Belonging and Residence Life

For international students, living in the residence halls is often a part of the “quintessential” American college experience they may seek by coming to the United States for a college education. Unfortunately, residence halls can also be a hotbed for cultural misunderstanding, conflict, and unmet expectations. This chapter explores how campuses can utilize the residential experience as a strategic opportunity to foster a sense of belonging for undergraduate international students instead of creating an environment where “otherness” is most visible. We explore four critical concerns for international students living on campus: cultural differences, adjustment challenges, isolation, and housing assignments.