How to Find Your Place in the University of Michigan as an International Student

Personally speaking, it is hard to be an international student. People said that growing up is a process, but from my point of view, growing up starts from the moment that you get on the plane to US. Starting from that moment, almost everything that you were familiar with is getting unfamiliar. The time difference, homesickness, eating habits, languages, academic pressures and all the cultural differences - they are all going to become big challenges for international students to overcome. And besides those tasks, the most important issues that always occur for international students are loneliness and social insecurity. It is very common and happens to almost all of us. Most of my friends, including me, have had a hard time trying to figure out how to fit into this society and find our place at the University of Michigan (U-M). As a junior student, here is some advice that I want to give to incoming international students:

1. Don’t be shy. Start to make friends from the orientation and classes. Orientation is the very first chance for freshmen to meet each other. Most of them are exactly like you – excited, anxious, don’t know a lot of people here, and hoping to make new friends. So, don’t be shy. Ask them their name and where they come from. They want to make friends as much as you do and it is going to be a great chance to form your squad at U-M. 
2. Join student clubs that you are interested in. U-M has Festifall and Winterfest for students to get to know and join different student clubs. On those days, all the student clubs will be tabling at on campus, and you should definitely go with your friends to explore. It is going to be a fabulous chance to find a group of people who share your interests and help you to find your place there. Besides student clubs, you can also participate in student government or community services.  
3. For undergraduate students, joining Fraternity and Sorority Life (formerly known as Greek Life) may also be a good way to get to know more people and make friends. Many international students probably don’t know much about Fraternity and Sorority Life. They are social organizations at colleges based on sexes. There are many chapters presented by different Greek letters. Every year, there will be at least 2 "rush" events for new students to join. It can offer you a closer relationship with brothers and sisters in Fraternity and Sorority Life. However, since it is a social-based organization, you have to consider your safety when some of activities involve with drinking, smoking, or other dangerous actions. 
4. Most importantly, you need to find the right place and group that will always make you stay positive and happy. Always remember that social pressure could easily destroy a person. You are cool because the way you are. Don’t ever try to change things that you liked about yourself just to fit in a group or keep a relationship. Be loyal to yourself.

Written by Yuxin Li

Summer Orientation Peer Advisor

Undergraduate Student

China