This session looks at your first week in the US. Many us colleges are located in more rural parts of the US because the land was given many years ago through a state government grant to build a State University. So it's important that you plan ahead on how to get to the campus. Penn State University, for instance, is located in a small town called State College, close to where I grew up in Central Pennsylvania. There's a small airport there, but it is less expensive to fly to Philadelphia or Pittsburgh, which are the larger cities in Pennsylvania. However, the hassle of getting from one of those large cities to State College by bus or training may make it worthwhile the extra cost of flying into the State College airport.

If you want to consider doing part of your trip by bus or train. The bus companies are mega bus and Greyhound and the train is Amtrak. Check out their luggage requirements first. The train system in the US isn't as well developed as it is in India. The closest train station to Penn State is about 30 miles away, and taxis are very expensive compared to India. Okay, you finally arrive on campus.

Most international student offices will offer or require orientation. attend all of the orientation programs. They give you the details you need to get off to the right start. One of the first things you'll be doing is settling into your campus housing or apartment. If you're renting an apartment, make sure that you know what utilities are covered by the landlord and what you have to pay. Utilities include water, heat, electricity and gas There will be a wide range of things to think about during your first week.

We're going to look at those first few days using a diagram developed by Cornelius grove of Grove oil associates. We don't have time to be exhaustive during this presentation, but I do want to hit on the highlights. Basically, you'll see in the center of the circle, that there are very basic things like food and elimination. You will most likely experience some jetlag. It takes a while for your body clock to adjust, it will pass. Make sure you stay awake during the day and go outside and get some sun and fresh air.

If you feel sleepy during the day, stand up and walk or do some activity. I recommend taking one sheet with you so that you can spread it out on the mattress that first night and crash then go out and By your sheets and comforter in a local store. something as basic as going to the bathroom can be confusing in those first days, if you ask someone, where's the toilet? They'll think the question really sounds funny. Ask Where's the bathroom, you aren't going to take a bath but we still call it bathroom. Or if your friends don't say, I have to use the toilet, say, I've got to go to the bathroom.

Always wash your hands with soap and water after going to the bathroom. There are lots of colds and flus that go around campuses. And that is one of the first things to do to stay healthy. Get used to using just toilet paper and no water. That's just the norm in the US. Never urinate in public.

Okay, occasionally we do if we're out in the wilderness, but even in national parks, there are laws against it. It is serious and can get you arrested. Generally it's easy to find a public bathroom, and a fast food restaurant or a gas station. Some colleges have free washing machines, but most likely you'll be using a washing machine coin operated washing machine and dryers. plan to do laundry just once a week. During the exams it may stretch a bit longer.

Don't leave your clothes in the machine after the machine is finished, because that prevents others from using the machines and it's frustrating. You may be surprised to see that Americans are not concerned about neatly pressed shirts or jeans. They often choose clothes for comfort. The preferred style is casual and informal. But Americans are very sensitive to smells. One of our Indian friends in New York was very conscious of smells.

While riding the subway training, she could close her eyes and figure out who was sitting around her simply by the smells. she recommends that you keep your bedroom door closed when cooking Indian food so that your clothes are not permeated with Indian smells. Americans are sometimes bothered by strong perfumes. Some people have allergies to certain fragrances. So avoid wearing strong perfumes or cologne. What about money?

Those first few weeks will be rather expensive, because you'll need to buy things to get set up. In the beginning, you may be converting everything into rupees and be thinking, wow, that's expensive. I could get it in India for a lot less. It's important that you become accustom to cost in the US. at McDonald's, there will be a smaller burger for $1. A larger, tastier burger will cost $5 take some time to explore your options in those first few weeks.

There are ways to save money, like using coupons or ordering the special of the day. Pizza is a food that many Indians survive on those first few weeks until they get their bearings. Telephone cell phones are very different than they are in India. Many have two year contracts. So before you go signing up, figure out whether or not you want to be paying that much every month for the next two years. There are some companies that offer pay per minute services.

And if you don't need to use your cell phone that much. That will save you lots of money. Be aware of the areas around your campus. An apartment or dorm, you need to know what areas are safe at night and what areas you may want to avoid because they have a higher crime rate. Most colleges will have some information about safety during the new student orientation. Take their advice.

Enjoy that first week. Take in all of the new sites and find your way around campus so that you'll be ready to start your classes.