🌍 International Student Welcome Week｜ISS Welcome Week
# Organizing for the New School Year ## Going to School to Get the Student ID I went to school to pick up my student ID. ## Uses of the Student ID The student ID is useful for various purposes, such as accessing library resources, getting discounts on transportation, and participating in school events. ## My State of Mind These Days These past few days, I've been feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness as the new school year approaches. ## Things I've Encountered I've encountered several things, including meeting new classmates, attending orientation sessions, and preparing my study materials.
After a few days of arriving in Hawaii (it’s been many days, Q), the pace of life gradually shifted from “tourist mode” to “exchange student mode.” With the start of ISS (International Student Services) orientation week, I slowly began to familiarize myself with the exchange school, feeling both excited and a bit nervous.
📍 Departure: Obtaining the Soul Core “UH ID”
In life at UHM, the first major task is to get the UH ID card or the Manoa One Card.
To prepare for tomorrow’s ELI exam (1/8), I made a special trip to the school to confirm.
Not only could I save on transportation costs over the past few days, but it was also to prepare more comprehensively for the “start of school.”
Aside from the bus that suddenly disappeared from the app, which almost made me miss the closing time,
the overall process of obtaining the card was smoother than I expected.
UH ID Obtaining Process
-
Fill out the form
(Basic information confirmation) -
Present passport
(Identity verification) -
Take a photo on-site
(Say Cheese!) -
Wait for the card to be printed
(About 3 minutes)
But the moment I stepped into the campus center, I truly felt, “I really will be living here for a semester.”
💳 The Amazing Uses of This Student ID in Hawaii
After obtaining this card, it felt like my range of activities in Honolulu instantly expanded:
- Unlimited rides on TheBus: This is a lifesaver for exchange students who don’t drive! As long as you have the semester transportation sticker, you can freely travel on buses across the island.
If you don’t reach the daily limit, each ride costs over $2. - Campus resources: Access to the library, computer labs, or hitting the gym all rely on this card.
- Various discounts: Many local facilities offer Kama’aina (local resident) discounts when you show your student ID.
📝 Changes in My Mindset These Days
From the excitement of just getting off the plane to the anxiety and anticipation of preparing for school. In these few days, I encountered several memorable little things:
1. Language and Communication Practice
Although I prepared for a long time in Taiwan, when it came to handling bank accounts, phone cards, or communicating with the department’s teaching assistants in full English, I still felt a bit strained. Last night, a scare from an online banking notification taught me the importance of staying calm and proactively asking questions in a foreign land.
2. The Required Course on “Being Alone”
Exchange life isn’t just about parties and beautiful scenery. During the process of organizing my dorm and studying the campus map alone, there were many quiet moments. I began to learn to talk to myself, telling myself: “It’s okay, take your time; everyone starts like this.”
3. The Wind from the Pacific
Whenever I feel stressed, looking up at the excessively blue sky of Hawaii or feeling the sea breeze on campus calms my mood significantly. The rhythm here (Aloha Spirit) seems to remind me: Enjoy the process.
✨ Thoughts Before the Start of School
Tomorrow is the ELI Test, and I hope to pass smoothly and select the courses I desire (especially that physics course! It’s crucial for whether I can graduate on time). Although the hustle and bustle of these days have been tiring, they have also filled me with motivation for the next six months.
There will definitely be more unknown challenges ahead, but I am ready to face them.
Aloha, Hawaii! I am ready.
If you are also preparing to embark on an exchange, feel free to come chat with me!