Campus culture in American university life;
Be serious
China's universities are "strict entry and wide exit", while American universities are just the opposite. After studying in the United States, many China students realize that they can't treat American universities with the model of studying in China University.
Students eat, drink, socialize and study in the same place: the university campus. Both academic discussions, extracurricular and community activities are held here; Especially near the mid-term and final exams, students are under great pressure.
Class is only a small part, and more time needs to be spent outside the classroom: homework, group research, various discussions; It is not uncommon to spend more than 40 hours a week completing courses, but skipping classes should never be tried in American universities. Every year, too many students transfer to other schools, and a large part of them are expelled from the school because of "truancy".
Take part in more extracurricular activities.
American universities attach great importance to extracurricular activities as well as major subjects. Participating in extracurricular activities can not only increase personal experience and expand other skills, but also make it easier to find like-minded friends and maintain long-term friendship.
But it is not difficult to imagine that extracurricular activities also need time and energy, so it is particularly important to participate in extracurricular activities selectively and moderately. At the same time, it also exercises your time management and transaction coordination skills. Remember that no matter what, learning is always the first, and you must never lose sight of one thing and lose sight of another.
There is no need to choose a major in a hurry.
In China, you decide your major when you apply for a university, but in the United States, you can decide before the end of your sophomore year at the latest. It is true that quite a few students know their future major and direction before entering school, but others need more time to explore their personal advantages and hobbies. American university education provides students with such an opportunity to explore in different fields, which is the characteristic of American university education.
The campus style may be different from that of China.
The campuses of American college students are not walled like our universities in China. Many times, American universities are like university towns, with schools, shops and teaching buildings interspersed with each other. Surprisingly, American students don't wear formal clothes to class as expected, but wear casual clothes to go in and out of campus; But on some formal occasions in the school, students are also dressed in suits and ties, acting like ladies and gentlemen.
Keep interacting with professors and ask more questions.
Generally speaking, it is best to teach in small classes in the first semester, which is more conducive to establishing a good relationship with professors, who will provide you with good advice and guidance in life and study. It's best to know more professors related to your research field, because they can not only give constructive opinions, but also write detailed letters of recommendation for you. You should know that a comprehensive and detailed recommendation letter is extremely beneficial to your future work and project application.
Consider applying for various jobs on campus.
In China, a country with a high population density, it is difficult to apply for a job at school even with high skills.
Smart media
The lack of campus culture in American university life. But American universities can provide on-campus work, combine your research field with practice, and truly apply what you have learned.
More importantly, you can have a good extra income. Such opportunities are not uncommon on American campuses, such as teaching assistants and project research assistants. It is suggested that after coming to the United States, you should take the initiative to search campus-related websites or find a career guidance center on campus.
The above is an introduction to the campus culture in American university life, which is inseparable from the pluralistic, inclusive, free and democratic national culture in the United States as a whole. Students who want to study in the United States can fully understand the American campus culture and smoothly integrate into the study life of American schools!