ISO - July 2009 e-Newsletter
It’s the beginning of August but all the television commercials are already reminding
parents and students that it’s almost time to start preparing for the upcoming Fall
semester. The summer seems to have flown by but there’s still time to get those
few last things accomplished.
Did you finish your summer reading list? It’s not too late to complete that last
classic novel or even get started now, providing your list is short enough! That
way at least you will have something impressive to tell your friends when they ask
you what you did all summer.
Thinking about going back to school is a process that can make you anxious and sad,
especially since your carefree summer days will soon turn into days and nights of
taking classes and studying. But, since going to college or university can only
make you a better person, keep a positive outlook and a stiff upper lip, and start
making those preparations for returning to your study routine.
You should also keep in mind that the college experience is not only about books
and that the social component is what many students will remember for years to come.
While spending time in your home country with friends and family is a great and
refreshing experience, many international students form close friendships while
attending school in the US. Going back to school for the fall semester will inevitably
lead to many opportunities and excuses to spend hours over coffee just catching
up.
A big part of going back to school is the back-to-school shopping. For those students
who love shopping and who avidly list it as their hobby on their Facebook page,
this will not be a problem. However, others may not have such a great time navigating
the back-to-school sales and crowds of students who are also getting ready for their
summer semester.
How do you keep on track? A good idea is to think of all the things you will need
in your dorm room or apartment. Visualize your room and the contents of each area.
What do you use on a daily basis? Think of your daily routine. You can even create
checklist of things that you need to take back to college and other items that you
will purchase once you arrive in the US or at your college. This will keep you organized
and will minimize the stress of trying to keep all the things you need for school
in your head.
It may also be nice to email the professors whose classes you will be taking in
the fall semester. While they are sometimes too busy to respond, in other cases,
a quick email on your part can result in them providing you the class syllabus and
required reading list ahead of time. This way, you can get a head start and the
lowest prices on textbooks at Amazon.com.
Of course, we assume that as responsible international students, you are already
on top of paying your bills and getting your class schedule for the new semester.
Remember to also renew your ISO health insurance plan and other sevices in your
online account.
Best wishes for all your back to school preparations!
ISO is coming to Facebook! We will soon have our page up and running.
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