- Syracuse University is a top choice for students from 120+ countries each year.
- International students make lasting friendships and feel at home through activities and programming that foster community, celebrate heritage and encourage exploration.
- There are many resources to help international students get settled and feel comfortable at Syracuse University and in the surrounding region.
Every year, thousands of international students arrive from all over the world to study at Syracuse University. Consistently ranked by the Open Doors report as among the top 50 American universities chosen by international students, they bring their global perspectives to a culturally diverse campus where they discover community, enjoy regional culture and create meaningful relationships with new friends.
Check out some of the many ways international students find their place and thrive at Syracuse University.
1. Joining a Student Group
Syracuse boosts more than 300 student groups. These contribute to a vibrant campus culture and offer fantastic opportunities for meeting and making friends. Whether looking to connect with others of the same cultural heritage or meet peers with shared enthusiasm around particular interests, there’s a group out there that’s the right fit for every student.
2. Celebrating Traditions and Religious Holidays
The Syracuse community welcomes and honors faiths and cultural traditions from all around the world. In Hendricks Chapel, home to more than 25 religious and spiritual groups, students can observe with others of the same faith or in interfaith gatherings. And in Multicultural Affairs, students and staff develop programming to celebrate diversity and commemorate cultural traditions and heritage.
Resources like the Center for International Services have helped me navigate my journey far from home. And being part of multiple student organizations enables me to experience a sense of community while sharing my culture with others.
3. Getting Involved in Campus Fun
Sometimes we all just need to relax and play! On the weekends, Orange After Dark offers safe, free or very low cost, late-night programming—like glow-in-the-dark roller-skating, game nights, movie theater takeovers and much more—to relieve stress, have a great time with friends new and old, and explore new places. At the Barnes Center at The Arch, there are opportunities to join fitness classes and participate in other wellness and recreation activities, including one of many intramural sports clubs.
4. Going All Out for the Orange
You become part of the Orange family the minute you confirm your acceptance. As a student and eventually an alum, you are forever connected to a global network of Syracuse fans who are fiercely proud to be Orange. To really feel what this is all about, attend games in the JMA Wireless Dome—the Loud House—and don’t forget to wear your finest orange gear!
5. Celebrating our International Community
One of the big events kicking off fall semester is the International Student Welcome Dinner during our new student orientation, Syracuse University Welcome. It’s a chance to connect with fellow incoming students from across the world. Then in November, Chancellor Kent Syverud and Dr. Ruth Chen host the annual International Thanksgiving Dinner, welcoming our international community to enjoy this American tradition. During the spring semester, the University community gathers to celebrate our richly diverse international community through food, art and culture at the International Festival.
It’s practically impossible to enjoy everything Syracuse University has to offer, but that’s the beauty of it—you choose what activities you like and then find similarly interested people to share them with. In the process, you build community.
6. Exploring the Region
A great way to make New York state feel like home is to get out there and discover it for yourself! Go apple picking in the fall, snow tubing in the winter, and explore local parks in the summer. Whether you’re participating in an organized outing, or just heading out with friends, you’ll find there is lots to see and do throughout the seasons in the City of Syracuse, the Central New York region and beyond.
7. Connecting with Support Systems
Settling into a new country is a process, but no one has to figure it out alone. Our international students take advantage of numerous resources that can help with every aspect of transitioning to Syracuse University. For example, at the Center for International Services students can connect with peer mentors, supportive groups and staff guidance. Schools and colleges offer a range of academic assistance, and resident advisors in residence halls and staff at the Barnes Center are great resources as well.
Through both the challenges and the triumphs of your Syracuse experience, the Orange community will be there with you every step of the way.
