Insights for International Students

As an international student currently pursuing my master’s degree here, I am still learning how to navigate life at LU. Let me keep it 100 with you, when I first arrived from the Bahamas, it was a major culture shock. There were things about this place I had absolutely no clue about until I was dropped off campus. I had to adapt, and I had to do it fast.

To all the new international students who might be feeling anxious or uneasy right now, do not let the fear deter you. There is a community here at Langston University waiting that will gladly meet you halfway to help you succeed. To give you a head start, here is a breakdown of what to expect and how to survive the transition.

Welcome to the Country

I really wish someone had given me a warning about Langston’s geography. Back home, I am an island boy used to a lively city vibe where I could easily walk down the street to a convenience store for quick groceries.

When I got to Langston, I was greeted by open land, farm scenery, dry heat, and a whole lot of brown landscape. It is a small-town environment. Since most international students do not arrive with a personal car, getting around takes strategy. You must travel about 20 minutes just to get to the nearest town, Guthrie, for fast food restaurants and grocery stores like Walmart.

So, my advice is using the Capital Trolley. A free shuttle service that has specific routes and stops at key landmarks throughout Guthrie. More importantly, make friends! As you build your circle, you will meet people with cars. Take advantage of those grocery trips but always show gratitude. Offering a few dollars for gas money at times goes a long way in building lasting friendships.

Bipolar Weather: Pack for 4 seasons in one day

The weather in Oklahoma is wildly unpredictable. I have watched the day start as a cool, foggy morning, turns into a hot afternoon, then shifts into a tornado watch by the evening, and ends with a pouring rainstorm at night. Because the temperature shifts dramatically, your immune system may take a hit. Stay loaded up on vitamins, allergy medication, and cold medicine. Airborne sicknesses, sinus flare-ups, and the flu runs rampant when the seasons change overnight. Take care of your body before you feel sick.

The Evolution of Langston Nightlife

The social scene here has changed a lot since my freshman days. We used to live for “Thirsty Thursday” in the C.F. Gayles gym parking lot, where everyone would bring their cars out to play music, and unwind after a brutal week of classes. Unfortunately, due to some conflicts and people not being able to handle their substances, administration had to shut it down.

Then, the wave shifted to The Langston Center, a vacant warehouse facility down the street with a huge yard. The parties there were legendary, but again, intoxicated college students caused drama that disrupted the local neighborhood, so events there are now strictly limited. 

So, if you want to hit the nightclubs or bars nowadays, you will need to coordinate rides to Stillwater or Oklahoma City, which are at least 30 to 45 minutes away. Always travel in groups and look out for one another.

Outside of the scenery, the weather, and the parties, the biggest hurdle you will face is homesickness. You are going to be surrounded by unfamiliar vernaculars, a different culture, and food you are not used to eating. But here is the exciting part, your chance to write a completely new chapter. The absolute best advice I can give you is to actively find your community on campus. Find other international students, or domestic students who share your vibe, and create your own traditions. Coordinate study nights, host potlucks where you cook dishes from your home countries and lean on each other. You are not alone in this journey. Embrace the shock, master the environment, and remember that you belong here. You are going to be fine!