You packed your life into a suitcase, a carry-on and a backpack. You took a flight to Austin, and you’re finally here at UT. Now what?
Being an international college student is a rare experience, but you’re joining a campus that thrives on global diversity. According to Texas Global, there are over 1,936 international undergraduate students and 130 countries represented at UT. The Forty Acres isn’t just a top academic institution — it’s a crossroads of cultures, languages and worldviews.
Take a moment to celebrate. Committing to UT, leaving your home country, your family and everything familiar is a true act of courage. You’ve earned your place here, and you’ve made sacrifices to make your dream come true.
Although I was born in El Paso, I spent 13 years living in Mexico City. Moving back to America for college was not an easy choice, but it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. It challenged me to grow academically and personally.
Here are the things I wish someone had told me.
First, find your people. Go to as many Welcome Week events as you can and take the initiative to connect with others. Everyone is new and looking to make friends in these first few weeks. If they’re from your home country or city, even better, but just speaking your language or sharing a similar cultural background can make a big difference. Being around people who understand you helps ease homesickness and create a sense of belonging.
Second, connect with your professors. Don’t be afraid to attend office hours and talk to them. They might seem intimidating at first, but they’re here to support you. Be open to sharing your experience as an international student, because many professors are international themselves or have a connection to where you’re from. Having common ground can lead to meaningful connections.
Third, engage in small talk. Chat with your classmates before or after class. Even if it’s awkward at first, making the effort can go a long way. You’ll realize that things aren’t as serious or distant as they might seem. It’s also a great way to get more comfortable speaking with new people and to practice your communication skills. These small moments can lead to friendships, study groups or simply help you feel more at ease in a new environment.
Fourth, join student clubs or organizations that allow you to take advantage of the skill set you bring to the table. HornsLink makes these easy to find. For example, I joined Texan en Español and Project SEED to use my Spanish skills and fulfill translation roles.
Fifth, find comfort food. Local spots that serve food you enjoy, especially dishes that remind you of home, can reduce homesickness. It’s a small but meaningful way to stay connected to your roots while adjusting to a new place.
Sixth, don’t forget to take advantage of the wide range of resources the University offers, and ask for help when you need it. This includes the Sanger Learning Center for tutoring, University Writing Center for help with written assignments, the 24/7 Perry-Castañeda Library for great study spots and the Counseling and Mental Health Center for free counseling sessions.
Seventh, be aware that it takes time to adjust, so just be patient.
It might not feel as easy as seven simple tips, but it’s definitely a worthwhile journey.
Your experience here will shape you in ways you might not expect, and before you know it, you’ll have built a home away from home.
Mendoza is a philosophy senior from El Paso, Texas.
