For many international students, the first place they live in the US becomes the lens through which they understand the country. That first home sets the rhythm of daily life, defines what “American” feels like, and becomes the hometown they compare every future city, campus, or community to. For thousands of Clarkson University students, that formative place is Potsdam, New York: a safe, welcoming, close-knit community that offers a true sense of belonging from the moment they arrive.
Situated in northern New York State, just a few hours from Ottawa and Montreal, Potsdam may be smaller than the bustling US cities many students imagine before arriving. But small does not mean limited. In fact, students often discover that Potsdam’s size is one of its greatest strengths. Here, everything is within reach — campus buildings, coffee shops, grocery stores, parks, and restaurants are just a short walk or bike ride away.
For Michele Bou Khalil, a third-year undergraduate student from Lebanon, her introduction to the US began on a bus ride from Syracuse to Potsdam. She arrived unsure of what to expect — but she was not on her own for long. “When I was moving in alone, I had my first ‘Potsdam moment,’” she recalls. “A man wearing a ‘Clarkson Dad’ shirt noticed I was by myself, asked if I needed help, and offered to carry my belongings. That was my first impression of Potsdam: a selfless and genuine community.” That early experience set the tone for everything that followed.
A major part of Potsdam’s appeal is the strong sense of community that grows naturally in a small town. In big cities, it’s easy to feel anonymous. In Potsdam, you become known. Professors learn your name — and how to pronounce it. Local residents greet you warmly. Students form friendships that extend beyond campus and into town.
Outside the classroom, Khalil works with the honours programme. She serves as an RA for the honours freshman and the DEI coordinator for the honours steering board. Source: Clarkson University
Khalil, who studies Health Sciences, describes how that support deepened over time, especially through Clarkson faculty and staff. “I realised I felt truly supported at Clarkson when I saw how far people, especially faculty, were willing to go to help me feel at home,” she says. Small but meaningful gestures — from sharing familiar foods to offering rides into town — made a lasting impact. During difficult moments unfolding in her home country, the care she received from the International Center staff “meant everything.”
MBA student Muhammad Rabeeh, from India, agrees about the importance of the early days. One month into his global supply chain programme, he noted on social media: “The faculty at Clarkson have made it such a positive experience. I’ve been so impressed by how compassionate and approachable the professors are. They aren’t just experts in the field, they are genuine mentors who are invested in our success,” adding. “It’s rare to find an environment that is this rigorous yet so supportive and cooperative. I’m grateful to be part of a community that truly looks out for one another!”
When your first experience is one of personal attention, generosity, and genuine care, that becomes your baseline. Later, when students visit larger cities for internships, travel, or career opportunities, they often compare those places to the feeling they first had in Potsdam.
Safety and familiarity also play a powerful role. In Potsdam, students can walk across campus or into town without the stress of crowded streets or long commutes. That calm atmosphere allows space for academic focus and personal growth. It becomes the environment where students learn to manage independence for the first time — opening bank accounts, shopping for groceries, navigating cultural differences, and building lifelong friendships.
The natural surroundings contribute to that sense of place. From vibrant fall foliage to snowy winter landscapes, the changing seasons leave lasting impressions. Khalil admits that the cold initially surprised her — but she quickly embraced it, saying she never tires of the snowy scenery. Over time, even the winter becomes part of the hometown experience.
Moving to Potsdam reshaped how she thinks about belonging. “Living in a small community like Potsdam has made me feel more at home than I expected,” she reflects. “In many ways, it reminds me of Lebanon, where almost everyone knows everyone and there’s a very strong sense of community.”
From December through February, Potsdam sees consistent snowfall and cold temperatures, offering students the chance to experience winter sports and activities. Source: Clarkson University
Potsdam’s size makes it easier to build meaningful relationships. Khalil, like most students here, found connection not only with local families but also with other international students from countries including Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Morocco.
At the same time, Potsdam offers access to broader experiences. Montreal and Ottawa are only a short drive away, and other US cities are within reach for weekend travel. Students enjoy exploring — but many describe a quiet sense of relief when they return. There is something comforting about coming back to familiar streets and faces.
Food and local traditions also become part of what students carry with them. Khalil has come to appreciate Potsdam’s local spots, especially Old Market, her favorite place for crepes. These small rituals — favorite cafés, campus traditions, hockey games, walks by the river — form the emotional map of a student’s first American home.
“It wouldn’t be the full Clarkson experience without the North Country weather!” adds Rabeeh, who joined Clarkson in January. “Even as the snow starts to pile up and the temperatures drop, the warmth of this community makes it easy to keep moving forward.”
For Clarkson students, that place is Potsdam — the American hometown that stays with them long after they leave.
