Lessons Learned: Reflections from an International Student

Written by Anjeli De Blank (W’26); Edited by Erica Edman (C’25)

My first year at Penn is slowly coming to a close. Wow. College was something I had looked forward to for so many years. I dreamt of the newfound sense of independence, a gorgeous dorm and parties everyday. It’s amazing to me that my freshman year is already almost over. Looking back on these last eight months, I am filled with a sense of both nostalgia and accomplishment. Many things have lived up to my expectations, while many also unsurprisingly did not. I would love to share my story with you with my perspective as an international student, and hopefully provide you with a new perspective on life at Penn.

Early March 2022, I had my offer to attend the London School of Economics, yet my heart was set on attending a school in the States. I was enthralled by the quintessential American university experience from the numerous movies I had watched as a kid. But in all honesty, I had no hope for my US applications. As a student studying at a British boarding school in Hong Kong, I had little guidance on how to go about the College Board application process and was truly unprepared for the mountains of essays I had to write. Yet, when those few pixels of confetti slowly loaded onto my screen the morning of April 1st, I knew Penn was the place for me. 

Saying goodbye to life as I knew it was one of the hardest things I have done. Leaving the comfort of my little bubble in Hong Kong and being the only one of my close friends to study in the States, I was overwhelmed with a sense of loneliness. My decision to move across the world to a place I had only visited once before in my life was seemingly absurd; even my own parents thought I was going insane. Nonetheless, coming to Penn is something I wouldn’t change for the world. From the moment I arrived, I was struck by the vibrant energy and diversity of the Penn community. With students from all over the world and a range of academic interests and pursuits, I knew that I was in for an unforgettable experience.

As I navigated the ups and downs of my first few months, I was challenged in ways that I never could have imagined. From managing a rigorous academic workload to balancing multitudes of clubs and social commitments, all the while being swarmed with mold in my dorm, I was forced to learn new skills and adapt to new situations on a daily basis. I had done my research and prepared as best I could, but there are a few things I wish somebody had told me that could have made my transition smoother and more enjoyable.

Explore the vast opportunities available to you.

Your college experience is extremely valuable so make the most of it! Expand your interests and discover new passions. From joining clubs to sports teams, attending guest speaker events or seeking out research opportunities, there are endless ways to get involved on and off campus. For me, being part of Wharton Asia Exchange feels like a second home. It has allowed me to connect with people from a variety of cultures and discover new avenues I may not have found otherwise, all the while helping me develop professionally through career treks and networking opportunities.

Budget your dining dollars.

If you take anything from this article, listen to this one. Those Pret coffees and daily Starbucks runs will add up and your seemingly endless dining dollars will drain out quicker than you think. If you love coffee, consider getting a coffee machine! They’re a great long term investment and there are so many options out there.

If you’re not a morning person, don’t take 8:30s.

In high school, I was the type of person to be up at 6am but nowadays, I struggle to even make my 10:15s. If you foresee this happening to you, try your best not to sign up for 8:30s. Friday classes are also not a recommendation from me, albeit I haven’t been able to escape them yet.

Get a SEPTA card

Getting around Philadelphia can sometimes be hard and if you find yourself running late for something in Center City, an Uber might not be the best option. SEPTA cards are pretty inexpensive and there are stations dotted all over campus making it very convenient.

Be prepared for waves of sickness. 

Stock up on those Emergen-C sachets because the “freshman flu” really does exist. I vividly remember sitting in my Friday math quizzes, coughs echoing throughout the room like an orchestra. Learn to take care of yourself! I've truly come to appreciate the importance of self-care. It's easy to get caught up in the constant hustle and bustle of college life, but taking time for oneself is crucial for maintaining physical and mental health. Whether it's going for a run or taking a pilates class, finding ways to recharge and decompress has been key to wellbeing at Penn.

It’s okay to ask for help.

When I arrived on campus, I was determined to prove that I could handle everything on my own. I quickly realized this was not the way to go. Learn about campus and the resources available to you. There are a plethora of initiatives out there to help you: international student services, academic support from your advisors, career counseling, and so many cultural activities. Don’t overlook the fact that there are other students just like you who are going through the same experience and connect with other international students.

This list of snippets of advice could go on; I myself am still learning with each and every incredible experience I have at this school. If you ever find yourself feeling overwhelmed, know that you are not alone. There are many resources and support available to you, and it's important to take advantage of them. Connect with other international students, don't be afraid to ask for help, prioritize your mental health, and embrace all the opportunities that college has to offer. It may be challenging at times, but with an open mind and a willingness to learn and grow, your college experience can be truly transformative.