With less than 6 weeks away from the start of Fall classes, International Student Ambassador, Harry, will help prepare you for what to expect when you first arrive to the University of Arkansas!
My first impression of the school is the huge size. It took me a while from the point I entered school to get to the building, Holcombe Hall, for my orientation. International Students and Scholars (ISS) provides a dynamic team of international students and scholars known as the International Culture Team (ICT) to give an orientation for new international students. During orientation week you will see volunteers with red uniforms standing at each corner to guide you to the right destinations.
The day I arrived to Fayetteville I would describe as “sweltering.” That day was August 10th, and it was an unforgettable day not only because of the temperature and moisture, but also because that day I became a formal member of our university.
Students from ICT helped me register for my student ID. They also showed me around campus, introducing the titles and functions of different buildings. They organized various campus activities which made me and other freshmen feel the passion of our university. Consequently, my transition was mild, and I did not experience campus life as unfamiliar; it was as if I had lived here for several months and people around me were all my friends. Before arriving to the U of A, I was worried about college life and living so far from my hometown and friends. However, once I got involved with this university, there was little I could get anxious about. ICT members have assisted me in answering many questions, and have reminded me of everything important in advance.
Besides my first impression of our campus, my experience of enrolling in classes is also worth mentioning. As to the way to register, first of all, we need to unlock several holds by following the guide from the student center, which is our main student account for registration online. Meeting with the advisor is another step we need to go through for registration. The advising center for students majoring in business is located on the third floor of Walton College. Advisors provide us with an academic credits sheet for planning a general class schedule for each semester. Mr. Bill Ragan is one of my favorite advisors. He is very easy-going and supportive, and gives us suggestions on class planning. He likes to use markers with different colors to distinguish between classes in different semesters. After getting notes from the advisor, we are then directed to register for classes online by ourselves.
ICT gave me some well-organized advice about life in Fayetteville such as some lists of daily necessities and maps to find them. I really appreciate their help.
In the end, I hope you will have a smooth and interesting orientation experience!
