Essentials for International Students in Wooster
Your Guide to Settling In
Introduction
In the first chapter of our class Intro to Digital Studies, we read about how digital media have become so pervasive that the changes, challenges, and opportunities they bring along assume a ubiquitous reach. Media theorist Felix Stalder describes this as the "digital condition," a state in which computer networks have become "the key infrastructure for virtually all aspects of life" (2018, p. vii).
From this perspective, I saw digital media as a means to find and provide solutions for others to the challenges we have faced and successfully overcome. In this project, I aim to offer some answers that I desperately needed when I first arrived in Wooster as an international student. These answers will serve as a resource for anyone who might need them, helping them navigate their journey more smoothly and feel more at home in a new environment.
The project will cover essential information, such as identifying the best stores for necessities, understanding the steps to take after securing an on-campus job, and finding resources for healthcare and self-care, along with insights and opinions tailored for international students. By addressing these key areas, I hope to ease the transition for new students and provide them with the tools needed to confidently navigate their new environment.
Groceries and Markets
I decided to start with this because it’s the most important thing. I know you probably didn’t expect this to be the most important, but trust me, once you get here, you’ll realize just how crucial it is—and you’ll thank me later! regarding that, I like how social media is pervasive, It gives us the opportunity to access and post information at any time and from any location. Just thinking of that while working on the project make me realize how it can be helpful and how it can be dangerous or misleading. So, we should be careful with it
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Walmart Store
Walmart is hands down one of the best stores here in Wooster. You can find just about anything you need, which is super convenient—no need to run around town hunting for random items. But, as an international student, I’ve got to say… it’s not exactly easy on the wallet. A lot of other international students feel the same way. It’s like a one-stop shop for everything and a reminder that budgets are real!
Don’t get me wrong, I love going there when I need to stock up—especially if I’m looking for household essentials, fresh vegetables, or different types of food. It’s super handy for those things! But still, I’m not trying to make it a weekly habit—I mean, I’m a student
The majority of international students love it, but at the same time, they find it expensive
References
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Discount Drug Mart
Drug Mart is also one of the best stores, especially for College of Wooster students, since it’s the closest one to campus. It has some of the same issues as Walmart when it comes to pricing on certain items, but there are also some good deals for international students on other things. Based on feedback from many international students, they really like shopping there, especially when they’re in a hurry or don’t want to spend the whole day trekking to Walmart. It’s great for picking up what you need quickly and getting your shopping done in just a few minutes.
The majority of international students avoid going there unless they need something urgently due to the high prices.
References
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Dollar General
Finally, we’ve arrived at the store I’m talking about—and I think you know exactly why I said "finally" from the name! This store is definitely much cheaper than the other two, which is a huge win for anyone on a budget. The only downside is that it doesn’t have everything you might need, but what it does have is often interesting and priced really well. It’s the kind of place where you can find plenty of things you didn’t know you needed, all at a great price. Definitely worth a stop when you're looking for good deals without breaking the bank!
The majority of international students find it appealing, reasonable and enjoy buying items from there.
References
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Everything Surplus
This store, just like the previous one, is definitely one of the best when it comes to deals. It can really make a big difference in your shopping experience compared to Walmart or Drug Mart. Almost everything here is priced at the best rate, which is especially helpful for international students. When you shop here, you’re likely to save a good amount of money on most items, making it a go-to for budget-conscious shoppers. It’s like a hidden gem when it comes to finding affordable products without sacrificing quality!
The majority of students find it challenging to visit because it requires having a car or someone to drop them off. However, it offers cheap and affordable prices for good quality.
References
Cafeterias
In the section I’m about to mention, I’ll talk about the College of Wooster cafes. Honestly, I didn’t know about them when I first came here, and it actually took me quite a while to figure them out. So, I decided to share them with you to save you the time I spent discovering them!
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Lowry Dining and C-Store
Lowery Center is a good place for food, but I wouldn’t say it’s my top choice. They do have many great options, but unfortunately, none of them really remind me of the food back home—except for the chicken tenders, which are my absolute favorite. I’m always looking forward to the day they’ll serve them!
What’s most important, though, is the experience of enjoying food with friends at the same table. Sharing a meal together every day creates a warmth and sense of connection that’s hard to describe. It’s those moments that make the food taste even better!
The majority of students consider it one of the best places, not necessarily because of the food quality, but because it’s a great spot to hang out and eat together.(they say the food is not the best but it's good)
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Old Main Cafe
Old Main Cafe has become one of my favorite spots on campus, especially when I’m heading to my Intro to Digital Studies class in Kauke Hall. I love being able to sit there, enjoy a coffee or snack, and sometimes even get in a bit of studying before class. The best part is the atmosphere—there’s something about the old-school vibe of the place that really reminds me of home. It’s a cozy spot to relax and get ready for the day!
The majority of students love this place and enjoy spending quality time there!
References
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Knowlton Café
I’ve actually never been to Knowlton Cafe, to be honest, but I’ve heard so many students talking about it, so I decided to ask around and get their opinions. If they really like it, I thought I should mention it to you all. And yup, they absolutely love it! You can grab cakes, smoothies, coffees, and other treats from there, which sounds amazing. It’s definitely on my list to try in the next few days—I’m sure it’ll be great!
The majority of students consider this place one of the best spots on campus.
References
Health and self-care
In this section, I will share my experience with the clinics here in Wooster, as well as matters related to physical health and self-care, such as barbershops.
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Wellness Center
Fun fact: I used to think I wouldn’t need to visit the Wellness Center here until I graduated, but guess what? In the first week, I had to go there after I broke my thumb playing soccer! I can’t even describe how nice and helpful they were. They really know how to take care of their patients in the best possible way. Unfortunately, some injuries need to be redirected to the Cleveland Clinic, but that’s another great place too! So, even though I didn’t expect to need it so soon, I’m glad I had such a positive experience with both.
The majority of students find the people there to be really nice and helpful. They ensure you receive the necessary treatment, even if it involves referring you to an off-campus facility.
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Cleveland Clinc
This is the Cleveland Clinic closest to the campus. I've never been there but based on other student's opinions they were really helpful, and they can give the treatment you need.
As I noticed not many students been there but the ones who have been there are saying they had very good experience with everyone there and all of them were really nice!
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Cleveland Clink mail town
This is a huge branch of Cleveland Clinic, if your injury needs an X-rays then you have to go there, and I've done that and I'm happy to deal with such staff and people I had to go there because of a broken thumb, and I had to get some X-rays done. The staff there is really nice and takes care of their patients in every possible way, They helped me a lot with my injury, and I went there several times. I remember one time I missed my appointment and showed up an hour and a half late, but they actually helped me make a new appointment right when I showed up, so I didn’t need to reschedule at all. They were really accommodating and got me in at the same time I arrived, which was super helpful!
The majority of the students who have been there are saying many nice things about them!
References
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Helms Old Fashion Barber Shop
This barber is one of the best nearby the university. Many students, when they first come here, hesitate to try a new barbershop due to cultural differences. I'll be honest with you and say that the haircut might not be exactly the same as what you're used to back home—there will be a few differences. However, it's definitely not bad at all, so don’t hesitate! According to many international students, they really enjoy going there, but it is a bit pricey. You'll be looking at around $25 per visit, so keep that in mind!
The majority of students who have been there got the haircuts they were looking for, which is really cool!
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Sport Clips Haircuts
This salon, according to many international students, is considered one of the best barbershops they’ve been to and the closest to what they were looking for in terms of haircuts. Many students recommend it, even though it’s priced the same as the previous barbershop, around $25 per visit.
The majority of students who have been there got the haircuts they were looking for, which is also really cool!
References
Banks
Since I didn't have an international bank account, I see this section as very important for any international student coming to Wooster without an international bank. In this section, I will mention the two banks I had the opportunity to deal with, one of which I personally used, while the other is more widely recommended by international students and is more common among them.
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PNC Bank
You’re probably wondering why I chose this bank, while other students recommend a different one. Let me explain. When I first arrived, I hadn’t heard these recommendations, so I just went ahead and opened an account with the bank I found. However, I don’t regret it at all. For me, this bank has been great and provides all the necessary services I need.
The majority of students with accounts at this bank don’t like the bank's website and app.
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Chase Bank
This is the bank that many students recommend as well. They offer a great deal, giving you 100 gift coupons when you open an account, which is definitely a nice bonus. Additionally, students say their service is excellent, and they haven’t faced any difficulties using their app or website. It’s considered very user-friendly and reliable.
The majority of students with accounts at this bank really like it because they can get coupons and discounts.
References
Job Steps
What I really like about media is how it allows us to access so many things that we don’t always pay attention to in the moment. You can see how it’s helping us whenever you think about anything around you, no matter what it is. In this regard, it will be really helpful for me here since I can use a link that provides the opportunity to see exactly what documents are needed to complete job steps! By the way, this is what’s called hypertext in media—great details, right?
First use this link to apply for On-campus jobs. https://app.joinhandshake.com
then use this link to know the documents that you need to take with you to the government building. https://inside.wooster.edu/iss/ssn/
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Lowery Dining and Center for Diversity and Inclusion
First step that you have to do here after getting a job printing a document that CDI will send you, sign this document and let your job manger to sign it too, then submit this document to CDI center and they will take care of the rest.
The majority of students love going there because the people are the nicest and very helpful. They treat you like family!
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Social Security Number Office
After you’ve gathered all the documents needed from the link mentioned above, head to this location. They were really helpful to me, and I’m sure they will be just as helpful to all of you. You’ll have a brief meeting with a client there, and that’s pretty much it. Then, just head back to the college and wait until they send you your SSN.
The majority of students find it as any formal place in their country.
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Human Resources Building
While waiting for Your SSN, you should fill a form called I9 and submit it online as the human resources for the link to this document and they will send it to you then you have to there to prove identity and that's it, until you get your SSN, so you have to go back there to update your Data.
The majority of students find it a good place with nice people that willing to help you whenever you need their help
Conclusion
In the end, I’d like to talk a little more about digital media and how this project, with each step, made me realize how many small details I’ve never really noticed before—because they’ve just become part of our everyday lives. It's fascinating how digital media is distributed differently from traditional mass media. Traditional media is centralized and unidirectional, meaning information flows from a central place, like a newsroom, to a massive audience. But digital media works differently. It’s all about a distributed model. The internet itself is like this giant web of interconnected nodes, rather than just a few big hubs.
On top of that, the rise of cheap computers, tablets, smartphones, and the spread of internet access has made it so easy for anyone to create and share content. We now have the power to be content creators, not just passive consumers. So, instead of waiting for information to come from a news outlet, we’re all part of the process. It’s like the old way of doing things is now the sidekick, and we’re the superheroes! Benkler (2006) put it best when he said that the resources for information production and distribution are in the hands of individuals who can now communicate horizontally, thanks to media platforms. Isn’t that wild? The whole world of digital media is like one giant, interconnected, user-driven conversation—where we all have a seat at the table!