Dear fellow American students,
We are spoiled. I know that I’m just one person comparing the few experiences I’ve had with universities in America and international universities, but from my perspective we are living breezy. I’m going to start making a list of things that come with the standard university package in the US, but are luxuries in most other countries.
1. Free wifi: you take one step onto an American university and you’ll have seven options of free wifi to connect to with no data limits and only a few restrictions of what you can and can not do. You mean you are in your dorm a little bit off campus? Does the university own it? Then you have free wifi.
2. Free laundry: I’m seriously going to be a poor woman after this semester because it’s $3 for a load of laundry. $2 more if you want to use the dryer instead of air drying it (I will always pick air drying it)
3. Food courts: There are several little cafés here at Griffith, but you won’t find the amount you would in the states. None of your favorite fast foods will ever be a 2 minute walk from the library.
4. Gym memberships: Every college student I have ever met was able to get into their gym for free. You could use the equipment and take some group classes, like, Zumba, yoga, or cycling, all without spending a cent.
5. Free public transportation: you know that bus everyone else has to pay to get on? You can get on for free with your tiny piece of plastic with your face on it. Need a ride to the mall? There is a special free bus for that too.
6. Copious amounts of free shit: I could clothe an army with the free shirts I’ve gotten in three years at Mason. I was excited for orientation here because I thought they’d for sure give the study abroad kids free shirts. WRONG. They were $2. I got a free shirt for going to my pre-departure orientation in America, but wasn’t so lucky here.
So, the next time you feel like your university isn’t doing anything for you come check out this list. It’ll probably be a little bit bigger ever time you visit. Be grateful for what you have.
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