A Day in the Life of a Student in United States

Graphics & Words by Caitlin Chuah

Student life in the United States can be an incredibly awe-inspiring experience. It is a land of diverse landscapes and unique cultures, alongside a thriving movie, fashion and music scene. Over a million international students enrol in American universities each year, making it one of the top study destinations in the world! If you’d like to join the massive international student community there, below are a few insights as to what living in the US as a student is like.

Campus Life

University campuses in the US are often huge, with accommodation, research laboratories, shops, food joints and sports facilities all located on-site. Many universities even have their own campus police! On-campus residences are somewhat of a small community, great for international students as it fosters tight-knit friendships where you can enjoy particular activities with the students in your residence. Moreover, the level of informality (especially in class) can sometimes shock international students, with many professors even inviting students to address them by their first names!

Safety and Socialising

A popular method of socialising as a university student in the US is by joining a fraternity or sorority, which are social organisations where students hangout, live together and participate in community-related activities. Clubs and societies are also a prevalent way of making new friends, because you will meet people will similar interests and hobbies as you. Many college and university towns will often have a lively nightlife too, housing many bars and clubs where you can bond with other students and have fun! In terms of safety, all American universities publish campus crime statistics, so if you’re worried about safety – just ask!

Food and Culture

Arby’s, Dairy Queen, Cheesecake Factory, Chipotle, Chick-fil-A, Popeyes, Jack in the Box, Panda Express, Carl’s Junior…you will finally get to try all these big American food chains that are not available in Malaysia! True to its stereotype, American food portions are big, but definitely delicious! Due to the US being highly diverse, you will also be able to find foreign cuisines, perhaps even the cuisine from your home country! Moreover, the people there are friendly, outgoing and open-minded, so fret not about fitting in!

Recreational Activities

The USA comprises of many natural spectacles, such as the Grand Canyon, Yosemite National Park, Niagara Falls and the Great Lakes. Even in the cities, you’ll find lush parks and bike trails, which make it easy to access nature no matter where you are. If nature is not your thing, there are plenty of places to visit in the city, from luxurious shopping malls to thrilling theme parks to intriguing art exhibits to spellbinding music concerts…the list of activities to do in the US, regardless of which state you are in, is endless. Adventure awaits!

If you have any questions or inquiries regarding your tertiary education, feel free to contact us. Our services include: education and career counselling, assistance in college/university applications, student visa application, arranging accommodation and more!