Social Awareness Program - Behavioural Science

1. Effective adjustment to the new
environment

2. Behavioural
science
PRESENTED BY:
SUKRITI SINGH
A0523113081
BTBM/13/242
AMITY INSTITUTE OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
AMITY UNIVERSITY, NOIDA

3. Adjusting to a new environment
 People go through various phases of adjustment when they move from one
culture to another. Their first few days can be a bit disorienting, but at amity, we'll
help you to get settled in and familiar with your campus as soon as possible.

4. Fatigue
 After a long journey, it is normal to arrive feeling tired. Suffering from sleep
deprivation and time zone differences, you may soon show symptoms of arrival
fatigue. When you are in this state of mind, it is advisable to take things easy so
your body and mind can be one again. This is also why we suggest that you arrive
a couple days before Orientation to give yourself time to recover.

5. Getting settled
 When you arrive at your campus, you will be shown food outlets, communication
facilities so you can contact home, washing facilities and given advice on personal
security to help you settle into your first day.
 After you have rested and slept off your jet lag, your International Student Support
Officer can discuss with you issues relating to living in your new community. You
should take this time to ask questions that will help you become familiar with the
new environment. You will also receive practical information about adjusting at
Orientation.

7. Orientation
 Make sure that you arrive in time for Orientation. This will give you time to ease
into your new environment before classes begin.
 Orientation will provide valuable information about living in Australia, including the
culture, norms and language. You will also learn important things about CSU,
such as what is expected of you as a student and how the University works.
Orientation also gives you an opportunity to meet other students, including new
international students who are probably feeling as excited and nervous as you
are.

8. Adjusting to a new environment
 Studying in another country can be very exciting but it can also be challenging as
you adapt to new ways of doing things.
 Living in a new culture means a lot of changes in your life including absence from
family and friends, meeting new friends and developing networks, learning new
social customs and behaviours, experiencing a different climate and different
foods.

9. You may also be adjusting to speaking and writing in English full-time if English is not your
first language. Even people from different English speaking backgrounds will have to adjust
to the Australian way of speaking and its own brand of slang.
It will take time to get used to different ways of doing things and to develop a new network
of support. You will find new friends, perhaps a teacher, a community member or a flat
mate who you can talk to and seek advice.
If you are feeling homesick or experience difficulty adjusting to a new way of life, it can be
helpful to talk about it with someone. It is comforting to be able to talk to a friend and share
your experiences. Your International Student Support Officer understands the demands of
making adjustments to a new culture and therefore is a good place to start.

10. If you find that you are experiencing any of the following it may be culture shock:
headaches
boredom
depression
crying
upset stomach
loss of appetite
lack of motivation
feeling overwhelmed by small inconveniences
extreme homesickness
It is important to recognise that culture shock is often a normal process of adjustment and a lot of
people have a least some of these symptoms at some point in their overseas studies. If the
symptoms stay with you, it is important to get some help. Please contact your International
Student Support Officer for assistance or advice.

11. Surviving Homesickness
 If you have travelled a long way to study in Australia, adjusting to major changes
in your life may be extra difficult for you. The language may be unfamiliar, and
ways of talking about things may not be the same as you are used to. You may
have to deal with strange food, a different climate, and unfamiliar landscape.
Home is so far away, and arranging to go home for a weekend is not a possibility
for you. We have an idea of what it may be like for you, and are here to help.