Before Departure

Make sure to attend university orientation for international students. You’ll get important information about useful resources, campus safety, and cultural adjustment. 

Visit the International center or International student office to confirm your arrival.

Get your student ID card and campus email. 

Set up your student portal to check class schedules, tuition bills, grades, and many more. 

Meet with your academic advisor and register for classes if you haven’t done it yet.

Get a U.S. phone number and data plan. 

Buy essential items for your room such as bedsheets, towels, and toiletries. You can go to Walmart, Target, or local stores.

Explore the campus and find important places such as the student union, library, cafeteria, and bus stops.

Learn the bus system or campus shuttles.

Get your Florida ID

Don’t be afraid to speak English as practice makes perfect. 

Universities often offer free workshops for writing. Join those events to improve your writing skills. 

Learn American expressions

Open to learning new things. You can stay true to yourself and culture while learning and respecting the local culture here in Florida. Pay attention to classroom norms such as punctuality, active participation, and academic honesty are expected.

Don’t forget to tip at restaurants! It’s one of the major cultural differences between Indonesia and the U.S.

Treat yourself with local food once in a while!

Join student clubs, especially cultural or international student associations. Although there is only one Indonesian student association in Florida — PERMIAS Gainesville — you can still connect with them. They are always open to support you.

Join free campus events such as movie nights, fairs, and workshops to meet new people.

Don’t be shy to introduce yourself to classmates or roommates!

Find a local community church, mosque, or Indonesian families if you are feeling homesick.

Universities normally have a campus clinic or a student health center. If you have health issues, visit them. 

For emergencies, call 911. 

Always check the weather forecast before going out.

Be cautious during hurricane season, and follow university updates and safety procedures.

Take advantage of office hours to talk with professors, and ask for help early if you’re struggling.

Use academic resources like writing centers and digital libraries.

Don’t be afraid to participate in discussions and ask questions.

Use campus libraries and study spaces around campus.

Open a local bank account. 

Learn the difference between credit and debit cards—and use credit responsibly if you apply for one.

Cooking saves a lot of money. Find your Asian cooking ingredients from the nearest Asian stores in your town. Gainesville has Enson and Chun Ching markets.  

Take breaks from school and socialize with other Indonesian, international, and local students. 

Call your family and friends in Indonesia regularly to avoid feeling lonely and isolated.

Take your time to rest and take care of yourself physically and emotionally.

Everyone has a different studying pace, so don’t compare your progress to others.

Visit beaches, parks, or cities on weekends.

Many attractions and theme parks offer discounts for Florida residents, so always carry your Florida ID and student ID.