Safety & Well-being

Your safety & well-being matters.

In addition to settling in and preparing to begin your studies, you will also be adjusting to and living in a culture that may be quite different from yours.

U.S. Culture

The U.S. culture may be very different from the culture you are familiar with in your home country. Understanding what Americans value and believe will help you transition into the U.S. culture easier and keep you from getting overly frustrated with this new way of American life.

Independence & Individuality: Americans value both their independence and individuality. Americans believe they are separate individuals who make their own decisions in life. You may experience Americans being open about their personal beliefs and feelings, which may be discouraged in other cultures. Americans believe that they have the right to be free to express their own opinions.
Equality: Americans believe that “all people are created equally" as stated in the Declaration of Independence. This means that all people are treated equally and fairly and that no one is superior to anyone else.
Informality & Directness: Americans do not typically address others formally. No matter your age or social standing, Americans are informal in how they speak or greet others, which may be very different from other cultures.
Privacy: Americans respect their privacy and personal space. In public, Americans do not like it when others are too close to them, as this is an invasion of personal space. In the same way, Americans believe that they need time to themselves and to have personal thoughts that they do not share with anyone else.
Time: Americans value time and punctuality. You should arrive on time for an appointment or an event. To arrive late is considered rude and disrespectful. If you cannot be on time, then it is expected that you notify the person to let them know that you will not be on time or that you must reschedule.
Personal hygiene: Americans like to smell fresh and clean and are offended by natural body odors that are produced by the human body. It is customary to bathe daily and wear underarm deodorant in order to combat the natural body odors. It is also a custom to wash hands frequently to avoid the spread of bacteria and illness and to wash clothing often to prevent them from harboring any of the odor-causing bacteria that may attach inside of clothing.

Social Life

Being new to the U.S. and American culture, you may be fearful of finding friends and developing relationships at first. You may even fear a language barrier with English-speaking American students. Developing friendships while you are in the U.S. will not only enhance your experience here, but it will also help you establish a support network and a home away from your home country.

Be patient: American students may not understand your culture, and you may not understand their culture, so remind yourself that it takes time to make new friendships.
Challenge yourself: Even though it can be most comfortable to be around others who are from your home country, challenge yourself to meet new people from different cultures and backgrounds.
Keep trying: Be persistent but not pushy. Seek out Americans who are relaxed and at leisure – sitting in the cafeteria, for example – rather than those who look busy and are in a rush. Think about a list of topics to talk about so you are ready to have a conversation.
Take the initiative: Reach out to U.S. students first. Learn about others who are in your same degree program. Find out what activities U.S. students like to be part of and join these. Join student organizations and clubs, and find others who have the same interests as you.
Know yourself: Know yourself and your culture. Be prepared to talk about you because Americans are interested in understanding where you are from and how that makes you who you are! Share your individuality and personality with others, and do not be afraid to be yourself.

Coping with Culture Shock

All new students’ first days are ones of adjustment. However, for international students, this is even truer. You will be experiencing many different changes upon arrival at UND. There are usually four phases that you may experience.

Honeymoon: Everything is great, nothing is wrong; you’re having a wonderful
Shock: There are so many differences in this country that you don’t know how to deal with them. You didn’t think things would be like this.
Negotiation: You learn to deal with the problems set before you and try to integrate them with your own beliefs.
Acceptance: You are able to live well in the environment with the differences you are

Symptoms of Culture Shock

Feeling very angry or impatient over minor inconveniences
Loneliness, feeling alone or misunderstood by others
Withdrawal from people who are different from you
Extreme homesickness or desire to return
Sudden intense feeling of loyalty to own culture
Overeating or loss of appetite
Boredom
A need for excessive sleep
Headaches
Upset stomach
Difficulty falling asleep
Depression
Trouble working or studying effectively; difficulty concentrating
Crying more often or more easily than usual
Marital or relationship stress
Feeling overly stressed or anxious
Feeling disoriented or confused

You do not need to experience every sign/symptom on this list to have culture shock. It is possible that only a few may apply to you. These symptoms may also appear at any given time. However, those such as headaches and an upset stomach should be checked by a physician before you decide it’s only culture shock. UND Student Health Services (SHS) and University Counseling Center are on campus resources available to support you.

North Dakota Winters

North Dakota has 4 distinct seasons. In addition to UND Public Safety Emergency Management Severe Weather webpage here are some tips on how to stay safe and warm during a North Dakota winter.

Quality Winter Gear: Temperatures can drop well below freezing, often reaching -20°F (-29°C) or lower, and proper winter gear is essential. A good winter coat, insulated boots, gloves, hats, and scarves are essential. Look for items that are waterproof and windproof. Wear multiple layers of clothing to trap heat. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer, add insulating layers like fleece or wool, and finish with a waterproof outer layer.
Prepare Your Vehicle: Never drive your vehicle before all windows are free of ice and snow. Keep your car winter-ready with a full tank of gas, and an emergency kit that includes blankets, food, water, a shovel, and jumper cables. Daylight hours are shorter in winter. It can get dark as early as 4:30 PM, so plan your activities accordingly.
Stay Informed: Regularly check weather forecasts and road conditions. The wind can make it feel much colder than the actual temperature. Wind chill can be dangerous, so always check the forecast before heading out.
Communicate Your Travel Plans: Whenever you plan to leave town let someone (friend, roommate, etc) know when you are leaving, where you are going, and whenever you arrive at your destination.
Health: Indoor heating can dry out the air, leading to dry skin and respiratory issues. Use a humidifier to maintain comfortable humidity levels. Be aware of signs of frostbite and hypothermia.
Plan ahead: Keep a supply of non-perishable food, water, and other essentials in case of severe weather that makes it difficult to leave your home. If you plan to travel or know severe weather is approaching, make sure your phone battery is fully charged. In the unfortunate event that you may run out of gas, your car battery dies, or get in an accident, you will need your phone to communicate with others or call emergency personnel.
Allow extra time: Winter driving requires more caution due to road conditions. Wind can reduce visibility and worsen road conditions. Drive slowly and be aware. Allow extra space and time for stopping your vehicle. Allow extra travel time in your schedule during winter months to ensure you will arrive on time.
Embrace the Season: Find joy in winter activities and community events. Whether it’s building a snowman, ice skating, or snowshoeing, embracing the season can make it more enjoyable. Visit The Outpost UND Wellness Center to learn more about equipment rental.

Campus Resources

The University of North Dakota has many resources available right here on campus!

University Counseling Center

The UCC offers in person and tele-mental health services. Visit UCC for more information.

Wellness Center

The University of North Dakota Wellness Center is the cornerstone of wellness and healthy living for our campus. Visit the Wellness Center for more information on Fitness classes, RecSports, Programs, the facility and more.

SafeUND

Visit SafeUND to find health and safety information, resources and support.