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

I found AU to be very academically involved and politically involved. People here love to have their voice recognized and heard and feel like they belong. AU is filled with curiosity, positive change, and the ability to grow. It is both a challenging and flexible environment, and people are very welcoming.

From the moment I stepped on campus it was a welcoming environment. Everyone is happy to be here, you will meet a lot of new people in your classes, and you will find people who have the same interests and career paths as you! There are so many clubs and organizations that you could be part of, and step by step you will learn to balance academics and your social life. Even though I am far away from home, I am happy to be here, and I feel very welcomed!

AU creates a welcoming environment where everyone feels accepted. Students come from different places, embracing their own cultures and identities. This diversity enriches the campus experience, fostering open-mindedness and mutual intercultural respect among students.

Arriving from afar, I was scared, reluctant, and nervous. However, I immediately felt that I belonged here and that my negative feelings disappeared. AU is such an empowering, welcoming, and inclusive community. Its values align with my own, and I feel very inspired by the intellectual stimulation, diversity, and dedication to compassion that surround me. As an international student I feel represented and am motivated to give as much as I receive in this community, while growing and exploring new versions of myself as I embark on this unique journey!

I felt right at home when I stepped onto American University's campus. The community instantly embraced me, and my freshman year is becoming an amazing blend of building friendships and advancing academically. The amount of consideration and assistance the professors gave from the first day of classes stood out to me. Now, as an AU Diplomat, I get to connect with new international students and form friendships with others who share similar experiences!

I spent 26 hours getting to American University from Uzbekistan, including flights, my first time on the DC metro, and the AU shuttle bus - but it was totally worth it. Everyone I met, from students to professors, was so friendly and supportive that I didn't even feel like I was far from home. If you could see my interaction with others here, you would think that I have been at AU for years - a perfect description of AU's vibe and welcoming atmosphere.

My first impression of AU was that the campus was beautiful and well-maintained, creating a welcoming atmosphere. I immediately found a sense of belonging, as the people were incredibly friendly and open. The professors stood out as approachable and passionate, making me feel excited about the academic journey ahead.

I first noticed that people were so friendly, which made for an awesome welcome! Coming from going to over 10 schools in my life, it was very easy to settle here. I quickly met people just like me who had either grown up overseas or who had traveled a lot growing up. Almost everyone I met came from different states or countries which made me feel at home. AU also offers so many great welcome-week events and opportunities to learn about clubs and organizations I was interested in joining, which has helped me make long-lasting friends!

My first impression of American University was that it had a welcoming and diverse community. The campus felt like a place where people from all over the world could come together to learn and grow. I was excited by the opportunities available and felt that AU would support my personal and academic goals. It’s a place where I could see myself thriving.

As soon as I arrived at American University, I knew it was the right place for me. I immediately felt that I was at home instead of just at school. The small yet dynamic campus had everything I possibly needed and more. The weather was perfect, and the campus exceeded my expectations. I was greeted by so many amazing people who now are my closest friends. I quickly noticed how diverse and different every person on campus was, which made me feel included and represented as a U.S. Global Nomad. From my first day at AU, the abundance of opportunities offered confirmed that this was where I wanted to spend my next four years.

I love the environment at AU because everyone is so welcoming and motivated to learn. With AU being such a diverse community, it's easy to meet and connect with people of similar interests. There's also never a shortage of things to do around campus and in DC, and plenty of opportunities to explore different passions and find new interests!

When I first arrived at AU, I could already feel a sense of belonging to the community. The people are very welcoming, passionate, and willing to help each other. The many organizations and clubs that students can join make it easy to be involved in campus and extracurricular activities, and creates a balance between school and social life. As an international student, I am so grateful for all the opportunities AU has given me to grow as a person and everything I have learned along the way. I am happy to be here and very excited to see what the future holds!

My first impressions of AU were somewhat mixed. I wasn't sure at first if I was in the right place or not, but within my first two months on campus, I knew that this was my place! The AU community truly feels like home and everyone is willing to help one another.

When I first arrived at AU, I instantly felt at home. The warm and welcoming environment made it easy to connect with people, and I made friends right away. Additionally, our campus is beautiful, especially the quad, which is always buzzing with people, events, and activities. I’m really happy to be part of the AU community.

My first impression of AU was extremely positive as someone who never got to visit the campus in person earlier. I love the mix of modern and classical architecture on campus, as well as the college town feel to Tenleytown.

My favorite thing about AU is how warm and welcoming the community is. I felt at home as soon as I set foot on campus!

My first impressions of AU exceeded my expectations. I was glad to know that there were plenty of people around me that came from similar backgrounds and experiences as mine. I enjoy that the class sizes are small, unlike most universities, and it gives the students opportunities to be noticed by their peers and professors. AU's community is what drew me in with how friendly, inclusive, and diverse it is. Everywhere you turn, you see a friendly smile.

It was a quintessential college. I liked the buildings and how safe and inclusive it was on campus and outside of it in the neighborhood. It is a very vibrant place, especially during the first few weeks.

My first thoughts after coming to AU were: “I cannot believe I am really here.” After many challenges and long flights, I was at my final, most beautiful destination. I could not stop taking pictures of the gorgeous campus and exploring DC for the first week. Then, when homesickness started, I quickly found a supportive community here that helped me adjust.. I am so thankful that I ended up at American University and would not change it for anything in the world.

It was quite a culture shock when I first arrived on campus, and I was homesick. It’s now safe to say that I feel welcomed with great warmth, and accepted for who I am. These impressions have made AU my second home.

The atmosphere at AU is incredibly welcoming, fostering an environment where everyone demonstrates open-mindedness. Everyone comes from diverse backgrounds, embracing their identities and sharing a mutual desire to learn more. You can tell that American University prioritizes creating a sense of community for its students, as the university's commitment to inclusivity and respect for differences is evident in every interaction on campus.

Everyone here is so welcoming and genuine. I’ve had a great experience getting to know new people and making new friends. Coming from Egypt, I was afraid I would feel left out, but I feel quite the opposite now. Now being an AU Diplomat, I’m able to meet new international students and develop new friendships with people just like me!

I had a very positive first impression of AU. Coming in not knowing anyone in my year was a little intimidating at first but I quickly felt accepted by everyone around me. Students were so nice and helpful, and I found it easier than expected to make friends. I was so surprised at how many organizations and clubs AU has and the many different opportunities there are to meet new people.

Starting at AU midyear in the Spring, I was scared that I wouldn't fit in or that I wouldn't be able to integrate myself into the AU community. Flying in from a different country, I had my concerns about coming to American University; however, after my first week, all my inhibitions disappeared! My transition was seamless as I made friends, joined South Asian events,  and basked in all the opportunities that AU has to offer. American University definitely made me feel welcome and it will make you feel welcome too.

American University is so welcoming. After a few days on campus, I felt at home, safe, and accepted. At AU, professors, staff, and students across campus are willing to help. You will find your community. AU offers opportunities on and off campus. Students and faculty are passionate about their chosen subjects, which adds to the overall vibrant energy of AU.

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.

American University’s location in the nation's capital attracts students of many interesting and different nationalities and cultures. Students as well as the faculty have a deep appreciation for inclusivity and education that can be seen in all areas of the campus and can be felt throughout the classrooms. The campus itself, with its lush greenery, is a wonder to walk around and has become a place that I enjoy calling home.

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.

I chose AU because of its welcoming, supportive, and inclusive community. I am in SIS, and as a U.S. Global Nomad student from outside the U.S., I have been given multiple resources to set myself up for success in my academic career. AU feels like home. If I had to go back in time and choose a college all over again-- I would definitely choose AU!

Coming to AU was definitely the right decision. Everyone was so welcoming from the beginning, and it was very easy to make friends. I’m grateful to have a campus in the middle of this city. You have the opportunity to discover the city and also be on a campus where everything is so green and feels like its own place.

When I first arrived on campus, I was fascinated by how gorgeous and unique the green scenery is. What stood out the most was the care and support the faculty showed from the first day of classes. Also, the diversity of the student body and seeing international students on campus immediately gave me a sense of comfort and reassurance that AU is the right place for me!

My first impression of AU was how beautiful the campus is. I was pleasantly surprised to see so much greenery from grass to trees on one college campus and was reassured that I has made the right choice. Also, with everything on campus in one place, you really get a great feeling of AU’s sense of community and family which is also reflected in the people here.

Everyone is so open and welcoming. As an international student coming from a different culture and country, this has really helped me settle in, immerse myself into the community, and develop myself as a person through AU’s exciting opportunities.

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.

My first impression when I arrived at AU was that there was a great sense of community—everyone is nice and welcoming. AU staff and my fellow classmates went out of their way to make me feel welcome. I can’t wait to be immersed in opportunities to enhance my academic career and knowledge while being surrounded by such an inclusive campus.

Stepping onto campus, I was worried about how well I would be able to acclimate into my new environment;  however my worries were quickly swept away by the friendliness and warmness everyone treated me with. I soon understood that AU is a campus with numerous different cultures, peoples, and opportunities and there is a place for everyone regardless of your background.

AU provided the sense of community that I felt I was missing at my previous university. Being surrounded by high-achieving professors has only further motivated me to pursue my personal career goals. I feel welcomed at AU and have a strong sense of belonging.

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 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!

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.

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!

My first impressions of AU were definitely positive. I was so overwhelmed with all the warm welcomes I had received and instantly felt at home. AU has a long list of things to do around campus, and I met a lot of people through the various activities and events all around. The people I met were so kind and genuine and interested in where I came from. The passion I saw from all the staff and students lit a fire inside of me, and I'm excited to spend the next four years learning and growing as a person and a student.