Stanley Oghumu, a Nigerian graduate student in civil engineering, came to the University jet lagged and not knowing where he was going to live.
Oghumu’s 15-hour trip from Nigeria to Louisiana had no major problems besides weight limits on luggage and the weariness he felt during and after the flights.
“Jet lag is very difficult,” said Oghumu. “I am still readjusting to the time changes.”
Oghumu is the only international student this semester who needed temporary living accommodations before finding a place to live.
He stayed in a room at the International Cultural Center and said he would move into a permanent place in a few days.
Since coming to the University, Oghumu has met other international students but no other University students.
Previous ICC director Harold Leder said getting American students to meet international students always has been a problem.
“Some teachers have to offer extra points to their students for coming to an event at the ICC,” said Leder.
Oghumu is optimistic, however. He said he enjoys the University and thinks the people he has met so far are friendly.
Oghumu and all other international students enrolled in the summer semester attended orientation June 3 at the International Cultural Center.
Twenty-four students representing nations such as India, El Salvador and China were present.
Deborah Chatman, International Services Office coordinator of orientation, student exchanges and employment services, said the number of enrolled international students this summer is average compared to past figures.  
The orientation started early in the morning but the students had a full schedule with no time wasted.
ISO director Natalie Rigby welcomed students after they filled out general paperwork.
“The international community contributes a lot to LSU,” said Rigby. “There are 1,700 international students here at LSU.”
Rigby said the events of Sept. 11, 2001 changed the country.
The events caused the nation to spotlight international students, Rigby said. A positive result is an increase of publicity encouraging international exchange.
New international students at the University and across the nation enter universities at a charged time in U.S. history, Rigby said. International events in the past years have caused changes in laws for everyone but particularly for foreign students studying in the U.S.
“Don’t be afraid of your student status; be aware of it,” Rigby said.
Rigby said the ISO is not immigration and the students should look to its staff as advisors and mentors.
After the general welcome, the students were briefed on insurance policies, safety, campus employment, and the Michigan Test–a test that measures a person’s proficiency in the English language.
After orientation students got a chance to voice concerns and ask questions. Many students made sure their paperwork was filled out correctly while others socialized.
Oghumu was impressed with the orientation.
“They did a really nice job,” said Oghumu.
The next step for Oghumu is to move into a permanent place.
“I should be moving into an apartment within the next few days,” said Oghumu. “Then I’ll be ready for school to start.”
As classes start up this summer, international students have the ICC as their home. Events are scheduled to keep the students around the center and among each other. Students will have a chance to stay in touch throughout the entire year.