Culture Shock Guide: 7 U.S. Habits That Surprise Nepali Students
Moving from Nepal to a U.S. university changes your daily rhythm. People speak more directly, time runs on calendars and money rules feel different. You can adapt fast with a few simple scripts and small weekly habits. This article shows seven common surprises, how to respond with confidence and a short practice plan for your first week.
Seven U.S. habits that surprise Nepali students
- Small talk with strangers
Expect quick chats with classmates, bus drivers or staff. Topics include weather, weekend plans and sports. Adapt with two lines: “Hi, I’m new to campus. How is the library at night?” and “Nice to meet you. See you in class.”
- Direct words and clear asks
Professors and managers value short requests. Say what you need and add a when. Try: “I need help on problem 3. Can I stop by office hours on Tuesday?” This style saves time and shows respect.
- Punctuality and appointments
Time is literal. If a lab starts at 9 a.m., arrive by 8:55. Book office hours, health visits and housing repairs in advance. Add travel time in your calendar so you’re not late.
- Email rules
Use a short subject and one ask per note. Open with “Hello Professor Sharma,” state your request, thank them and sign with your name and section. Keep it under six lines. Save email for records when the topic is grades, visa or money.
- Team projects and speaking up
You’ll share work but still own your part. In the first meeting, agree on roles and deadlines. Give short updates: “Yesterday, I tested the model. Today, I will clean the data. No blockers.” This helps everyone and builds trust.
- Money norms: Tipping and splitting
In restaurants, tip 15 to 20% on the pre-tax total. When friends split a bill, apps like Venmo or Zelle are common. If you’re on a tight budget, suggest a coffee meeting instead of dinner. Keep your study abroad budgeting steady.
- Personal space and roommate rules
Most people prefer an arm’s length in lines and shared spaces. Ask before entering rooms, borrowing items or playing music. Set quiet hours with roommates in week one to avoid stress later.
Build your support system and confidence
Start with your international office. Ask where to find campus mentors, free workshops and the quickest way to reach help after hours. Visit one student group that feels familiar and one that is new. Many Nepali students like hiking clubs, service groups or tech meetups. A weekly meeting gives you a home base and friends to ask when you feel stuck.
Practice short scripts you can reuse in any setting:
- When you do not understand: “Could you please repeat that a bit slower?”
- When you disagree: “I see your point. I have a different view because of X. May I share it?”
- When you need time: “Let me check my schedule. Can I confirm by tomorrow morning?”
Take care of basics early. Learn how health insurance for international students works at your university, where urgent care is and how to reach campus safety. Open a bank account, set up a simple budget in dollars and read a quick guide on how to build credit in the U.S. so phone plans and rentals are easier to obtain over time. Small systems reduce stress and leave more energy for study and friends.
How MPOWER Financing helps you focus on life and study
MPOWER Financing serves international students with funding at eligible universities without a U.S. cosigner or collateral in Nepal. In the U.S., funds can be used at eligible universities for approved education costs such as tuition, fees and living expenses listed by your university. For eligible Canadian programs, funds cover tuition and university-invoiced expenses. Clear funding helps you say yes to lab gear, transit and housing deposits without leaning on high-interest credit cards.
Fixed rates and straightforward funding documents make budget planning simple. You can estimate total costs for the year, borrow only the shortfall after scholarships and keep your monthly plan realistic for the long term. With money steady, you can focus on international student internships and classes, not on surprise bills.
If a private education loan fits your plan, check your university’s eligibility and confirm how disbursement works under an education loan in the USA. Keep approvals in the same cloud folder as your campus and visa papers so everything stays organized.
A one-week acclimation plan
Day 1: Map your campus.
Walk your class routes and find the international office, library, student center and urgent care. Save each location in your phone.
Day 2: Set your digital basics.
Create a calendar for classes, labs and office hours. Add alerts 15 minutes early. Set email on your phone and draft one polite template for professors.
Day 3: Join two communities.
Attend one student meetup and one open club. Say hello to a club member and ask when they need volunteers.
Day 4: Handle your money.
Open a bank account, set up direct deposit if you will work on campus and pick a low-cost phone plan. Review last month’s spending to start your budget.
Day 5: Practice speaking up.
Visit one professor’s office hours with a real question. Use your short script and take notes. This builds confidence fast.
Day 6: Plan for health and safety.
Save your health plan card, urgent care address and campus safety number. Pack a small kit with meds you use, a water bottle and a snack.
Day 7: Explore and rest.
Take a short walk in a park or museum. Share photos with family during a planned call. A steady routine makes culture shock smaller each week.
