49 Resident Assistant (RA): A Resident Assistant (almost always called an “RA”) will be one of the first people you meet when you move into your dorm. An RA is usually another student who lives in on the same floor as you, and can help you with any questions you might have about your dorm-living experience. If the RA is unable to directly help you with whatever issue you may have, they will make sure to put you in touch with the correct people. They will inform you about the rules of living in the dorm and will likely organize events for you and other people living in your hall to help you get acquainted with each other and start feeling comfortable in your new home away from home. Room and Board: Room and Board usually refers to the costs associated with your housing and your meal-plan. Sometimes students can opt-out of one or the other cost, but for many first-year students both are required. If you have any questions as to what is included in the Room and Board package offered by your university, be sure to ask your RA or Office of Residence Life. Snow Day: A snow-day is a day in which there are no classes and several administrative offices at the university are closed due to severe weather conditions. Snow-days do not happen every time it snows, but rather, when the university feels it would be safer for students, teachers and staff to stay at home. If you are unsure if your university will be closed, check on their website and/or Facebook page for an official announcement. Student Services: Finally, if you have any questions that your RA or Academics Advisor can’t answer, the Office of Student Affairs (or Office of Student Services) will be a great resource for getting you the answers. Some universities may even have a student affairs office specifically designated to international students. These offices will assist you with adjusting to life on campus, anything related to your student visa, and most academic matters. The Office of Student Affairs is connected with most things happening on campus and the staff is usually very friendly and helpful with anything you need. Tutor: Many US university students find help with tutors. Many universities will have a tutoring or writing center that can help you with your academic work. Tutors can be staff, professors or peer-tutors, meaning other students with more experience who are there to help. Find out what the hours are at your tutoring center and drop by to see what services they offer. CONNECTING WITH THE COMMUNITY As an international student, you will stand out at Trine University and in Angola, Indiana. Some students hear this and feel nervous, but we’d like to think it is a great opportunity for you to be an ambassador for your country. Many American students studying at Trine have yet to explore outside of the United States. To them, you are an example of life outside of small-town Indiana. As you begin to learn about the culture here, also take the responsibility to share what life is like in your home country. Share your pride, and educate your peers about your culture. Cultivate relationships with new friends and enjoy these new relationships with friends from different backgrounds. Trine University promotes intellectual and personal development through professionally focused and formative learning opportunities, preparing students to succeed, lead and serve.
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