By Polina Zadirey, Advertising Manager
Enrolling as an international student at Saint Leo University may be an exciting and life-changing experience. It might be tough to adjust to a new environment, culture, and school system, but here are some ideas to help you get through this transition and enjoy your time at Saint Leo to the fullest.
First, embrace the college community. Saint Leo is known for its warm and accepting environment. One of the first steps toward adjusting is to become involved in college life. Attend orientation workshops created exclusively for international students to understand the resources available. Join clubs and organizations that interest you and take part in campus activities. The Center for Global Engagement is a useful source of assistance and direction. Do not hesitate to contact them with any queries or concerns.
“I would say making friends is as hard as you make it to be. You never know how receptive they might be. I walked in on esports on my third day with a goal of talking to one person and not long later, I made the Valorant team. So, I would say as an international student, put yourself out there and the opportunity will come,” said Stephaun Martin, a sophomore majoring in computer science.
Second, explore the area around you. Saint Leo is located in a very beautiful region, with plenty to offer and a stunning campus. Take some time to explore the surroundings, like Dade City, the Krates and The Grove, Wesley Chapel, and more. Don’t forget to walk around our amazing campus, including the Wellness Center, the Saint Leo Abbey, and the dock on Lake Jovita to watch the sunset. Also, consider joining university-organized tours. Exploring your surroundings not only helps you adjust, but it also allows you to meet new people and build lifelong memories.
“Getting to know the campus helped me a lot to adapt better to my new environment. I initially didn’t make the effort to explore when I first arrived because I was very homesick and wanted to be alone all the time,” remembered Jocelyn Osei-Sasu, a junior majoring in business management. “However, once I began doing little things, like taking a walk on campus or showing up to an event for just a few minutes, I realized it was something I enjoyed doing. It also helped take away the feeling of being an ‘outsider’ and brought me out of my shell, and, in turn, made me feel a lot more comfortable here.”
Third, stay in touch with family and friends. Maintaining relationships with loved ones back home might bring you comfort and support during your adjustment phase. Stay connected by using social media, video calls, and messaging apps. Sharing your experiences with family and friends can make you feel more connected and less homesick.
Remember to take care of your well-being. Adjusting to a new environment can be difficult, so prioritize your physical and emotional wellness. Exercise often, eat well-balanced meals, and get plenty of rest. If you ever feel overwhelmed, contact the university’s counseling services by calling (352) 588-TALK or emailing them at counseling@saintleo.edu to help you through difficult times.
“It is important to think about your mental health and physical health entering any school campus for the first time, as sometimes, the new environment can get overwhelming.Acknowledging your wellbeing creates a safe space in your own bubble to help you to personally grow in a growing environment. I wish I used counseling services, or sometimes spoke to a faculty member when things started to get overwhelming with my academics and organizations. It would have helped me to stay on track a bit more,” shared Whitney Cherrelus, a junior majoring in marketing.
Lastly, living in a foreign nation introduces you to new cultures and viewpoints. Approach these differences with an open mind and respectful attitude. Accepting variety will broaden your experience and enable you to form important connections.
Here at Saint Leo, there is also significant diversity.
“30% of students at the University Campus are international,” said Paige Ramsey-Hamacher, the director of the Center for Global Engagement at Saint Leo.
It will take some time to get used to living at Saint Leo as an international student, but if you approach this new chapter of your life with initiative and an open heart, you will succeed. Welcome to the Saint Leo family!
