Orientation week moves fast.

One day you're checking into your apartment, the next you're attending campus events, collecting student IDs, opening bank accounts, and trying to remember the names of the people you've just met.

Then, almost overnight, the schedule settles down.

Classes become your new routine, and suddenly you're responsible for all the little things that come with living independently in a new country.

Those everyday decisions like where to shop, how to get around, who to spend time with, and how to build a life outside the classroom often have a bigger impact on your experience than students expect.

Here's what we wish every new international student knew during those first few weeks.

Learning Where to Shop

One of the first surprises for many students is how different American stores can be. You'll quickly hear people mention Walmart, Target, and Costco, but they each serve a different purpose.

Walmart is often the best place to start. You'll find groceries, cleaning supplies, kitchen essentials, toiletries, school supplies, and basic home items at competitive prices. If you're furnishing your apartment on a student budget, Walmart is usually the most practical first stop.

Target offers many of the same products but generally has a wider selection of home décor, clothing, and higher-quality household items. Prices can be a little higher, but many students appreciate the shopping experience and product selection.

Costco is different altogether. It operates on a membership model and specializes in buying in bulk. While purchasing large quantities doesn't always make sense for one student, Costco can be an excellent option if you're sharing an apartment with roommates. Splitting groceries, paper products, and household supplies often saves everyone money over the course of the semester.

The best approach isn't choosing one store, it's knowing which one fits your needs.

Your Apartment Doesn't Have to Be Perfect

Many students arrive expecting to furnish an entire apartment during their first weekend.

That's rarely necessary.

Start with the essentials: a place to sleep, basic cookware, towels, cleaning supplies, and a few items that make your space comfortable. You can always add decorations and extra furniture over time.

If you're trying to save money, don't assume everything needs to be purchased new.

Many international students find excellent deals through Facebook Marketplace, university housing groups, local "Buy Nothing" groups, garage sales, and thrift stores. Around college towns, it's common for graduating students to sell furniture, desks, lamps, and kitchen items for a fraction of the original price.

There's no prize for having the most stylish apartment during your first month. Comfort and functionality matter much more.

Figuring Out Transportation

Transportation looks very different depending on where you study.

Some universities are built around walking and public transportation. Others almost require a car after your first year. Before deciding whether you need a vehicle, spend a few weeks learning your city.

Ask yourself:

• Can I walk to campus?
• Is there a university shuttle?
• Are grocery stores nearby?
• Is cycling a realistic option? What about a bike or scooter?
• How reliable is public transportation?

For occasional trips, services like Uber and Lyft are often more affordable than owning a car. Remember that buying a car also means paying for insurance, fuel, maintenance, registration, and parking. For many students, waiting before purchasing a vehicle is one of the smartest financial decisions they make.

Building a Community Takes Intention

One of the biggest misconceptions about university life is that friendships happen automatically. Sometimes they do. More often, they happen because someone takes the first step.

Say yes when classmates or roommates invite you to eat lunch together. Attend club meetings, even if you don't know anyone yet. Join intramural sports, cultural organizations, professional societies, or volunteer opportunities.

The first few conversations may feel awkward. But that's okay. Everyone else is meeting new people too. The friendships you build during your first semester often begin with something as simple as sitting next to someone in class or introducing yourself after an orientation event.

Culture Shock Is Part of the Process

There will be moments when life feels surprisingly easy. And there will be days when even simple things like ordering food, understanding slang, navigating healthcare, or opening a bank account feel more complicated than expected.

This doesn't mean you've made the wrong decision. It means you're adapting.

Culture shock isn't a single moment; it's a process. Many students experience an initial "honeymoon phase," followed by frustration, homesickness, or self-doubt before gradually feeling more confident and comfortable. So be patient with yourself during this transition. You're not expected to master a new country in a few weeks.

Find Your People

One of the healthiest things you can do after arriving is to build connections beyond the classroom. Many universities have international student organizations, graduate student associations, and cultural clubs that host regular events throughout the year.

You may also find community through a local place of worship, whether that's a church, temple, mosque, gurdwara, or another faith community. Even if you're not particularly religious, these communities often provide friendship, mentorship, volunteer opportunities, holiday celebrations, and practical support for students who are far from home.

The goal isn't simply to stay busy, because trust me, you'll be busy! It's to build a network of people who know your name, notice when you're missing, celebrate your successes, and support you when life feels challenging. That sense of belonging makes a tremendous difference.

Give Yourself Grace

There will be days when you miss home. Days when you're tired of making decisions on your own. Days when you wonder why everything from grocery shopping to opening a utility account feels harder than it should. Those moments are normal.

Settling into a new country isn't something that happens in a weekend. It's built through hundreds of small experiences: finding your favorite coffee shop, learning the quickest route to class, discovering where to buy your favorite ingredients, and recognizing familiar faces around campus.

One day, without realizing it, this unfamiliar place will start to feel familiar. And that's a wonderful feeling.

Your first semester in the U.S. isn't about having everything figured out. It's about building a foundation. Learn your city. Manage your finances wisely. Create a comfortable home. Invest in meaningful friendships. Stay curious about the culture around you while holding onto the traditions that matter to you.

Most importantly, remember that every international student who now seems confident and settled was once exactly where you are today.

Cheers ☕