Making Friends: International Students At Msu

how to meet international students msu

MSU is known for its diverse student body, with a large number of international students from all over the world. The Office for International Students and Scholars (OISS) offers a range of resources and support services for international students, including transportation assistance through Lyft and in-person orientation and welcome events to help new students meet fellow students and get familiar with campus resources. International students are also required to complete an International Student Orientation, which provides specific information and resources for their time at MSU. With a variety of clubs and societies, MSU offers plenty of opportunities for students to connect and build a community.

Characteristics Values
Transportation assistance Offered through the ride-share service, Lyft
Orientation International Student Orientation is required for all new international students
In-person welcome events Starting Tuesday, January 7th, 2025
Online learning system Desire2Learn (D2L)
Application process Apply as an international student if not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and require a visa to study in the U.S.
Student experience MSU is known for its diverse and welcoming community, with various clubs and activities to connect with other international students

shunstudent

Join clubs to meet international students at MSU

Joining clubs is a great way to meet international students at MSU. MSU encourages international student organizations to share their culture and contribute to the internationalization of the university and the wider community of Lansing.

One way to meet international students is to join one of the many international student groups on campus. These groups often organize cultural events and activities that are open to all students. They also provide a great opportunity to learn about different cultures and traditions and to make friends from all over the world. You can find a list of international student groups on the MSU website or through social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram.

Another way to meet international students is to join clubs and organizations that are focused on specific interests or hobbies. For example, if you're interested in language exchange, you could join a conversation club or a language-learning group. These groups often attract international students who are looking to practice their language skills and make friends. Similarly, if you have a particular sport or activity that you enjoy, you could join a related club or team. Many international students participate in sports clubs as a way to stay active and connect with others.

In addition to joining existing clubs, you could also consider starting your own club or organization. If you have a particular passion or interest that you don't see represented on campus, you can form your own group and reach out to international students who share your interests. MSU provides support and funding for international student programming, so you can apply for resources to help get your club off the ground and promote it to the wider student community.

By joining clubs and organizations, you'll not only meet international students but also develop valuable skills and broaden your perspective. These experiences can enrich your time at MSU and foster lifelong friendships and connections. So, whether you're interested in culture, language, sports, or any other hobby, don't be afraid to get involved and reach out to international student clubs on campus.

shunstudent

Attend International Student Orientation.

Attend International Student Orientation:

International Student Orientation is mandatory for all new international students at MSU. This orientation is specifically designed to provide international students with the information and resources they need to navigate their studies and life at MSU. It is an excellent opportunity to meet other international students and build a support network.

The Office for International Students and Scholars (OISS) organises International Student Orientation and offers a range of services to support international students. OISS provides transportation assistance through a partnership with Lyft, offering up to $25 off the first ride for students arriving in East Lansing. They also host in-person welcome events, allowing students to meet their OISS advisor, familiarise themselves with campus resources, and connect with peers.

The dates for International Student Orientation are typically communicated in advance, with specific dates provided for in-person events. For example, the Spring 2025 orientation was scheduled for January 7th to 9th. Students are expected to arrive no later than the day before the orientation starts.

Additionally, MSU's online learning system, Desire2Learn (D2L), offers modules that provide essential information for new international students, both before and after their arrival. The Welcome Newsletter is another valuable resource, offering updates and details about orientation and other relevant topics. It is sent out regularly, and students are encouraged to read each edition carefully.

By actively participating in International Student Orientation and utilising the resources provided by OISS, new international students at MSU can ensure a smooth transition into their academic journey and begin building meaningful connections with their peers.

shunstudent

Connect with international students via the MSU Reddit community

The MSU Reddit community, r/msu, is a great place to connect and interact with international students. With over 43,000 members, it is an active and engaging platform for students and alumni of Michigan State University to connect, seek advice, and share their experiences.

Getting Started

To get started, create an account on Reddit if you don't already have one. Then, simply navigate to the r/msu subreddit by searching for it in the search bar or by clicking on the link provided in the search results.

Engaging with the Community

Once you're in the subreddit, take some time to explore the posts and comments to get a feel for the community. You'll find a variety of topics, including discussions about academics, campus life, housing, internships, and more.

To connect with international students specifically, look for posts and comments from users who identify themselves as international students or those seeking advice on topics related to international students. You can also create your own posts or comments targeting international students. For example, you could introduce yourself and your interest in connecting with international students or ask questions about their experiences.

Additional Tips

  • When engaging with others, be respectful and mindful of the community rules, which include refraining from attacking others based on their race, religion, LGBTQ status, ethnicity, mental/physical ability, and other identifying qualities.
  • Don't be afraid to reach out directly to users who may share similar interests or backgrounds as you. Many students are willing to help answer questions or provide advice.
  • Remember that the MSU Reddit community is unofficial, so while it's a great place to connect, you may also want to explore other official MSU resources for international students.

By actively engaging with the MSU Reddit community and seeking out connections with international students, you can expand your network, gain valuable insights, and make new friends from around the world.

shunstudent

Check out MSU's Office for International Students and Scholars (OISS) for in-person welcome events

The Office for International Students and Scholars (OISS) at MSU offers a variety of resources and events to support international students. One of the key offerings is the International Student Orientation, which is mandatory for all new international students. This orientation is specifically designed to provide international students with the information and resources they need to navigate their studies and life at MSU. It covers important topics such as transportation assistance, where students can receive up to $25 off their first ride with Lyft when arriving in East Lansing.

In addition to the orientation, the OISS also hosts in-person welcome events, which provide a great opportunity for new international students to connect with their peers and feel welcomed to the MSU community. These events allow students to meet their OISS advisor, get familiar with campus resources, and build a support network. The welcome events are usually held before the start of the semester, with specific dates announced in advance.

The OISS also offers ongoing support throughout the semester. They provide assistance with immigration check-in, visa requirements, and any other queries international students may have. The advisors are accessible and available to meet virtually via Zoom to accommodate students' needs. Additionally, the OISS promotes community-building through events and initiatives, fostering a sense of belonging among international students.

MSU is known for its diverse and welcoming community, with a significant number of international students. The university encourages students to connect and build their community by offering various clubs and organizations catering to different interests, cultures, and hobbies. This creates a supportive environment where international students can find like-minded individuals and expand their social network.

Overall, the OISS plays a crucial role in supporting international students at MSU, and their in-person welcome events are an excellent starting point for new students to integrate into the university community and access the resources they need for a successful academic journey. By participating in these events and utilizing the resources offered by the OISS, international students can enhance their overall experience at MSU and build lasting connections.

shunstudent

Visit the MSU campus to meet international students

Visiting the MSU campus is a great way to meet international students. MSU is known for its diverse student body, with a large number of international students from all over the world. By visiting the campus, you can connect with these students and learn about their cultures and experiences.

One way to meet international students at MSU is to participate in campus events and orientations. The Office for International Students and Scholars (OISS) offers International Student Orientation, which is a great opportunity to meet other international students and get familiar with campus resources. The OISS also hosts in-person welcome events, where you can connect with fellow students and your OISS advisor. Keep an eye out for dates and promotional codes for transportation assistance to these events.

Another way to meet international students is to join clubs and organizations on campus. MSU offers a wide range of clubs and activities that cater to different interests, including sports, hobbies, and cultural groups. By joining these clubs, you can connect with students from all backgrounds, including international students.

Additionally, you can schedule a campus visit to MSU to get a feel for the university and meet current students. The university encourages prospective students to schedule a visit and learn more about the campus community. During your visit, you can attend information sessions, take a campus tour, and interact with students and faculty. This can be a great opportunity to meet international students and hear about their experiences at MSU.

Lastly, don't be afraid to reach out to current international students at MSU through online platforms or social media groups. Many international students are willing to share their experiences and provide advice to prospective students. You can also connect with the International Ambassadors at MSU, who can provide insights and guidance on student life and the admissions process.

Frequently asked questions

Joining clubs is a great way to meet international students at MSU. There are clubs for everything, from sports to cultural clubs. The ski club, in particular, is highly recommended as it's a great excuse for college kids to get together and socialize. You can also meet international students at MSU's in-person orientation and welcome events, where you can connect with fellow students.

International Student Orientation is mandatory for all new international students at MSU. This orientation focuses on what international students need to know while studying at MSU. MSU also offers a New Student Orientation (NSO), which is mandatory for all new undergraduate students, including international students.

International students arriving at MSU should ensure they have the required documents to enter the United States, including a valid passport and visa. Additionally, it's important to plan for the cold weather in winter by purchasing a thick coat, layers of clothes, hats, gloves, and boots.

Written by
Reviewed by
Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment