Waterloo welcomes students from around the world

The transition to first-year university is a big one for all incoming students, but for January Fan, a student originally from Shanghai, China, the challenges were greater because she didn’t know a single person on campus.

“There were also cultural differences. I had studied in the U.S. for two years before coming here, but there were still words and phrases I didn’t understand,” says Fan, now a Business Administration and Mathematics student. “It was really overwhelming to be a first-year student, trying to adapt to a new environment without knowing anyone.”

Fan will help welcome more than 500 international students who are starting their first year of studies at the University of Waterloo this year. A new approach to Waterloo’s International Orientation program involves giving students from abroad a jump start on their year - two days before the rest of students move in on Sunday, September 6 for Fall Orientation. International Orientation starts on Friday September 4.

“Students can move in to residence early, allowing them more time to get settled, says Theresa Nystrom, coordinator for international student programs. “This can be very helpful after travelling a far distance to be here, and negotiating changes in time zones and climate.”

Fan says her memories and experiences during her first year will help her support others making the same transition this year. “International students don't need to be frightened or stressed. People are always here for them,” she adds.

In addition to getting  two days to adjust before the rest of the students move in, international students will have opportunities to:

• Participate in a sample lecture
• Learn and practice key academic skills like note-taking and problem solving
• Receive advice from career advisors and senior students
• Plan for their first co-op or part-time job
• Be introduced to campus programs and services designed to support them
• Meet senior students and other new international students
• Explore the Waterloo community

Nystrom points out that international students challenge the campus community to think in new ways and consider new possibilities.  “We can recognize and celebrate the diversity of our campus and also see how similar we are,” she says.

“There are always people or resources that can support first-year students, no matter what concerns or problems they have,” says Fan. “Friendship is the key thing that helped me adapt to my new community.”