Living in PLU Residence Halls: Tips and Tricks from International Students

Which residence

hall

are you

planning to live in?

 

Living in residence halls is what completes the college experience, and for international students, it offers a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in a new culture while navigating the challenges of communal living. It's also such a stress reliever. In today's blog post, valuable tips and tricks from international student perspective will be discussed. The blog we aim to provide insights that will help both current and new international students to make the most out of their living arrangements and create a comfortable and enriching home away from home.

At PLU, you have varieties of residence halls to choose from. The following residence

halls are what is available:

• Harstad Hall

• Hinderlie Hall

• Kreidler Hall 

• Ordal Hall 

• Stuen Hall 

• Pflueger Hall 

• Tingelstad 

• South Hall 

My favorites are South Hall and Ordal Hall. Each Hall has its own rules and regulations

so make sure to check out this link .

What I love about residence halls is the activities that are organized to bring the

community together. Just last week, we had a get together gathering where we had fun

activities, barbecue and ice cream treats. In addition, you also have access to facilities

such as the gym, swimming pool and many more free of charge.

Below I will share some tips that helped me transition into residence halls smoothly:

1. Getting to know roommates

International students have the opportunity to live with students from various cultural backgrounds. Sharing stories and advice on how to foster positive relationships, establish boundaries and communicate effectively with roommates can help students create a harmonious living environment.

2. Navigating dining hall options

You may be overwhelmed by the variety of food options available for your specific residence hall. Offering advice on meal plans, exploring diverse food choices, and finding ways to accommodate dietary restriction can help international students make the most of their dining hall experience.

3. Managing homesickness

When living away from families and home country, homesickness is a common experience you may go through. Sharing stories of how other international students coped with homesickness and tips on staying connected with family and friends back home, engaging in campus activities, and seeking support from peers and university resources can help international students navigate this emotional challenge.

4. Exploring campus resources

Your residence hall is not just a place to sleep but also a place to get access to a range of campus resources and support services. Highlighting resources such as academic support centers, counseling services, multicultural student organizations and recreational facilities can help international students make the most of their time on campus and thrive both academically and socially.

5. Adapting to dorm culture

Every residence hall has its own unique culture and set of unwritten rules. Adjusting to dormitory life can be challenging for international students. By sharing experiences and tips on integrating into the dorm culture, such as participating in floor activities, attending hall meetings, and respecting quiet hours, you can feel more comfortable and connected to your living community.

See you soon, 

Biruktawit Tesfaye

Life After Graduation: Navigating Post-Study Work Options and Transitioning to Professional Life

I am not sure about you but for me, being in unpredictable situations is what scares me the most. But I also think the pandemic has really shown that anything can happen and navigating through the uncertainty is not an option but a requirement to service. that's what I think of when I ponder about LIFE AFTER GRADUATION. How about you, my friend? 

In today's blog, I would like to share with you what would be beneficial when it comes to navigating post about how we can navigate post-study work options and transition to professional life. Ouuu the title sounds fancier and less stressful in words than action. Making the end of your academic journey and beginning your professional career is a significant millstone worth celebrating for. Transition to Professional life requires a leap of faith as it seems a big step, especially for those on a student visa. YOU ARE NOT ALONE! 

Below I will provide a few tips you can use to prepare for the professional life you've been waiting for. 

1. CRAFTING A COMPELLING RESUME AND COVER LETTER

One of the first steps in finding a job is not only creating a compelling resume but also a cover letter that showcases your personality and passion for the job.

The Nesvig Alumni and student connection Center is your best resource for this. The Nesvig Center does not only help with resume and cover letter review but also help you network with alumni which is essential when it comes to building a career. You can also use LinkedIn and Lute Link to strengthen your connection with people in the industry you're interred in. Building these relationships is important because it can help you learn about job opportunities, get recommendations, and gain valuable insights into the field of your interest.

Here's their contact details:

• Alumni: alumni@plu.edu
• Career: career@plu.edu

2. JOB SEARCH STRATEGIES 

When searching for a job, there are several strategies you can use to increase your chances of success. First, research potential employers and job opening in your fiend. Use job search websites, apps, industry-specific job boards, and social media to find opportunities. 

Once you pass the first round, prepare for interviews by practicing common interview questions and researching the company's values and culture.  Finally, follow up after the interview with a thank-you note or email. 

3. POST STUDY WORK OPTIONS 

There are several post-study work options available, including internships, freelance work, and full-time employment. Internships are an excellent way to gain experience in your field and build professional relationships. Full time employment provides stability and benefits, but may require more experience and skills.  

4. MANAGING FINANCES

Managing finances after graduation can be challenging, especially if you have student loans. Create a budget to manage your expenses and prioritize off debt. Consider refinancing or consolidating your loans to save money on interested. Finally, build a savings account to prepare for unexpected expenses.

5. MANAGING STRESS AND MAINTAINING MENTAL HEALTH 

The transition from student life to professional life can be stressful. it is essential to take action of your mental health and manage stress effectively. practice self care activities such as exercise and hobbies. Do not also forget to seek support from friends, family, or a mental health professional if needed. 

 

- Biruktawit

Spring Cleaning Tips Before You Move-Out!

Hi everyone, it's Rei! It's already May, which means that the end of the semester and the academic year is just around the corner. We can't wait for summer break, but before that, there is one thing that need to get done especially for on-campus residents - Move-Out! This is my third year living on campus, and every year it is stressful to move out after all the final exams or final project, when my body is already exhausted. In order to achieve a smooth and stress-free move out this year, we should prepare ahead of time! A little preparation in advance will help make your life a little easier in a month's time, and I will share some information and tips about move-out! 

Step 1: Return

A first step to packing and moving is returning items back to your friends and the proper campus locations. 

• Dining Utensils and Dishes - Return to The Commons dishroom or in the drop off bin located in the first flor lobby of your residential hall. 
• Library Books - Drop these off at the bin in your residential hall, Center of DJS, Mordvet Library circulation desk or in the return bin outside the front doors. 

Step2: Donate

PLU Waste Diversion encourage students, when able, to donate items that may otherwise be sent to the landfill. During Move Out, gently used items for donation can be placed in the bins located in the first floor lobby of your residence hall. Once collected from students, these items will be sorted and delivered to SurPLUs and NW Furniture Bank for redistribution. One thing we need to make sure before we donate something is to check what is accepted and what is NOT accepted. Feel free to click the list I attached to the left and get prepare for the donation! 

Step 3: Recycle

"Much of our waste on campus is able to be recycled, and thus diverted away from the landfill. However, knowing that and how to recycle ensures that your efforts don't go to waste." - PLU Waste Diversion During Move Out (May 19th-June 1st), upper floor Recycle Rooms and fenced corals will be locked. Make sure you take all CLEAN, DRY, and EMPTY items for recycling to the first floor Recycle Room! When your items are not able to be donated or recycled, they must go to the landfill. During Move Out, 4 large dumpsters are brought to centralize our landfill collection. Landfill dumpsters open Friday morning May 19th! 

Step 4: Make full use of PLU Storage Room!

Especially for international students who are living away from their home country, it is always hard to find a place to store your belongings until the next academic year. You might don't know what to do with this situation that you don't want to throw away everything, and you don't want to bring everything back to your home country either. No worries! PLU offers Storage Room for all students during summer. You can store your belongings that you would use next year as well in the storage rooms that are in each residence halls. However, there are some guidelines that we have to follow, so I will introduce some of the important ones!

 

Rules and Regulations:

• Storage space is on a first come serve basis
• Students in possession of a fall housing assignment at the end of the academic year, must store their items in the hall they will be assigned for fall term
• No access will be granted to storage during the summer
• Items MUST be contained in a box, not to exceed 24 x 18 x 24
• 4 boxes/items per student is the maximum allowed 
• Luggage and Refrigerators will be permitted if labeled properly

In order to make appointment for the date you would store your stuff, I would recommend you to ask/email your RA to make sure the specific process that you will need to follow. For more information about the storage room policy, please visit this link! 

Move Out can be stressful and I know it's extra hard and time-consuming for international students, but I hope this information help you to get ready for the Move Out. If you need help for carrying your belongings and moving them to the next assigned residence hall, or if you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to reach out to your RA, friends, or us, International Student Center, and we are more than happy to help you! 

-Rei 

Preparing for Graduation: Job Search Strategies for International Students

If you’re graduating this spring semester unlike me CONGRATULATIONS!

You have come along way and you finally made it! HOORAY! Graduating from college is a significant achievement that's worth celebrating for. However, it can also be a stressful and an overwhelming time.

This is even especially when you are an international student who have to go the extra mile to even secure a decent job opportunity.

But no worries we got you! In today's blog, we are going to discuss about job search straggles for international students to help you prepare for graduation and navigate the job market. Below are a few things you must keep in mind when doing your job search:

1. Understand Visa and Work Authorization Requirements

Before starting your job search, it's crucial to understand the Visa and Work authorization requirements for international students. There are two work authorizations international students must be aware of. As an international student, you may apply for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT) to be eligible to work in the US during your studies or after graduation. OPT allows you to work for 12 months in your field of study, while CPT allows you to work in a job related to your academic program while still in school. So this can be for internships during the summer or semester of the year.

2. Research Potential Employers

When researching potential employers, it is important to make those companies that sponsor H1-B visa a priority as they have the experience working with international employees. We recommend you use the following resources:

• LinkedIn
• Glassdoor
• Indeed
• Company website

3. Network

Networking is essential especially for international students. The way to find these opportunities is by attending career fairs, networking events and informational interviews which would help you meet people in the industry and build relationships. Below, we will list PLU's Nesvig Alumni Center's resources you can benefit from in regards to networking:

• LUTE Link
• Mentorship Programs
• Job Shadowing

4.Develop Resume and Cover letter

Tailoring your resume and cover letter can help you stand out to potential employers. Tailor them to each job your apply, don't just send the one resume and cover letter you have to multiple job openings. When tailoring your resume, highlight relevant skills and experience that the job description requires. Your cover letter, on the other hand, should showcase in detail a few of the experiences you've had and how it relates the tasks the job description outlines.

5. Build your experience through internship and volunteer work

Internships and volunteer work can come handy when trying to gain experiences and build your resume and expand your network. When thinking of applying for one, look for opportunities that align with your interest and career goals.

Lastly, it's important you stay POSITIVE & PERSISTENT because the job search can be draining and one that requires you to have a positive attitude. Remember, don't be afraid to ask for help or advice. With perseverance and determination, you'll get there.

In our next blog, we'll talk about how to best prep for interviews: cultural differences and tips for international students. Stay tuned!

 

 

- Biruktawit 

Guest Blogger: Meet Noorain from India!

Hi all, Rei here!

Spring break is over in a flash, and we are now getting into the second half of this semester. As I mentioned briefly in my last blog, I was in Vancouver, Canada, for six days with my friends! I had a pleasant and relaxing time in a different country, so close and yet so far from Tacoma. I hope this everyone's Spring Break was also spent in a meaningful way!

The second guest blog of the year is here! This time we welcome Noorain Nayeem, who is currently majoring in Masters in Business Administration with emphasis on Healthcare Management, as our guest! She is from Hyderabad, India and in her free time, she enjoys reading, spending time with friends, and extracurricular activities. Noorain likes to explore the peaceful, vibrant, and beautiful PLU campus and loves her job on campus. As a Student Manager at Commons, a dining hall on campus, she enjoys serving food to students, working the cash register, and performing a variety of other tasks. In this blog, we asked her to answer a few questions about her life and experiences through the MBA program, which is quite different from the Undergraduate program! Those who are thinking about going to PLU Gradate School, those who are curious about what graduate students are studying, etc., will hopefully find this informative and enjoyable! 

What surprised you the most when coming to the U.S.?

The plethora of social activities and clubs available on the PLU campus pleasantly surprised me. There are several possibilities to meet other students that have similar interests and hobbies. I met folks from various nations that are similarly driven, focused, and dynamic while studying overseas. Being an international student, I have the opportunity to meet people from all cultural and social backgrounds. I enjoy interacting with individuals from all backgrounds and learning about their perspectives, this is how I have made a lot of friends both in class and at my on-campus job. Being a student in the United States, I have not only learned more about various cultures, but also came to appreciate the beauty of diversity. 

What are some specific learnings you've had in PLU's MBA program? What is your favorite part of the program?

Leadership abilities, business strategy, financial management, marketing, and entrepreneurial principles, such as idea development, business planning, and venture capital, are some of the specific things I have learned through the MBA program. The improvement of leadership abilities, such as communication, decision-making, and strategic thinking, was one of the important lessons. I also gained knowledge on effective resource management and team leadership. The program's interactive learning environment is my favorite feature. Instead of just passively receiving knowledge, the way of studying in PLU enabled me to actively participate with the subject matter.

What was your biggest challenge as an international student in PLU? And what have you tried and done to overcome them?

At first, the fast-paced setting was a little daunting, but PLU's comfortable atmosphere made it easier for me to acclimatize. I had a hard time adapting to the assignment structure, APA style writing, and grading criteria. However, the professors were always supportive to make sure I wasn't struggling to do a particular project. Although I'm not very good at public speaking, after giving presentation in class, I feel that my fear of doing so has significantly diminished. Exams, on-campus employment, and personal responsibilities occasionally made things a little too much, but planning ahead and property managing my time, I was able to balance my academic obligations with my personal and social life. 

BMW Factory in Munich! 

Tell us one of your favorite activities/experiences that you've had so far in PLU!

The MBA program at PLU involves a 10-day international experience so we went on a study abroad trip to Germany. This has got to be one of the best experiences so far. We spent four days in Berlin, taking in the city's panoramic views and engaging in academic activities that included a market immersion to better understand the distinction between German and American consumer behavior. Later, we visited the Adlershof Technology Park, where it was fascinating to observe how business and science can work together. The views from train were breathtaking as we traveled from Berlin to Munich. The BMW factory tour was among the craziest thing I did in Munich; it was incredible to witness how an actual BMW is made and put together. Later, we went to Gut Waltersteig to hear about the farm's transformation into a venue for events and the financial resources that helped make this possible. 

Lastly, what advice would you give to future lutes who are interested in enrolling at PLU?

Future Lutes who are considering enrolling at PLU should start their application process early and make sure to adhere to all deadlines and criteria. Consider looking into scholarship and financial assistance opportunities. Once you have registered, take advantage of the many chances to join clubs and organizations on campus. You may do this to expand your network of contacts, develop your talents, and generally improve your university experience. I was simply another girl with the American dream, attempting to pursue her goal of studying abroad, but PLU helped me make that dead a reality. My life has undergone an enormous transformation after moving to the United States. PLU gave me the opportunity to discover skills I had never known I possessed and fully embraced me as a young woman striving to develop her wings while learning how to fly. I am happy to call myself a LUTE and am eager to see where life leads me! 


This concludes our interview with Noorain. Thank you Noorain for your cooperation in this blog and we wish her more and more success in the U.S.!

-Rei