What to Expect in the First Semester
This international student guide will help you prepare for your first semester at a U.S. business school. U.S. colleges usually offer pre-semester sessions to allow new students to become familiar with the college and its system, and to get acquainted with other newly admitted students. These sessions help new students with an easy transition to college. When classes start, students will notice how fast the learning process is compared to high school. Classes in academic semesters are intense and cover materials quickly, so be prepared for a packed schedule.

 

Unlike high school, students in college must organize their own schedules, which necessitates personal responsibility. International students may find it challenging to adapt to a new environment; new language and culture can pose some challenges at the beginning. This is often referred to as culture shock. However, many peers are going through the same experience. It is a good habit to ask questions whenever clarification is needed. In U.S. classrooms, active engagement is always valued as professors welcome questions and inquiries.

Common Foundational Courses in Business School

Business programs have a set of core courses that build a foundation in key areas. In the first year, students will likely take introductory classes such as:

• Introduction to Business: A survey course covering major business topics (management, marketing, finance, etc.) and how they work together.
• Economics: Microeconomics (how individuals and firms make decisions) and macroeconomics (how whole economies function), providing the economic context for business.
• Financial Accounting: Recording transactions and understanding financial statements (balance sheets, income statements, etc.), essential for analyzing a company’s finances.
• Business Mathematics/Statistics: Math or statistics courses teaching how to collect and analyze data for decision making.
• Management and Marketing: Basics of leadership, teamwork, customer behavior, and marketing strategy.

Handling Textbooks and Course Materials

College textbooks and other study materials can be expensive, adding a substantial burden. Students typically spend around $500 to $1,000 per semester on books. To keep expenses under control:

• Consider buying used textbooks or ebook versions, which are far cheaper.
• Look for openly licensed textbooks (e.g., OpenStax) to save money.
• Always read the syllabus to determine which materials are required, optional texts may not need to be purchased.
• Use previous editions whenever possible to reduce costs.
• Keep books, handouts, and notes organized by course.

Key Differences Between High School and College

• Faster Pace: Material is taught in a much shorter time frame than in high school.
• Personal Responsibility: Students must self manage homework and deadlines. No one reminds you.
• Flexible Schedule: Fewer class hours but more independent study time; classes may not meet daily.
• Larger, Diverse Classes: Big lectures and diverse peers require proactive engagement.
• More Opportunities: A wide range of courses, clubs, and activities. But choose wisely to avoid overcommitment.

Attending Classes and Managing Time

Attending classes regularly, even when not required, offers long term benefits: in class discussions, direct interaction with instructors, and deeper understanding.

Managing time well is critical. Use a planner or calendar to organize your week:

• Use a planner: Mark exam dates and deadlines as soon as they’re announced.
• Plan study periods: Aim for 2–3 hours of study per week for each hour of class.
• Break large tasks: Divide big projects into smaller steps to avoid last minute stress.
• Minimize distractions: Study in a quiet spot and put phones on silent.
• Balance self care: Schedule breaks, get enough sleep, and maintain healthy habits.

Useful Resources in This International Student Guide

Take advantage of campus and school resources:

• International student offices for adaptation guidance.
• Librarians for research support.
• ESL classes to improve language skills.
• Academic advisors for course planning and challenges.
• Career services for resume help, interview practice, and job search support.
• Reachout to professors whenever you need guidance.

Academic and Professional Success Tips

• Be Disciplined and Manage Your Time: Treat school like a professional job; use calendars and planners, and avoid procrastination.
• Build Relationships and Network: Collaborate with peers, strengthen language skills, and connect with faculty.
• Use Resources and Ask for Help: Seek tutoring, talk to instructors, and leverage campus support services. You can also use test banks to review practice questions and deepen your understanding of key course topics.
• Stay Adaptable and Positive: Maintain a growth mindset, adjust study methods as needed, and keep healthy habits to manage stress.