July 14, 2020

By Mandy Lu, Psy.D., Staff Psychologist, UWCC

This may be your first year or one of many years living and studying in the United States. For many who come to the U.S. to pursue an education, it can feel like years of preparation and planning to launch you into a land of dreams and possibilities. While the process of adjusting to life in America can be exciting, being far away from home and trying to find your way in an unfamiliar culture is often stressful. We want to let you know that we acknowledge the challenges you are facing, and that the UW community sees you and values you.  

One of the things that can be particularly hard for those who are part of the international community is reaching out. If you are struggling, whether it be figuring out the logistics of staying here or returning to your home country, understanding immigration policies, or managing difficult emotions, please reach out. Reach out to friends and loved ones for community and support. There are several UW offices that are ready to support and guide you, including the Counseling Center. Here is a list of resources that are available for you at UW: 

Social/Cultural Experiences 

Center for International Relations & Cultural Leadership Exchange (CIRCLE) https://www.washington.edu/circle/  

UNITE UW https://www.washington.edu/studentlife/uniteuw/  

Foundation for International Understanding through Students https://www.fiuts.org  

Registered Student Organizations https://huskylink.washington.edu  

Visa/Immigration/Legal Concerns 

International Student Services (ISS) https://iss.washington.edu  

Student Legal Services https://depts.washington.edu/slsuw/  

Mental Health Support 

Counseling and mental health service: https://wellbeing.uw.edu/topic/mental-health/  

Let’s Talk https://wellbeing.uw.edu/virtual-lets-talk/  

Academic Support 

Academic Support Programs http://webster.uaa.washington.edu/asp/website/  

Accommodations from Disability Resources for Students (DRS) https://depts.washington.edu/uwdrs/  

Medical/Health Concerns 

Hall Health Center https://wellbeing.uw.edu/unit/hall-health/  

UW Medical Center https://www.uwmedicine.org/patient-resources/make-an-appointment  

Financial Concerns 

Student Fiscal Services https://finance.uw.edu/sfs/home  

Emergency Aid https://www.washington.edu/emergencyaid/  

LGBTQI Support 

Q Center https://depts.washington.edu/qcenter/wordpress/about/ 

You have overcome so much to get here and be here. Now tune into that resilience you have built, breathe, and take it one day at a time.