Starting university is a whirlwind for anyone, but imagine stepping into your first class as an immigrant transfer student. It’s not just a new school—it’s a whole new world. You’ve traded familiar streets and customs for a campus buzzing with activity, unfamiliar faces, and a language that doesn’t always roll off your tongue. Exciting? Yes. Nerve-wracking? Absolutely.
Your heart races as you walk into the classroom, scanning for a seat that doesn’t feel too conspicuous. And then it hits you: Wake up, world! I’m officially at university. OMG, so many people! SOS! My brain screams, Run! But I’ve made it this far—no turning back now. I take a deep breath (more like hyperventilation) and remind myself: You’ve got this! You’re a warrior!
The first class? Terrifying. A sea of strangers, all smiling and confident, while I sit there wondering if I’ve made a huge mistake. No more hiding behind muted mics in online classes—this is real life, and my face is on full display. The professor starts talking, and I’m already struggling to keep up. English is my second language, and translating on the fly feels like running a mental marathon.
Then came the dreaded icebreaker: self-introductions. Should I share my childhood trauma? A random joke? My undying love for European pickles? No one gives you a rulebook, so I went with the safe option: “Hi, I’m from blah blah blah, and I’m excited to be here.” Cue awkward silence. Great start.
The class itself felt like stepping into another dimension. Interactive learning? Participation? Really? Back home, we just listened and nodded. And speaking of home, here’s a universal rule for every immigrant student: “In my country, we do it differently.” It’s my go-to phrase—part fun fact, part unintentional way to annoy people.
By the end of class, reality sank in: this isn’t a vacation. There’s real work to do—not just assignments but actual work to earn money and survive. After all that first-day stress, I can’t just sit and reflect; I need to hustle.
As I head back to my dorm, exhausted but a little proud, I tell myself: I survived! I can do this. One day at a time, right? Tomorrow, it’s back to navigating new faces, new challenges, and maybe understanding a little more.
Until then, here’s to this crazy, exciting, terrifying chapter. Cheers to being an immigrant transfer student—it’s overwhelming, but I’m here for it!
