Tips for First-Year Student-Athletes in the US
Advice from student-athlete Thea Dahl on how to prepare for your first year in the USA
Thea Dahl went from the fjords of Norway to the skylines of New York. Since 2024, Thea practices and competes in track and field while studying Psychology at Manhattan University. She’d already competed at nationals in Norway and Australia in throwing before coming to the US on track and field scholarship.
When preparing to study in the USA, there are many things to keep in mind. Knowing what to prepare for and how to do it can feel overwhelming. You’ll probably have lots of questions, like: Am I ready to live far from home? How should I act around coaches and professors? Will I be able to balance school and my sport?
I had the same questions. Thankfully, with the help of Keystone Sports experts, I felt well prepared for the move. I’d like to share some of my own experiences to help you get ready for life as a student-athlete in the US. I’ll tell you how I prepared, and what I wish I had known before I left.
Thea is doing her second year, and therefore knows how it feels to move across the Atlantic ocean to a whole new life as a student athlete. In this article, she shares her best tips to others who are on the same path!
Connect with Teammates Before Your Trip
When you arrive in the US, making friends can be challenging—especially if your new teammates already know each other. Getting in touch with them through social media or group chats before traveling is a great way to start building relationships.
I was added to a WhatsApp group chat before I left, which helped me get to know some of my teammates in advance.
By the time I arrived, I realized that many members of the team had good relationships with each other. If I hadn’t engaged in those chats, it would have taken me much longer to connect with them.
Build Relationships with Your Coaches
When I committed to my university, I kept in touch with my coaches in the months before my trip. I shared updates on how my training was going, not just my competition results. This helped build a stronger relationship because they could see my progress and dedication, and it made the transition smoother once I got there.
Reach Out to Your New Roommates
During your first year, you’ll likely be placed with random roommates. Reaching out to them beforehand is a smart move, since it helps break the ice and makes living together easier from day one. Find out what they like and other basic stuff that will help you get along.
As an athlete, you’ll often be paired with another teammate, which can also help you connect more quickly with the rest of the team.
Saying Yes to New Experiences
When it comes to social life, my best advice is be open. Say “yes” to plans and new experiences. This does not mean participating in things that you do not want to or that you feel uncomfortable doing, but it does mean stepping outside your comfort zone.
Whether it’s going out with friends, joining a club, or even just studying together, saying yes can lead to great experiences and new friendships.
One of my friends told me to participate in as much as possible at the beginning of the school year. They were right; it’s the best way to meet people, try new things, and show that you’re committed to making the most of your time there.
Adapting to College Sports Environment
The training environment in the US can be very different from what you’re used to. Different sports will notice this in different ways. I’m a track and field athlete, and I wasn’t fully prepared for how much you actually compete at the college level. You will train and compete a lot in a short period of time, so be physically and mentally ready for it.
In the US, sports are all about earning points for your university, so you’re not only competing for yourself or your team, but also for your school’s success. At first, this was an adjustment. You may be asked to try things outside of your comfort zone, which can be tough, but it’s also a chance to grow and discover new strengths.
In the US, many universities are strict about hierarchy when it comes to “coaches”. For example, most coaches want you to call them “coach” followed by their last name/nickname or their name. This often shows respect for the coach.
Balance Sports and Academics
Finally, be ready to balance academics with athletics. Both are equally important as a student-athlete, and it can be tough at first. During my first semester, I realized I needed to plan my weeks carefully so I could train, complete assignments, and still have time for recovery and friends.
My tip: write down important deadlines, make a weekly schedule, and stick to it. Good planning will save you stress. As I said, it’s also important to organize time for recovery and time with friends.
If you want to learn more about college sports in the US and get personalized guidance for your journey, Keystone Sports is here to help. Our team supports student-athletes every step of the way, from finding the right university to securing a sports scholarship.
Complete our free evaluation form and our team of experts will contact you.
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