What is your best advice about studying abroad at Kent State?
- Make sure you get out of your comfort zone and make friends who are not from your country. You’re at Kent State to experience the college culture, so join student organizations, attend on-campus events and take advantage of the things you couldn’t do back in your home country.” (Bruno Beidacki)
- Do not lose touch with home because that’s what makes you original and different. Being different on a campus is not bad, it makes you unique. Mix with people from different cultures; do not be afraid or restrict yourself from reaching out to other people. Seek help from professors and peers. Befriend someone who knows the place and the region so that you can get the best experience. (Amrita Datta)
- Nothing is more important than your safety, please be vigilant all the time. Avoid staying out late especially when you’re alone. Use tools, websites, apps like nsopw.gov to check how safe your surrounding area is, especially if you are a female student. It’s fine if you want to get a few drinks, but no need to get wasted. (Lusi Cai)
- Be confident, expressive, and respectful! Talk to your professors regularly to learn! Value your peers’ opinions!
- Be healthy! Get the right nutrition, work out, and look sanguine! Whenever you feel hopeless or unhappy, don’t hesitate to reach out for help! You don’t have to deal with it alone! People around you (professors, advisors, friends, and family members) are more supportive than you think! Step out and meet friends!
- If you feel unhappiness of any kind, don’t feel bad and schedule a meeting with [Kent State] psychology services to get professional help! Remember, there’s always help around you! (Lusi Cai)
- Things will get tougher and harder at some point. Do not give up and don’t be afraid of making mistakes. Get yourself out there and just try things out. Either volunteer or join an organization on campus. Follow your dream and stick with it. At last, I hope each of you will have a wonderful time at Kent. Oh, one more thing: If you are not sure what you want to do with your major, try to do the exploratory courses. It definitely helps. (Aierken “Subi” Subinuer)
- Join organizations and don’t be shy. (Kamulijiang “Kam” Bolati)
- Be prepared for winter! (Natasha Wolwacz Heinz)
- Continue to be brave. You already are brave by leaving whatever city or town was comfortable and home to you. Don’t lose that drive by collapsing inward and only surrounding yourself with people experiencing what you are. I can speak only for myself when I say that I want to meet you, get to know you, learn about you and where you came from. It is hard to do so when you are always surrounded by your friends speaking a different language. If you can’t speak English well, all the better. I will help you with English and you can teach me your language. College isn’t just about learning in classrooms, but also from the girl sitting across from you in the dining hall or on the bus.
- This is more than one piece of advice, but it is equally important. Walk or bike everywhere you can. As a rule, most of the food here is bad for you. I combat that by never driving or taking the bus if I can help it. Exercise is important, and sometimes all you have time for is the walk across campus to get to your next class. So invest in good boots and a winter coat for when it is snowing; the wind chill is below 0, and class was not cancelled. Welcome to Kent. I hope you will enjoy your time here. (Sophia Avouris)
- Take advantage of the size and diversity of Kent State. The diversity of cultures, ideas and perspectives are an integral piece of Kent State’s history. Do not be afraid to talk to fellow students and faculty, but more importantly, do not be afraid to get involved. The best thing you can do while studying at Kent is to participate in the many organizations and clubs. This is the best way to make your voice heard and to hear the voices of others. (Carrie George)
- Use your time to make every connection and find every new opportunity that you can! You will get out of the experience what you put in. (Abigail Winternitz)