International Ambassadors

And a big reason for my anxiety is that I hadn’t found an apartment yet.

Looking back what I had been through, I just can’t help laughing at myself.

Generally, if you are first-year student of UM and you choose to live on campus, you will be guaranteed to get a dorm room. Of course, some of you will prefer to live off campus in consideration of economics as I did.

Before I was going, I had reached some potential roommates through the school housing website, where you can find a bunch of rental lists. However, I would not sign the lease until I had checked out the room myself. That means for the first few nights, I needed some place to stay.

Fortunately, UM provides a reception center for all the new-coming international students as temporary hosing. And the price charged per night is much cheaper compared to hotels.
So the reception center is where I spent my first night in the US.

However, as the reception center is actually the students’ dorm, as people were moving back for the new semester, I had to find an apartment as soon as possible. Yet I did not even have time for house-checking, coz I had to attend both the college orientation and the one for international students, register for classes, oh… how could I do?

Thanks to my Host Family!

Before I left, I had reached the Chinese Students and Scholars Friendship Association, asking them whether it is possible to find a host family, where I can stay for a few days! To be honest, this is kind of my back-up plan for temporary housing. And it turned out to be my best decision ever!

Usually, host families are Christian and they are very nice people! They not just provide you with a place to live, but help you look for the apartment, drive you there to take a look and give you advice. Even though it is just a few day stay, I feel like they are just like my family!

Now sitting in my room, pervaded with the smell of coffee, I feel so lucky that I have the host family!