Tips for New University Students

I am a 2 time international student and I know some things you should know. While many may not consider Ghana “abroad” for Nigerians, it was home to me for 4 years and I was categorized as an international student. I like to tell people I had the time of my life in undergrad. It was a place where I bloomed and began the journey to self discovery. 3 years after graduation, I found myself in the US doing it all over again in a starkly different setting. So, here are my top 3 tips for navigating your time abroad as an international student! - 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲: Find your tribe. It’s my number one advice to thrive abroad. Find your people and hold them tight. Struggle to make friends? Be willing to extend a hand of invitation. In my first year, I was willing to host other Nigerians in my apartment for a Thanksgiving dinner even though I did not really know them. Be the first to ask someone to lunch or to say yes to an evening out. Their friends become your friends and slowly but surely, you will know your people. - 𝐁𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐦: My friend in secondary school told me, “bloom where you are planted”. International student life is tough but we can bloom, we can grow, we can let our lights shine. Please bloom, it is hard, I know but embrace the chance you get to bloom. 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐮𝐩 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭! - 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐄𝐧𝐣𝐨𝐲. You will agree with me that a global education is a true lifetime experience. There is always something to do. Please engage and enjoy with what your school offers. Go to events, volunteer for random things, talk to random people. The years will pass quickly, use them well! 𝐁𝐨𝐧𝐮𝐬: Connect with people like me who are authentic and share the realities of this life that we have chosen.  ------------ 𝐌𝐲 𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐅𝐞𝐲𝐢𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐈 𝐚𝐦 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐞𝐥𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭, 𝐈 𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐝 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐛𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐝. Are you an international student? I would like to connect with you, please leave a comment. Are you a prospective? What questions do you have for me? Share below!

A common first reality that new African graduate students face in the West is the need to catch up. Depending on where you had your first degree, you may begin to find areas in your discipline that seem to be common knowledge to your colleagues but are not to you. If not careful, panic can set it and spiral down to impostor syndrome. In another post, I will share tips on how to crush this kind of impostor syndrome, but for this post, I will focus on specific tips that can help catch up fast, if need be: - Mindset Regardless of how wide your gap might seem, you NEED to keep an empowering mindset. It might feel daunting but you must acknowledge it is not impossible. Accept your reality but also accept your possibility. You CAN catch up. - Start with what you have. I had little theoretical knowledge about the field of STEM education when I started my PhD. However, after a few classes, I realized my practical experience of teaching at multiple levels of education was valuable. So my goal became to use what I already have to navigate what I needed to learn. Always remember that you were accepted into that program because that school knows you have something that can help you navigate grad school. Find it. Use it. - The journey will be messy You need to let go of perfection. The journey of your catching up will be messy. Sometimes you will feel like you already made a lot of progress until something happens and you find yourself questioning yourself again. Be aware of this and expect it. It is part of the journey. Don't get distracted by your feelings, keep going. - Go the extra mile You need to go the extra mile beyond your colleagues. I think that doesn't need much explanation. Read, read, read. - Leverage immediate learning Your catching-up plan does not only have to be a lengthy complex learning plans. It can also be simple, immediate learning like Googling new terms. Don't underestimate the power of simple learning. - Build community Going with people always makes your journey better. And honestly, you will be surprised how much others also need you, even when they initially seem like they don't. Especially for Ph.D. students, building a great community will make a lot of difference in the long run. Current graduate students who have had to catch up, please share other tips that helped you.

🌟 Unlocking Success: A Midway Journey of Pursuing MS in the USA - Unveiling the Life of an International Student 🌟 Midway through my 1st semester in the USA, pursuing a Master's in Business Analytics, I'm a mix of excitement and nostalgia. As an international student at The University of Texas at Dallas, I've navigated the challenges of academia, culture, and career, shaping me into who I am today. 🛫 A Flight of Dreams ✈️ Leaving for the USA, I carried more than just a suitcase - a world of aspirations and the overwhelming anticipation of what lay ahead. 🏫 Academic Odyssey 📚 Fast forward to my first day on campus, and I met with a whirlwind of orientations, new acquaintances, and stacks of syllabi. Navigating a new academic environment, especially in the realm of Business Analytics, comes with its share of challenges. The rigors of coursework, case studies, and the drive to stay ahead in a classroom filled with brilliant minds tested my mettle. Yet, it's in these challenges that I discovered resilience and determination I didn't know I possessed. 🗺️ Cultural Connections 🌎 Beyond the classroom, embracing American culture has been just as enriching. From exploring American football, local cuisines to immersing in cultural festivals, and building friendships across borders, I've learned that diversity holds a treasure trove of perspectives. Every interaction is a chance to break stereotypes, challenge assumptions, and embrace the beauty of differences. 🌠 Discovering Lesser-Known Wisdom 🧠 Throughout this journey, I've discovered these invaluable lessons: 1. Adaptability: Surviving requires flexibility - adapting to new cultures, academic systems, and career landscapes. 2. Networking: Building a professional network is vital. Attend events, connect with professors, and collaborate with peers. It's a powerful tool that opens doors. 3. Time Management: Balancing academics, work, and life is a puzzle; effective time management solves it. 4. Exploration: Embrace the unfamiliar - new dishes, & languages. It's all part of the learning experience. 5. Celebrate Milestones: From assignments to internships, celebrating milestones keeps the journey rewarding. 💼 Paving the Path to a Promising Future 🚀 At the current juncture, I can reflect on the bigger picture. Pursuing a Master's in Business Analytics is about more than exams; it's about unlocking the potential for a promising future. Networking, career fairs, and internships have taught me to balance academics with career development and create a brand in a competitive landscape. Join me in this journey as an international student pursuing Business Analytics in the USA. Let's connect and learn together. What's the most exciting part of pursuing your dreams abroad? Share your thoughts and experiences! 🌍 #MSinUS #InternationalStudentLife #StudyinUSA #BusinessAnalytics #DataScience #CareerJourney

🚀 Navigating the Early College Years: Tips for Freshmen and Sophomores! 🌟 I often get asked about securing internships early in the game and making the most out of those freshman and sophomore years. In 2022 (my freshman year), I was able to secure 3 internships: - Neuroscience Research Assistant at University of California, San Francisco - School of Medicine - New Technologists intern at Microsoft & Cyborg Mobile. - Data Science Research Assistant at UChicago Data Science Institute. So, let's dive into some valuable insights that I wish I knew when I was a freshman :) 1)💻 Building Your Digital Presence 🌐 Create a Personal Website: Showcase your projects (does not have to be coding), achievements, and aspirations. It's your digital playground and a great way to stand out. 📱 Active Social Media: Leverage platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Slack. Connect with professionals, join relevant groups (other students and job hunters), and stay updated on industry trends. 2) 🤖 For the Aspiring SWE/DS/TPM: 🚀 LeetCode and Coding Practice should be your best friend starting NOW. Hone your coding skills through platforms like LeetCode, HackerRank, or CodeSignal. Consistent practice pays off during technical interviews, believe me. Practice makes perfect! 3)📚 Research and Grad School Track: 🤝 Build Connections Early: Reach out to professors and researchers in your field of interest. Attend seminars, join clubs, and express your eagerness to learn and contribute. 📖 Read Research Papers: Start diving into academic papers related to your area of interest. It's an excellent way to stay informed and spark your curiosity. 4)💡General Tips for All: 🧠 Continuous Learning: Always be curious. Engage in online courses, workshops, and seminars. Stay hungry for knowledge. These could easily be found on LinkedIn. So, make sure to enrich your following list with what you're genuinely passionate about :) 🌟 Seek Mentorship: Connect with seniors, alumni, or professionals in your network. Their experiences and advice are invaluable. These will help you get started instead of wandering and having a constant feeling of being lost and "where to start" questions. 5)🌈 Spare Time Utilization: ⏰ Internship Prep: Use spare time for resume building, practicing common interview questions (specially behavioral), and researching companies you're interested in. 🌱 Side Projects: Work on small projects aligned with your interests. It's a practical way to apply what you're learning in class. Remember, it's not about the destination, but the journey. Embrace the learning process and enjoy the ride. Feel free to comment if you have questions :) 🚀Also, feel free to schedule a 1:1 session: https://lnkd.in/dZrkJ6Ew Grateful for all the feedback: https://lnkd.in/dyYRUtCs #collegeadvice #internships #sophomore #freshman #careerdevelopment #techenthusiast #learningjourney #careeradvice #onlinepresence #codingpractice #research #mentoring #curiosity #internshipsuccess

I had a really good conversation with my friend Manolo last night, and we were talking about all of the things no one tells you that you have to do in college to get ahead and stay ahead. A lot of things, I had to figure out myself, but I was blessed (and continue to be) with a supportive network of people who only wanted to see me win! So that being said, I wanted to share some tips that I think every college freshman (honestly, anyone in college) should know! 1. Go to on-campus events.. You pay so much money in tuition, you might as well take advantage of them. They're fun, they most likely will have food lol, and you can meet people. 2. You only have about 4 years in school, so exhaust every resource on that campus. My school has soo many things, a completely decked-out makerspace, a media lab, an incubator, 3 gyms, pools, a radio station, and you can rent cameras and audio equipment. There's a lot more as well but they also have cool workshops on a lot of random things, like knitting or jewelry making. See what you can find! Don't just let it pass you by, use it. 3. Talk to people. You have like thousands of people on the campus with you lol, build community. Introduce urself to someone in the dining hall or class. Everyone likes talking about themselves and I'm sure most people enjoy meeting someone new. 4. Build relationships with your professors. Maybe down the line, you can be a teaching assistant for their class, get invited to participate in their research, or you'll have someone to write you a recommendation letter if needed. Of course, don't just do it to be transactional. Professors are cool people. They have lived interesting lives and you can learn from them. Also, go to office hours.. 5. Go to the career center and get your resume looked over, the writing center to get your essay reviewed, and the math center for help with calc 3. Help yourself!! Take advantage!! They are there to help you lol, use them. 6. Join a club. It can be anything. Like literally, if you have an interest, there's likely a club for it. And if there's not, start your own :) Try something new. Join a sport. This is your chance to learn and get to know yourself, find out your likes and dislikes, and find out what inspires you! Over the past two years, I have been president of two organizations, vice president of one, and secretary of another. I joined the women's rowing team (I'm not on it anymore, but I loved it), I tried out ballroom dancing, I gardened. Anything that looked fun to me, I did it! The nice thing about college is that you have the freedom to pretty much explore and try anything, so my advice would be to just do it :) Also, don't laugh at my rowing pictures omg..

Here are 10 mistakes I made as an international student. See how many you made too. I graduated from Columbia University in 2019 with a master’s in Management Sciences. But not before making a TON of mistakes along the way. Here are the top 10: 🛑 1: Converting everything to rupees Oof. I converted EVERYTHING to rupees. From monthly rent to weekly laundry to daily food. It made me penny wise, pound foolish. And worse, it led to #2 below. 🚫 2: Eating shitty food everyday My daily diet consisted of either $5 rice & daal, or $0 pizzas and pasta. You know, the poster-child of healthy eating choices. 😴 3: Sleeping at 5 AM I was part of the 5 AM club. Except, I would go to sleep at 5 AM. Forget morning meditation. Forget morning cardio. I would wake up & rush to classes. ❌ 4: Only focused on getting an internship I focused too much on, “How can I get a referral?” and too little on, “How can I build a relationship?” If I had a penny for the number of good connections I missed, I could probably fund my master’s all over again. 📛 5: Not mingling with the international crowd Moving to a new country is hard, scary, and… lonely. So, within a few weeks, groups form everywhere. Indians mingle with Indians (mostly). Chinese with Chinese. French with French. This led to so many missed connections. 📕 6: Learning for the sake of doing well in an exam Because of the pressure to find a job, network, finish assignments, stay alive and a million little things, I didn’t learn for the sake of learning. I learned to do well in an exam. 🏆 7: Not being proactive about RA/TA-ship Should you approach a professor for RA/TA-ship as soon as you land in America or after a few weeks? Answer: neither. You should approach even before you fly out from your home country. 📄 8: ”H-1B is my only option to work” It’s not. H-1B is a popular option. Not the only one. If you’re still in school, check out the O-1 visa, self-employment OPT, EB-1 visa, etc for starters. 💭 9: Thinking very short-term Every decision was taken with a short-term goal in mind: getting a job to pay back the loan. This led to missed connections, robbed joy in learning, and eating shitty food. But life isn’t that short in most cases. 🥑 10: Eating shitty food every day (encore!) Yes, this is not a typo. If you’re still in college, PLEASE SPEND MONEY ON HEALTHY FOOD. I promise you: you’ll make it back sooner than you think. What mistakes did you make in college? Share them below. 👇 ... Please re-share this post so it helps more students! 🙏 Finally, if you’re an immigrant in America, join 15,000+ who get my weekly newsletter packed with breaking news & free resources like this: https://lnkd.in/gKtUGU-r :) #students #immigration #studyabroad #unshackled #USA #Education

I've switched jobs 3 times in the last 5 years, all within the data and AI field. I regret not doing this, especially as an international student. If you are an international student or planning to be one, this post is for you! Create detailed documentation of all your past and present projects and store it in your personal space. A bonus is if you organize it according to the project or company. Some of the pointers you can include to get started: 1. The overall goal of the project 2. How did you contribute 3. What was the impact (Keep it high level, 2X in revenue, 3X in client engagement, no need for actual numbers) 4. What were the challenges, and how did you overcome 5. Who were the key stakeholders (To get letters of recommendation in the future) 6. Attach media articles, links to YouTube videos, etc., as well When you are documenting, imagine applying for an award, extraordinary visa based on your contributions, or fellowship application where they ask about everything you have achieved in the past 5 to 10 years. I was struggling this weekend to document past work from 5 years ago. Learn from my experience and be proactive to avoid similar challenges. P.S.: I am not motivating anyone to store confidential information on their private laptop. Just store “your” contributions and impact. #data #womeninproduct #internationalstudents

2 years ago, I became the first Vietnamese international valedictorian at my high school and spoke on the stage. . . . It was a joyful, brave, and memorable journey, but it was also filled with a bunch of failures, tragedy, and devastation. - I was proud to leave my home when I was only 14, but I often felt lonely. - I learned about personal finance, but I also went broke a few times. - I made new friends, but I accidentally hung out with some bad ones. And many more stories. Here are my top 10 lessons from my high school journey that I’m still taking advantage of today. Especially as an international student: 1. Make friends with foreigners; don’t just hang out with those from your country. 2. But choose friends wisely - if you feel like not sharing the same values or beliefs with your friends, then consider finding new friends. 3. Also, be aware of friends asking you to eat out. Some are good, but some are just trying to take your money. 4. Learn how to manage finances properly. Always save some money for unexpected incidents. 5. When incidents happen, don’t ever try to lie or hide from your parents and family. Try contacting your parents and family at all costs. They must know. 6. However, lying sometimes saves your life - and even opens up insane opportunities. 7. Opportunities only come if you’re actively seeking them, which means you have to step out of your comfort zone and try new things. 8. Which also means you have to work 200% harder than domestic students to capture those opportunities. 9. But work hard for your genuine knowledge, not for the sake of your GPA or boasting with friends about good grades. 10. Because your knowledge and experiences will be helpful and valued in the future, not your transcripts. If you’re an international student, I hope you’ll find these helpful :) #internationalstudents #studyabroad #college #culture

University 101 Don’t chase First Class alone, chase becoming well-rounded. Be the student and the story. Join clubs like AIESEC, JCI, and ENACTUS. Go where the leaders are made. Grades open doors; extracurriculars open rooms you didn’t know existed. Apply for internships early. Experience makes theory come alive. Your future self will thank you for the experience. Look out for fully funded conferences. Some of your biggest breaks come free. Keep your CV alive. Update it like your playlist. Build real relationships with your lecturers. You will need more than transcripts for recommendation letters. Your course mates are more than classmates. Don’t delete their numbers after graduating. Stay in touch. The network you build now travels with you forever. Your health is wealth. Rest is not a reward, it is a requirement. Ask questions. Engage in class. You belong in every room you walk into. Don’t shrink to fit in. University is where you expand, not disappear. Attend seminars and public lectures, even the ones outside your course. Curiosity pays interest. Document your journey. Keep a portfolio, a blog, or a journal. Your growth deserves evidence. Celebrate your small wins. They are the foundation that shapes your bigger story.

I'm a first-gen Harvard University grad. Here are 23 #LifeHacks that I wish I'd known in college: 1. Make friends with older students. They can tell you what classes to take (or avoid). 2. Subscribe to club emails for the inside scoop on events and free food. 3. Use your smartphone calendar (and sync it across devices) to stay organized. 4. Say "hi" to someone new every day. You never know whom you might meet. 5. Take a leadership role in a club of your interest. This can help you get in touch with alumni. 6. Attend social events with friends every week. And no, you don't have to drink. 7. Develop a workout routine. It can help with your energy, health, focus, and confidence. 8. Learn to skim when you read for efficiency. People in the “real world” do it, too. 9. Don’t go home too quickly. Work in common areas to meet new people. 10. Plan for life after college early. Pay attention to deadlines and requirements. 11. Hunt for college discounts. Look for the free or cheaper option before you pay full price. 12. Build relationships with professors in your field. You may need their references later. 13. Work on a passion project. It can help you build your resume and even your career. 14. Grades matter but don't obsess over the last decimal point. Your internship and extracurriculars matter more. 15. Don't hesitate to ask for extensions or exceptions. Professors want to help you. 16. Check your email regularly and respond promptly. Opportunities wait for no one. 17. Always send personalized thank-you emails. Explain why you’re grateful. 18. Plan summers strategically to help build your resume and explore your interests. 19. Get a credit card and an on-campus job (esp. if you’re an international student so you get a social security number). 20. International students: Research your OPT (Optional Practical Training) and STEM extension. 21. Picking between two classes? Look for one that satisfies multiple requirements AKA double and triple-dip whenever you can. 22. Optimize your LinkedIn profile. Add everything you’re doing in terms of clubs, internships, and jobs to your profile so recruiters can find you. 23. Find your “people.” You won’t be friends with everyone and that’s okay—what matters are those close friends, the ones you can call out of the blue. College can be scary. It’s your first step into independence! It’s also your first opportunity to start building the life you want—all while maintaining your mental health and physical health. I believe in you! 👉 Current students and college graduates, what’s the life hack you wish you knew in college? PS Not a first-gen college student? That’s okay! Given that 56% of undergrads in the U.S. are #FirstGen, there’s a good chance that a friend, student, or mentee of yours is first-gen—and would appreciate you sharing these #college success strategies with them. And hey, who knows—maybe there’s a #hack or two in here that you may not have known yourself!