Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Register your interest
Registering when you arrive at university or college is vital. You should have already been told by your institution what you need to do, but if not the best plan is to go to your international student office and ask them. In most cases there will be a welcome scheme and an orientation course, where you get a guided tour of your campus and the chance to meet fellow international newcomers
Freshen up
Freshers’ fair is the place to go to get lots and lots of freebies, sign up to clubs and societies, buy posters, CDs and other essentials and generally meet lots of new people and have an excellent time doing it. However, you could end up getting carried away and joining the sky-diving club or the heavy metal music society, so be careful what you wish for!
Let them entertain you
Towards the end of freshers’ week is the time the freshers’ ball tends to roll into town. If you’re lucky, these events attract some decent bands; if you’re unlucky, you’ll get an ABBA tribute act. All in all however, it is yet another opportunity early in your higher education career to meet new people and settle into what will be your home for the next few years.
Make yourself at home
While you should get a guided tour in your first week on campus, there’s nothing stopping you getting to know the sights by yourself. Take a bus into town, wander between the stacks of books in the library or find a bench in your local park and watch the world go by. The more time you spend getting to know your new surroundings, the sooner they will begin to feel like home.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments