Everything You Need to Know about Studying in USA

1. Know the difference: college town vs. commuter city

The social life at your American college or university may depend entirely on the type of city your university is set in. The type of school, the size of the city and the student population itself can change and affect the life that exists beyond the walls of your classrooms and university campus.

• College towns are prevalent all over the U.S. We refer to them as college towns because the town or city where the university is housed is often a small town that is taken over by university buildings, events, and associations, and is a place where most of its population is filled with students, staff and faculty members of the university.

• Commuter cities tend to mean just the opposite. Commuter cities are usually much larger geographically, with a minor presence of university and college students. Students and staff members at the universities tend to commute from the neighboring cities or towns to go to the university, and the university is generally confined to one small neighborhood by the campus.

2.  Classes are more relaxed; but grading is not.

Throughout your education, it is possible that you’ve grown accustomed to some strict classroom procedure; you show up on time, never miss your classes, never leave early, and always keep yourself on top of your assignments. Of course, if this sounds like you, then you will be well-prepared and ahead of your fellow American classmates if you maintain this attitude.

However, you may notice among your classmates that they don’t always have this attitude. You’ll notice, strangely, that students seem to work their classes into their own schedules, showing up when they choose, as they choose, and having a casual attitude toward their course responsibilities and expectations.

This attitude tends to start from the beginning of the semester. From the beginning (probably at orientation), professors and administrators will often tell their students that they are on their own. ‘College’, they say, ‘is the time where young adults learn to make their own mistakes’. This means that your professors are not going to force you to show up for lectures or make it to your classes on time.

However, acting lazy toward your university courses is not without its consequences. Your grades are likely to suffer if you miss out on your course materials and the assignments that your professor gives (not to mention the information and knowledge that you’re neglecting).

3. Be prepared to TALK:

One stereotype about Americans in the international community regards their tendency to talk and talk and talk. Here’s another saying: Stereotypes don’t come from the wind.

In an American university classroom, it is much more likely that a student will be expected to participate by talking about their ideas and engaging in conversation. International students who are used to a stricter, lecture-only atmosphere might be taken aback.

What can you do? You may want to prepare answers and questions in advance of class, particularly if English is not your first language. Look for talking points in your readings, and make sure you are ready to be a chatterbox. Your grade could depend on it!

4. Academic isn’t everything:

In the U.S., students are expected to be involved in extracurricular activities. Outside of your studies, you could be part of cultural or professional clubs, or participate in athletics or the arts. Why? Your grades are just one part of your story, and the other level is one that involves networking and being unique. Part of your reason for attending a college program in the U.S. should be to network with fellow students! These will be your peers throughout your professional life—the people with whom you will forge connections, create businesses and rely on for recommendations. They are also your competition, so as they make connections, make sure you keep up.

What can you do? Think of it this way: Socializing is actually part of what you are paying for. Not all of your tuition money goes to professors and lab equipment. You should take advantage of clubs, teams and other extracurricular because they can be every bit as important as the knowledge you receive in classes. If you don’t think you have time to join a regular club or society, pick something that has a shorter time commitment, like helping to host a specific event. You’ll still meet people, but a built-in end point means you have more time to get back to your studies.  

Culture shock might be something international students regularly face when coming to the U.S. for the first time, but if you are more aware of the difference between American and international universities, at least you’ll know what to do on campus.

5. You really don’t need to decide well in advance about what to study

You're young, and you're not sure what you want to do in life. Then U.S. education is perfect for you! For one, you're not required to declare a major upon university admission. Thanks to the extremely flexible course system, you can pick and choose whatever you'd like learn until you figure out your life mission. Want to study ballet, or better yet, the politics of Beyonce? Why not? Just make sure to pick your major eventually - preferably in your second or third year.

6. You are graded on the scale of 4.0

The U.S. university system features a unique grading system that sets it apart in the English-speaking world. You'll accumulate a grade point average (or GPA) during the course of your studies. This numerical figure represents the entirety of your academic performance thus far. You get a 4.00 for A grades, and 3.00 for Bs, and so on and so forth. So the better you perform, the closer your GPA is to 4.0 - the maximum attainable and reserved for pure geniuses. 

Upon completion of a degree, students may receive a formal distinction. While the UK system relies on first-class honors, second-class honors, and so on, the American honor system is divided into three ranks: (in ascending order) cum laude, magna cum laude, and summa cum laude. The GPA needed to achieve each of those distinctions may vary according to university, department, and even subject. 

7. You’ll learn lots outside the class:

Historically and culturally, Americans have always embraced the tenets of a well-rounded education. Students are encouraged to learn a bit about everything and spend time outside the classroom gaining real-world experience. You'll realize those internships, volunteering, extracurricular clubs, and sports are a huge part of the American educational experience, and the sooner you embrace that, the better - the friends, contacts, and experience you gain through these activities may have a huge impact on your future employment potential.

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