportunity and make the most of your experience!
For further tips or questions about transitioning to college, feel free to contact us
