PrincetonUniversity

A Guide for International Students, 2004-2005

 

Miscellaneous Information

Baggage and Mail When mailing clothes and other items, mark the package ''used personal effects''; this will facilitate customs clearance. Any items that must be shipped should be timed for delivery after a student has arrived in Princeton. Money Students are strongly urged to bring travelers checks or a credit card and not to carry much cash. However, students should have from $200 to $250 available to cover immediate expenses, such as transportation and tips. Princeton is an expensive community in which to live. Students are advised to come with about $1,500 in travelers checks to cover one-time expenses such as textbooks for the semester, subscribe to newspapers or magazines, purchase additional furniture, and buy miscellaneous items, such as toiletries and other personal articles. Banking Communities in the United States have local banks, as opposed to branches of national banks found in most countries. Also, there is a distinction between checking and savings accounts. Checking accounts may or may not pay interest, while savings accounts always do. The differences between various banks are minor, but their services and policies change from time to time. More detailed information will be provided at the international student pre-orientation. Climate, Clothing, and Shopping Students should come prepared for variable weather: very cold winters, hot summers, and pleasant days in between. The temperature frequently drops to between 5 and 10 degrees Fahrenheit (-12 to -15 degrees Celsius) in the winter, with high temperatures (90 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit) and humidity in the summer. Students should plan to have warm clothing for the cold months (November through April), including sweaters, a heavy overcoat (preferably a lined storm coat or jacket), and good shoes; a raincoat also is recommended. Most students do not dress formally for class. On campus, informal wear such as slacks, zippered jackets, blouses, blue jeans, and shirts are acceptable for women as well as for men. Cross-cultural Adjustment Here are some suggestions to make your experience a happier one. Listen and observe. Since there are new rules, norms, and cues that may be unfamiliar, you need to listen closely and to observe nonverbal communication carefully, trying to put them into proper context. Ask questions. You cannot assume that you always know what is going on, or that you always understand a particular communication. Most people you ask questions of will be very helpful if you need something explained. You may need to rephrase a question, check the meaning of something, or repeat what you have said in order to be clearly understood. Try not to judge. You will see many things that are different from your own culture. Don't label anything as ''good'' or ''bad'' in comparison to your own -- most customs, habits, and ideas are simply different from the ones you are familiar with. You may also misunderstand some things -- don't make judgments until you have more complete information. Try to empathize. Try to put yourself in the other person's place, and look at the situation from his or her perspective. Cultural perspectives can cause very different interpretations of the same situation. Be open and curious. Try new things, and try to find out how and why certain things are done. The more you explore, the more you'll learn. Don't be afraid to laugh at yourself. It's likely that you'll make mistakes as you explore a new culture. Laughing at your mistakes will encourage others to respond to you in a friendly manner and help you learn from them. Try to accept frustration. Learning to function in a new culture is not easy, and it is natural to feel anxious and frustrated at times. These feelings are a normal part of the experience. Get involved. The more you put into the experience, the more you'll learn from it. Make an effort to meet people, form friendships, and get involved.
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