Ultimate Guide for International Nepali Students

Being an international student in the U.S. is both a privilege and a challenge. You’re stepping into a new world—new people, new customs, new systems—and no one gives you a rulebook. But with the right mindset and support, it can be one of the most transformative experiences of your life.

Here’s what I’ve learned along the way, and what I wish someone had told me sooner about making the most of your time in the U.S. as an international student:

One of the first things you should do is find friends who share your cultural background or at least understand what it means to live far from home. This could be someone from your country or another international student who’s been in the U.S. longer than you.

They’ll help you navigate everything from culture shock to grocery store hacks, and they’ll become your family away from home. There’s something incredibly comforting about not having to explain why you bring spicy snacks to class or why you're homesick during a festival no one else celebrates.

 2. Get Involved on Campus—Seriously

Join clubs. Join intramural teams. Join student government. Say yes to things.

Whether it’s your university’s international student organization, intercultural clubs, or even random salsa or hiking groups, these spaces are incredible for meeting people, gaining confidence, and feeling more at home on campus. You’ll build friendships and memories outside the classroom—and they’re often the highlight of your college experience.

As an international student, you’re not just competing with your classmates—you’re competing with U.S. citizens in a very competitive job market. That’s why it's important to take your resume seriously early on.

Apply for internships while you're still in school. It’s much easier to land an internship than a full-time job post-graduation, and even unpaid internships help you gain experience, understand American workplace culture, and build a network. Every line on your resume is a step closer to employment—and for many of us, that's the key to staying in the country after graduation.

You’ve made it to another continent. That in itself is a huge leap. Don’t stop taking leaps now.

Say yes to new things. Try new food. Go on that hiking trip. Join the salsa team (even if you’ve never danced a day in your life—you’ll learn). These moments build resilience, joy, and stories you’ll tell for years. Don’t let fear of embarrassment keep you from living.

This is your time to soak in the world from a completely different perspective. Take risks—healthy ones—and grow.

Here’s a tip most international students overlook: go to office hours. Not just when you’re confused—but to build a relationship. Professors in the U.S. value engagement, and they often become mentors, referees, and lifelines later on.

When a professor knows your story, your background, and your goals, they’re more likely to support you, recommend you for scholarships or opportunities, or just make your academic life easier. Think of office hours not just as academic help, but as networking in disguise.

If your visa status allows, try to get an on-campus job—whether as a library assistant, teaching assistant, or barista at the student café.

Having a job does more than give you some spending money (though that’s great too!). It teaches you financial literacy—how to earn, save, and budget your money. You’ll develop independence and a better appreciation for how hard your parents worked to send you here. Plus, it feels amazing to treat yourself with money you earned.

Being an international student is not easy. You will feel overwhelmed, lonely, out of place—and at the same time, you’ll feel empowered, enlightened, and incredibly proud of how far you’ve come.

The goal is not just to survive, but to thrive. Say yes to the hard stuff, lean on your community, and never forget—you’re already doing something brave by just being here.

Make it count.