Graduate school is all about community! Now that you've begun, it's critical that you engage academically with colleagues in your program and in other departments, as well as socially with a variety of people on campus and in the Queen City. You may encounter people very different from yourself, but it's the blending of our diverse aspects that makes us better scholars, more creative thinkers, more competitive on the job market, and more intriguing individuals.

Campus Culture

As a graduate student, you probably chose UNC Charlotte because it was a good fit for your scholarly field. But our campus can foster more than just academic growth. There are many ways to find your niche or carve a new one:

• Nurture the right side of your brain! Sign up to receive emails about art exhibitions and performances at one of our beautiful venues.

• Visit the Botanical Gardens, where you can take an orchid care class at McMillan Greenhouse, or find a quiet spot to unwind in Van Landingham Glen.

• Get fit on the shade-covered Toby Creek Greenway, or use it to commute to campus.

• Stay up to date on all the Charlotte 49ers sports news and plug into the action with the latest scores, schedules, and highlights at UNC Charlotte's official athletics page.

• To learn more about the history of UNC Charlotte and things to do around campus, visit traditions.charlotte.edu.

Education and Support

Living respectfully in a diverse community is important. If you're looking for ways to better understand or become an ally for others, the Office of Identity, Equity, and Engagement (IEE) facilitates recurring conversations and workshops, which can be found under their Education tab.

IEE also provides a number of resources to support students of diverse sexual and gender identities, race and ethnic identities, religious identities, and more. Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) also runs outreach and educational programs for underrepresented minority and non-traditional students.

Charlotte aims to provide resources to make students feel welcomed on campus regardless of race, gender, or sexual orientation. Check out this list and map of gender neutral & accessible bathrooms on campus.

There are many ways to get involved with GPSG, including running for a seat on the executive board in the spring, applying to become a member of the cabinet in the fall, or attending monthly senate meetings on behalf of your Graduate Student Organization (GSO).

The GSO's on campus span a wide range of disciplines and focus areas. You can find the list of all Graduate Student Orgs at UNC Charlotte on the Niner Engage Portal. Keep in mind: If you do not see an organization that you believe fits your interests, or you think that there is a need for a new organization on campus, you have the ability to create one!

Each GSO sends one of their members as a representative to each senate meeting, where they are able to voice concerns, promote the good work that their organization is doing, and vote on important measures that impact graduate life on campus. While GPSG highly encourages students to join a GSO, we are also fully committed to the representation of all graduate students. Regardless of your GSO membership status, if there are issues that arise during your time at UNC Charlotte that you feel GPSG could address, we are just one email away!  

You can stay up to date on the many opportunities to become involved with GPSG by email communication or social media, by subscribing to GPSG's monthly newsletter, and through the GradWeekly e-blast you'll receive every Monday.

More Tips for International Students

Studying at a large, vibrant university in the United States is sure to be a wonderfully enriching experience. At the same time, the adjustments you’ll need to make when you transition to graduate school may not be the same as the adjustments your US-born peers might make.  Some of these adjustments may include: living and learning in a new language, managing the distance from home, living in an unfamiliar culture, getting acquainted with different religious and social norms, and eating unfamiliar foods.

Here is some advice that we hope will help you feel more at home :

• Use community resources- Find out whether there is a community from your country of origin near or around Charlotte area. This is a great way to feel at home and connected to others, and it can also be a great way to learn where to find familiar ingredients and products from your home country.

• Look for small ways to feel at home- Use food, music, art, and other interests to help you feel more at home. If you have a roommate from another country or culture, offer to share different types of food. If you live in a dorm or apartment with a kitchen, plan meals or events where people can play music and share food from different cultures.

• Work out a communication plan- It's great to arrange a plan with your family about how and when you will communicate. Don’t forget about time zone difference when you are making your plans, though!

• Find balance in your activities- As you settle into school life, don’t limit yourself.  Try to find a balance between relationships and activities both within and outside of your culture.  This will help you adjust to life as an international student in the US while keeping you connected to your own background. It will also make the experience of living abroad more interesting.

• Don’t be afraid to ask for help! Never be afraid to raise your hand or ask for clarification when you don’t quite understand something. This advice extends beyond the classroom.  While it's important to prepare for culture shock and to familiarize yourself with your campus, higher education is meant to be a time to learn and explore the wider community as well. It's also helpful to remember that a lot of the other students on campus are likely to be away from home and adjusting to a new place.

If you find yourself feeling isolated and lonely and the steps above have not helped, reach out to someone at the International Student and Scholar Office, your Resident Assistant, Counseling and Psychological Services, the CGLL Staff, or the Dean of Students Office. We're here to help you, and we want you to succeed and feel at home at UNC Charlotte.