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.

People at AU are genuine, passionate, and hardworking. Both on and off campus, there is always something to do and there are endless opportunities to further develop your interests, skills, and find new passions along the way. As an AU Diplomat, I have the opportunity to meet even more international students with backgrounds and interests from all over the globe. AU has exceeded my expectations and I am excited for what's to come.

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.

Student life here at AU is very busy. Students are constantly involved in extracurricular activities and challenging themselves to try new things. Here at AU, I was able to find a warm welcoming community that supports and encourages me.

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.

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.

Before applying to AU my biggest concern was finding a university with an environment that felt like home. A place where I could belong, and where people cared not only about one another but about the world’s significant problems. AU made my time during the pandemic mean something greater than just attending online classes. I learned that even through a screen, halfway across the world, AU cares, AU is there for me, and I can count on the AU community for anything. I was welcomed by international students who have told me about their experience at AU, and now it’s my turn to say Shalom to you, and welcome on your exciting AU journey!

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.