By Simone Noorali

Whether the UAE is the only home you’ve known or one of many, moving to the United States as a student is an undoubtedly unparalleled experience. Here in the multicultural metropolis of the Middle East, our exposure to diversity is unrivaled. During the transition from being a high school student in the UAE to a university student in the US, this was perhaps my greatest asset.

Despite previous visits to the East Coast, everything felt different from the moment I landed: the journey from JFK to West Philadelphia was characterized by long expanses of empty highways, restaurants unique to the state, and lush greenery. Yet among the uncertainty, campus was reminiscent of Dubai - a bustling hub at the heart of an urban city with a diverse population and ambitious youth. While university life is a path on which only you can tackle the obstacles, here are some tips and insights that will help make the transition just that little bit easier:

1. Clubs and Student-Run Organizations

Any university’s greatest offering is its range of clubs. From intramural sports to niche academic fields and everything in between, college is a chance for you to discover interests and learn skills you didn’t previously have time for.

I quickly learned two very important lessons about participating in extracurriculars: (1) Less is always more, and (2) Rejection is a part of the learning process. Coming from a Dubai-based schooling system where an exhaustive list of extracurriculars is the norm, pertinent advice I can give is to avoid taking on that burden right out of the gates. Instead, use the informal 3-part method to avoid overwhelming yourself during an already-busy semester: join 1 club to make your focal point, 1 club requiring moderate time commitment, and 1 non-demanding club. Additionally, don’t let rejection dishearten you. Unlike high school, rejection is inevitable in the highly competitive nature of university, and a great experience to rebound from. Don’t forget that, at the end of the day, you always have the opportunity to re-apply in a later year, or establish a new club that meets your interests.

2. Explore all Your Academic Options

While it’s not unusual to begin university with an inclination towards one field of study, the US college system is uniquely designed to provide an expansive breadth of options. Take every opportunity you get - through free electives or general education requirements - to explore subjects outside your major to discover unknown interests and open up possibilities for a minor. Classes are also great ways to make friends, and you’ll walk away with one semester of wisdom on a fascinating topic.

3. Discover Pieces of Home

When the novelty of being away from home slowly but surely wears off after one too many clothes shrink in the common washers, try to find elements in your new environment that provide you with that same degree of comfort. This can come in the form of video-calling your family, connecting with the other students from UAE on campus, or eating comfort food. For me, this was the manakeesh at a Lebanese restaurant 10 blocks off campus. Being homesick, no matter the intensity, is natural. Luckily, the diversity of the student body means that there are other people in your situation looking for ways to support each other. Keep an eye out for cultural, religious, or regional events that can help you feel at home in a new city!

My final, and perhaps most important piece of advice is to remain unashamedly true to yourself. On the verge of stepping into a future filled with endless possibilities, take pride in your identity and sense of self as you gradually find your footing.

Simone Noorali is a sophomore at the University of Pennsylvania, USA where she is pursuing a B.A. in Political Science. Originally from Australia but graduating from a high school in Dubai, her global experiences have helped shape her aspirations for the future. Outside work, Simone is an avid foodie and dance enthusiast, always on the lookout for new things to try.

- Hale Education Group