When I first arrived at AU, the first thing I noticed was the vast differences yet similarities in cultures. I met 4 people from 4 different continents during the first two days of moving in. And I noticed that almost all of them were very interested in joining clubs and putting themselves out there already. I also noticed many sophomores, juniors, and seniors that were doing the same and also enjoying moments with friends at the quad. People are so open to sharing their experiences at AU that it really makes you feel at home knowing people can relate to some of the things on your mind.

The AU community is passionate and full of zeal; their interests are versatile and everyone has a certain purpose which is extremely inspiring to be surrounded by. I love how caring the faculty is, everyone is accessible; from the staff to the professors. Everyone wants you to feel at home, and eventually, you do.

Fareha is studying abroad during fall 2021 and will be back on campus in January 2022.

My first impression of AU was one of finally having found where I belong. After a stressing year in high school figuring out where to go I knew the day I came to AU that U had found the one. Everyone here is very helpful, inclusive and can make your day better. Since day one I felt part of something great and I am confident that I will be able to do great things being part of the AU family.

Everyone is very friendly and willing to help you. The AU environment is unique, not only to become a well-rounded individual but also a multi-tasking student.

Coming to AU was a truly unique experience for me. I have always studied at American schools wherever I’ve lived, so it made sense to finally come to America for university. From the minute I came to AU, I realized how much of a welcoming environment it truly is. People are so friendly and are very interested in learning more about one another.

Starting my life at AU in the online learning environment in 2020 as a first-year student in SIS, I was concerned about how I would be able to integrate myself into the AU community coming from a different country, culture and worldview. To my pleasant surprise, the transition was seamless, and the opportunities to interact and integrate with my peers online, endless! I now stand to learn so much from my peers and in such a unique position, I felt like I wanted to become a representative for this diverse community and let people from all backgrounds know the message of the AU Diplomats – You are welcome here!

AU is welcoming and inclusive. Overall it is a really friendly place with a palpable sense of community.

From the first moment I stepped on to AU's campus, I knew that it is the place where I want to be for the next four years of my life. American University has a great campus filled with a diverse community of warm, welcoming students who are more than willing to connect and form valuable friendships. Being in Washington, DC, AU provides lots of opportunities for its students ranging from outdoor activities and city exploration to great job and internship options for any career.

AU fosters a comfortable environment for students to expand their passions. You're always encouraged to take the challenge of something new, and the school makes sure to provide you with the proper instructions.

I began my first semester at AU in the fall of 2020 in an online environment. I’m in the Kogod School of Business. I decided to become an AU Diplomat because I believe that this group helped me make my final college decision and be more comfortable about AU. I now want to help other international students who are going to be in the same position as I was!

Everyone is so welcoming and there are so many different opportunities and events on campus that allow you to truly submerge yourself into the community here and find someone to call a friend and connect with! At AU, you are able to truly find yourself and begin your own path, surrounding my millions of wonderful opportunities, great people, and an inclusive campus.

My first impression of AU was ‘Is this the school? Or is this a park?? I immediately knew I had found my school.

With the city at our fingertips, people are always making time to go on adventures to the national mall, museums, restaurants, and other unique aspects of the city. AU students are politically active and open-minded individuals who I'm lucky enough to call my peers!

As a recent sophomore transfer, my first impressions of American University have so far been fantastic! A few weeks in, I find the classes welcoming and comfortable in size, with the students around me always kind and friendly. I love being in the SIS program and have already learned so much in my classes. I am being challenged academically but feel supported and comfortable reaching out for help if needed. The SIS building is my favorite place on campus as most of my day is spent there; I am lucky to be in such a great facility. I feel optimistic about my decision to transfer to American University and am so happy with the choice I made. I cannot wait to dive deeper into my major and grow as a student at AU.

Stepping onto AU's campus for the first time, my immediate impression was one of awe since I did not expect to see so much greenery and wildlife. (I saw two squirrels, one rabbit, and a red cardinal all in one day!). Having never visited any college campuses prior to move-in, I had no idea what to expect but was pleasantly surprised to see a vibrant, welcoming, and truly beautiful campus. Though seeing so many unfamiliar faces at once was sometimes overwhelming, I made so many new friends within my first hours on campus that I immediately became certain that AU is a place where I belong.

My first impression of AU as an international student was how friendly everyone was. Before coming here I was afraid, as I imagine everyone is, about not making friends, but when I arrived I realized that we were all in the same boat! I remember how happy students looked to be on campus, and the thrill of the new adventure that awaited us.

AU is extremely welcoming and inclusive. The students here are very passionate about their interests and everyone is friendly and understanding (including our lovely faculty). AU is in one of the best locations in the U.S. (in my opinion) and has endless opportunities for students to explore and to take advantage of.

AU is a very liberal school with friendly and kind people. Its beautiful campus is a nice escape from the nearby city and has a large community of international students.

American University is the diverse, liberal, welcoming community I was looking for when I began my application process fall of my senior year. As someone who has never lived in the United States before, I was nervous about the social, political, and cultural shock; nonetheless, the community here at AU as well as the beauty of Washington D.C. have helped me find comfort and pride in my new home.

AU has the perfect balance between the hustle 'n bustle of an academic life and the relieving and calm outlets of a social life. The people I've met are always so fun and outgoing, but still know when to prioritize academics. I’m all the more motivated to study hard at AU because I know that once I do, I'll be rewarded with great company.

Upon arrival everyone was immediately so welcoming and nice. The campus is beautiful any time of day. There is always something to do, from exploring different clubs and organizations to walking around the city and trying all the food options! It's only been a few weeks and I already feel like AU is my second home.

When I first stepped onto the AU campus, I could tell that one day this place would be my home. I felt very comfortable and everyone was so friendly. The campus is absolutely gorgeous.

From first glance I was surprised by how beautiful the campus is; there's so much greenery! I was also really impressed with the School of International Service building. It’s very modern and seems like a good place to study. AU also has plenty of food options. I'm gluten-free and was super impressed by all of the inclusive options for people with allergies or dietary restrictions at all the restaurants on campus and the Terrace Dining Room. Overall, I felt a very welcoming atmosphere and that I matter here at AU. I really believe I made the right choice to attend AU and look forward to my time here!

My first impression of AU was seeing the administration’s commitment to being truly inclusive of all races, nationalities, and backgrounds. The phrase "Global Nomad" really impacted my decision to commit to AU for the next 4 years. I'm so glad I did because I've found my new home!

My first impression of AU was finding a place that is friendly and open-minded, where I was not afraid to be myself. AU’s student life is amazing; there are lots of student organizations and it was very easy to make friends. Additionally, as an international student, I really love being in the city. Washington, DC offers so many things to see and explore. AU is inclusive and friendly and gives its students the necessary resources to be successful.

My first impression of American University was just how pretty AU's campus is! Even though I had visited AU before, actually living and studying here changed everything completely and made me appreciate the campus much more. I appreciate how inclusive and integrated the AU community is, and the strong sense of connection that exists among students. I'm also impressed by how friendly everyone here is and how everyone in the community actively helps each other out.

My first impression of AU was that it was a beautiful campus that I could call home. The environment felt so welcoming and safe that I already knew I'd love every moment I'd spend there. I love the energy that all the students share, and the way I know everyone is there to learn, improve, and grow with others, all while having an amazing time.

My first impression of AU was that it was a very diverse, integrated, and vibrant community. People seemed to be very nice and welcoming, and the campus was beautiful. I loved how the city is so close, and that you can go there easily anytime on the weekends. You can also stay in the academic environment during the week.

I was completely enchanted by the AU’s picturesque landscapes full of life and color when I arrived on campus. The staff during move-in week was extremely helpful and friendly which made the experience ever more exciting. My academic first impressions are that AU means business. Classes started immediately and professors didn’t miss a minute to fuel us with knowledge.

The curriculum in the Business & Entertainment undergraduate program piqued my interest, so I applied ED II and came to AU. I've always admired how AU provides a welcoming environment for people of diverse backgrounds. I had no idea how fantastic this school could be until I arrived and experienced first-hand AU’s personalized services. I am confident that AU will equip me with the tools I need to be successful in both my personal and professional life in the future.

My first impression of American University was completely satisfactory. The number of international students on campus really impressed me. AU’s diversity and inclusion are important concepts that should not be overlooked. I don't regret my decision to attend AU because the academic programs are just as good as I expected. I'm looking forward to making the most of my time here!

I love AU because it is a very international school not far from downtown DC. AU also offers a wide range of study abroad programs along with countless internship opportunities to broaden your learning beyond the classroom.

After so many weeks of anticipation, I finally set foot at American University. I paused with heartfelt gratitude. It was an idyllic breath of fresh air. The campus was bracingly alive and teeming with changemakers in their own right: Passionate, ingenious, innovative, and imaginative. I was overwhelmed to realize that today I had joined such an extraordinary community.

During the first few days at AU I was a bit overwhelmed and surprised from the transition. Beginning a new life--the college life--in a different country surely was challenging. Nevertheless, it took me just a week to get used to it. Everyone was very friendly and I always had someone to guide and support me through any difficulty. Overall, college life continues to amaze me on a daily basis through the people I meet and the experiences I encounter.

Based on my experience so far, I'm very confident that I made the right choice when choosing between universities. AU's community is very welcoming, has a high amount of diversity which helps everyone find friends, and the overall campus vibe is outstanding. In terms of academics, Kogod is such a professional business school, and I'm sure that I will be getting a world-class education throughout my years at AU.

When I first read about AU, I was inspired by the countless opportunities offered by the university. Once I got here, I realized that AU is full of active students who are willing and able to get involved in the community and the world around them. The mix of international and local students creates the perfect environment to discuss national and global events. It was easy for me to adapt to this atmosphere and am still in awe of the people I meet on campus.

I visited AU for the first time in April and fell in love with the campus and its people. I knew AU was the place where I would spend the next few years. The people here are amazing and it's a very international campus, which makes it even better. American University is truly an incredible university, and I am super happy to be here!

The first time I saw AU I was overwhelmed with the amazing and unique opportunities and campus resources that were laid before me as well as all the helpful students and university faculty who made sure I felt comfortable and welcomed to my new home. Moving into a different environment and country so far from home can be stressful and scary. The minute I got to campus I was approached by so many different people who offered to help with me move in with my belongings. They also offered food, advice, or just friendly company. This not only made me feel less alone, but I also felt unique and part of a caring, united community. Even though everything was new to me, AU was home. That feeling became more evident during my first week once classes started. AU staff and faculty, especially the professors, are extremely approachable and genuinely care about their students’ well-being and academic progress. I feel honored to be part of this community and cannot wait to discover AU further during my academic journey.

I was a bit nervous to start my first semester last fall 2020 in an online environment. Even though I had finished high school in New York, I was in a French school, immersed in a French environment. I wondered if I would be able to transition to an all-U.S. curriculum and culture, and if I would integrate easily into AU’s community. Once I applied, I began receiving emails welcoming me to AU and telling me about the many opportunities to interact with peers around the world. I felt reassured and at home at AU. I decided to become an AU Diplomat to help future internationals feel welcome no matter where they are from.

No matter who you are, no matter where you are from, you are welcome here at American University. #YouAreWelcomeHere