Tips for International Students Admitted to U.S. Colleges

Now that the college application process is over, acceptances have been received and a U.S. college has been chosen, international students will likely want to start thinking about their next steps on the college journey.

In my case, I found motivation to take college essay classes and tennis lessons, as well as train for half-marathons. These were both fun and useful activities, and they helped me tremendously as I began my freshman year in college. For newly admitted international students, there is a three-month summer to get ready for school, so make the most of it.

Here are a few things to do now that may help admitted international students feel more confident when they step on campus this fall.

[Discover college orientation tips for international students.]

1. Contact the college's residence life office: It's common for international freshmen to want to switch their dorms during their first year. The residence life department at your college will send paperwork and a questionnaire that asks about your lifestyle, hobbies and so forth, so they can place you in a dorm that is suitable for you.

I have had friends who are either dissatisfied with their roommates or found out that their dorms are too loud for them to study -- even though they wanted to be in an active dorm. Some schools have strict policies about moving, so reach out early about what you need so that accommodations can be made.

Ask the office all the necessary questions, from what the dorm is like to where to do your laundry, so that you can either stay where you've been assigned or make a request to switch immediately.

2. Research academic majors: By the time you are admitted to college, you may not yet know what you want to study. Questions like "Should I follow my heart or rely on my mind? What do I major in to make the most money? What kind of major gives me a good chance at an H-1B visa, so I can work in the U.S. after I graduate?" are common.

Start researching now, and talk to senior students and your dean. I did not do this, and took a lot of classes that have nothing to do with my future. The earlier you do your research, the better.

[Learn about ways international students can weigh potential majors.]

3. Take a public speaking class: Public speaking is often an underrated skill in high school in some countries. Even some U.S. students will not have mastered it by the time they enroll in college. The majority of presentations given by freshmen that I have seen either consist of a lot of "ahhs" and "umms" or are marked by a lack of confidence. Therefore, taking a public speaking class will prepare you better for the academic college environment in the U.S.

It can even build up your social confidence, which will be very beneficial in the long run. International students who are fluent in English, but who are not confident interacting with other students in public, often have a tougher time than those who are not fluent but are more confident.

[Discover free tools to help international students improve their English skills.]

4. Learn basic life skills: I have seen people in my dorm asking their moms how to use vacuum cleaners and washing machines. You are going to be on your own for the next four years, and your parents won't be at college with you, so if you learn how to cook well, manage your time efficiently, and use common appliances at home, you will have a better advantage than those who do not.

5. Let parents come with you if they wish: Finally, for those whose parents want to make the journey to the U.S. to drop you off, you should be comfortable with that.

Even if your mother wants to make your bed for you, or your dad is there to take hundreds of photos, let them. There is no reason to be embarrassed in front of your friends. This is a big step for you, but it is an even a bigger step for them as they watch their child go to a far-off land and finally be an adult.

Danh Pham, from Vietnam, is a sophomore and a member of the Liberal Arts Honors Program at Providence College, where he majors in accounting.