Familiarizing Yourself

by SH.A.Q.M.3.H.M

Have you ever thought about studying abroad? It is wise to familiarize yourself with the structure of a city in which you want to live. I recommend using Google maps and social media for learning about the city. Also, knowing about the university events where you want to attend helps you expect what is going to happen there.

First, Google Maps is a trustworthy map which gives you an overview of anywhere in the world and guides you. Google Maps is a detailed map which gives you names of streets, distance between two points, and pictures of everywhere. One bright feature of Google Maps, which I recommend, is “browse street view images” which makes you explore anywhere through 360 degree. This feature makes you feel that you actually there. It looks like a real game, and you are a driver which helps you to see what life looks like in other parts of the world.

To use the “browse street view images” you need to follow several steps: first, you should go to maps.google.com. Then, you can search anyplace you want to see. In our case, we will choose College Station. After that, you should use your mouse to click on a small yellow man on the screen which is located in bottom right angle, and you should hold the click and move the man anywhere you want. Finally, you can move your location with your mouse or keyboard like a game. The “browse street view images” has several benefit to users. First of all, the structure of the city will be known. When you arrive, you feel knowledgeable with the map, and you guide your friends. And the most important benefit is you won’t feel lost.

Second, social media is an easy way to learn about other places. One benefit of social media is it helps you to know about news in this place that you want to visit. For example, before I arrived in College Station, I read on Facebook that College Station will face cold weather for the next two months. However, people in my country were saying that Texas is hot. They implied that I don’t need winter clothes, but thankfully the Texas A&M pages on Facebook clarified this point. Second, if you like entertainment, it helps you to know about new events in the city. Before you come, I recommend to like or follow Facebook pages. All in all, familiarizing yourself can have an impact on your new life in a new place by giving you confidence and knowledge about a place. Google Maps and social media are two simple ways you can use before going someplace that you don’t have any idea about.