Welcome to what may become four of the most memorable years of your life!
Jokes aside, my time at Hopkins has been one of the most memorable and life-changing experiences of my life so far. As an international student, this experience can look a little different for us than it does for domestic students. Personally, I moved from Melbourne, Australia, which is just about as far as you can possibly go, and it wasn’t always easy.
Thankfully, technology has made distance a lot easier, and so have the people around me. You will probably go through moments when you miss your friends back home, when you wish you could have one more home-cooked meal or when you just can’t understand why there’s no decent public transport network in Baltimore! I can’t guarantee it will always feel worth it, but by embracing everything with an open mind, you can make this new city feel like a new home.
So, without further ado, let’s get into some of the basics that will help you make the most of your time at Hopkins!
Get involved on campus
Moving away from home poses many challenges, but perhaps the biggest is leaving your loved ones behind and starting over in a new country.
It can be incredibly daunting to put yourself out there with a whole bunch of people you’ve never met, but it is that same vulnerability that can help you meet people who share a similar outlook on life. Whether it’s saying hello to someone in your class or striking up a conversation about a shared interest, you never know who you might meet!
Joining a club on campus can be one of the best ways to find people with similar interests. For me, writing about sports was something I had never had the chance to do. When I arrived at Hopkins, I took a step forward and discovered something I enjoyed that introduced me to a whole group of people I wouldn’t have otherwise met. Keep an eye out for the Student Involvement Fair, which is one of the best ways to familiarize yourself with all of the groups on campus.
Simply taking that step to get involved can be so rewarding and is one of the easiest (and most fun) ways to get more acclimated to your new surroundings at college!
Additionally, familiarizing yourself with resources like the Office of International Services (OIS) and student groups such as International Students at Hopkins (ISAH) can help you to find answers to questions you might have during your time here. The OIS can be particularly helpful with queries about visas and work authorization, while ISAH offers access to valuable resources such as grocery runs or city excursions where you can meet and connect with other international students.
Explore the city
While I’m sure you’ve heard all about how great Washington, D.C. and New York City are, it’s important that you also explore all the amazing things Baltimore has to offer!
For those who enjoy spending time exploring the arts, I cannot recommend the Walters Art Museum enough. Admission is completely free, and the Walters has displays ranging from ancient Egyptian and Chinese art to French impressionism and everything in between! A particular favorite of mine is the room of Ancient Roman sarcophagi with intricate designs carved into their exteriors that tell various stories from Bacchanalian mythology. The Baltimore Museum of Art is also worth a visit, with plenty of incredible exhibits ranging from ancient works to modern and post-modern art. Alternatively, Baltimore is a city with a rich sports culture, and I tell everyone that they should go to at least one Orioles game while they are here. Sports are such an integral part of American culture, and what is more American than a hot dog and a baseball game? Watch out for student discount nights when you can get tickets for just $10!
We are also lucky to have access to all kinds of cuisines and amazing cafés, so you’ll never run out of options. Some personal favorites of mine include The Helmand for Afghan food, Chiapparelli’s Restaurant (I would come here just for the starter salad and bread) and Blue Moon Cafe for a brunch that will fill you up for the whole day. And, of course, you have to try some American favorites like Chipotle, Popeyes or Taco Bell!
Finally, just taking a walk around Baltimore can be the perfect way to spend an afternoon. I would highly recommend taking a stroll around Fells Point or up to Federal Hill for some incredible views of the city.
This is just a snapshot of the possibilities in Baltimore, so I encourage you to go out and explore for yourself. We are very lucky to be in such proximity to all the other East Coast cities, and you should go and see them, but just remember that there is so much to do in Baltimore as well!
Take time for yourself
I want to emphasize that it is completely normal not to always feel comfortable. You have taken an enormous step in moving to a new place to study, and that in and of itself is a testament to your bravery and courage. Don’t be afraid to let yourself think about the things you miss, the people you wish you could be around and the good memories you have back home.
This experience is just as much about learning about yourself as it is about learning about your intro biology class. When things get stressful (which they probably will), it’s okay to turn to your basics, whether that’s going on a walk, watching a movie with friends or trying a new bakery.
We are also incredibly lucky to have access to a wealth of free mental health resources at Hopkins, all of which are there to support you through this journey that you are undertaking. Never tell yourself that any issue is too small, because there is always someone there who wants to help you succeed in every facet of your life.
Enjoy yourself!
My final message is simple: enjoy yourself. We are all fortunate to be at this institution, but there is no single right way to experience Hopkins. Some days will be exciting and others may be overwhelming, but the most important thing is to make sure you enjoy this time in whatever manner best suits you.
Good luck, and remember to bring a warm coat, because winters can get cold!
Freddy Branson is a senior majoring in Classical Flute Performance from Melbourne, Australia. He is a Sports Editor for The News-Letter.
