Being far away from home in a new academic and social environment can affect a new international undergraduate or graduate student in different ways. While prospective international students may not consider mental health services when researching colleges and universities, experts say it is important for them to know what support is available before they choose a school.Many university websites have separate pages for international students about their mental health support services, such as Cornell University's Cornell Health page, the University of Kentucky's counseling center page and Oregon State University's International Student Support Program page.Some schools discuss these services before students step foot on campus. For example, before accepted international students arrive at the University of Minnesota—Twin Cities, they are given a mandatory online orientation that covers issues that international students often face like cross-cultural adjustment, stress and loneliness, says Alisa Eland, associate director for counseling and advising at the university's International Student and Scholar Services Office.Here are some ways prospective international students can plan to look after their mental health at a U.S. university:

Join social clubs and groups.
Experts say students should consider joining groups related to a student's major, interests or hobbies, culture, language and religion to minimize social isolation.Three months into her doctoral studies at the University of Minnesota's School of Social Work, Ndilimeke Nashandi from Namibia learned from a peer about a group of African graduate students and friends from other countries who meet informally on a quarterly basis."The orientation also includes an introduction to the types of support students can receive, including counseling," Eland says."I joined the group and we share ideas on some of the resources that are....

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