Joining a US college? Read this

Last week in Mumbai, the United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF) hosted its annual pre-departure orientation programme for US-bound students.

Over a hundred Indian youngsters were on hand to learn about every aspect of studying in America: with topics discussed ranging from what to pack in the week before you leave, immigration into the US, campus life, academic life, socio cultural issues and specific information on banking and insurance.

• Video: Session between US-bound students and a counsellor

"It's great to see such enthusiasm on the part of the students," said Sucharita Narayanan, Sucharita Narayanan, a USIEF regional officer who helped organise the event. "They've learned a lot!"

As part of the programme, a panel of experts that included Indian-Americans, Caucasian-Americans and Indians who had recently returned from US studies discussed a whole range of issues, from the changes in weather in different parts of the US to how to understand a deep Southern accent.

Humour carried the day, as one recently returned Mumbaikar described with horror the cost of buying eyeglasses in America.

Thinking about studying in the US? If you have questions about studying in the States, doubts about the visa application process or any other queries here's your chance to get them addressed. US consular officers will be hosting chats with Rediff.com readers on July 10, July 24 and August 7 at 4 pm. So join us then!

But, overwhelmingly, the returned students had nothing but positive experiences to share. Unanimously, they said that life in America had taught them to learn in a new way, through critical inquiry rather than rote memorisation. Some of the tips they shared:

• Apply to US universities early, and select the early admission option if you're certain you want to attend a particular school. Don't delay at any step, be it filing your application, getting your visa work in order or contacting the school about classes and living options. In the week before you leave, make sure that you get all things in India that would be expensive in America. This includes prescriptions, eye glasses, physical exam, dental work, etc. Do not bring pressure cookers and Indian spices, as the Indian students on campus will be able to tell you where to locate these with ease.
• Video: Students discuss the pre-departure orientation programme

• Also, pack clothes for the first few months, which will be chilly, but don't expect to bring clothes to last the winter. Winters in America can be very cold, and often require special clothes that are best bought in the States. Also, wear layers (ie, thermals, shirt, sweater, wind-cheater), so that you can adjust your clothing by how hot or cold a given environment is.

• Ensure that you have at least $100 in cash (broken up in small denominations), so that you can make your way through the airport and to your college. Bring about $1,500 for your personal spending per semester.

• Get your bank account set-up at a local bank as soon as you arrive, so that you have a ready supply of cash. Get your social security card done as soon as you arrive, so that you can work on campus. Don't fall for the temptation of getting a credit card (which are easy to secure in the US), unless you are very responsible with money. Familiarise yourself with the International Students Office at your university. They will be a big help throughout your stay!

Thinking about studying in the US? If you have questions about studying in the States, doubts about the visa application process or any other queries here's your chance to get them addressed. US consular officers will be hosting chats with Rediff.com readers on July 10, July 24 and August 7 at 4 pm. So join us then!

• In class, don't be afraid to ask questions, as your professor will be delighted by the interest you take. Also, expect a certain degree of informality with professors that isn't present in India.

• Never plagiarise or copy+paste the work of others. It is a grievous offence in America that could have you expelled. Always use your own work.

• Be sure to make friends with Indian and other international students, but also don't fall into the 'trap' of only hanging out with fellow Indians. Make American friends and try to meet as many people as possible!

• Video: Prospective US student on why he wants to study abroad

• Get involved on campus with groups and clubs. Also, network and try to gain internships or on-campus research grants. These look great on your resume.

• You don't have to drink if you're not comfortable. Alcohol is illegal for anyone under 21, so don't fall victim to peer pressure. Avoid illegal drugs, as they could jeopardise your education.

• If you have any roommate problems, don't let them fester and get out of hand. Stop the problem as soon as possible, or move to another room, so that you're not distracted from your primary goal: education.

• Be sure to take pics and share them with family in India, so they can experience your trip abroad alongside you!

• Americans are very conversational and friendly, but still like 'personal space'. Also, they consider personal questions -- How much does your dad make? Have you always been overweight? -- invasive and rude.

Thinking about studying in the US? If you have questions about studying in the States, doubts about the visa application process or any other queries here's your chance to get them addressed. US consular officers will be hosting chats with Rediff.com readers on July 10, July 24 and August 7 at 4 pm. So join us then!

After this intensive session, the students broke into smaller groups, so that they could discuss their questions and concerns with a single counsellor. Some of the advice given was not to speak in a language other than English for long periods of time if there are English-only speakers around, as they might assume the worst.

Another counsellor explained why making friends was the experience he'll remember most. To this day, he said, he stays in touch with his best friend from university, a Pakistani. It never would have been possible outside the US, he added. That, in a nutshell, is what a US education is all about, he explained. It opens your mind and teaches you to look at the world in a new way!

Similar USIEF programmes are to be held in Chennai, New Delhi and Kolkata.

Thinking about studying in the US? If you have questions about studying in the States, doubts about the visa application process or any other queries here's your chance to get them addressed. US consular officers will be hosting chats with Rediff.com readers on July 10, July 24 and August 7 at 4 pm. So join us then!