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Build friendships and avoid isolation while integrating culturally.
Build friendships in the U.S.
Friendships in the U.S. are task-based—people make friends while doing things together. Use the 'Coffee Chat' culture (20-minute, low-pressure meetings). Join Running Clubs, Coding Circles, or Board Game Groups. You need to meet someone 3 times in a non-school setting to become 'friends.' Join Toastmasters for English practice and networking.
Join professional associations
Every job has a professional home—engineers have IEEE, accountants have AICPA. Student memberships are usually cheap. Use Meetup.com or Eventbrite for local professional events. Most professionals love helping students. One event per month connects you to jobs that aren't posted online.
Avoid isolation
Isolation is the biggest mental health risk—it happens slowly. Never study in your bedroom; go to the library, Student Union, or coffee shop. If you haven't spoken to anyone in 24 hours, leave your house. Sign up as an Orientation Leader or Campus Tour Guide to 'gamify' social interaction.