International and Graduate Students Have a Place to Call Their Own

New lounge provides space for study, relaxation and community gatherings

With its mix of study spaces, collaborative workstations, areas to relax and other resources, the new graduate and international student lounge at Sacred Heart University’s West Campus has already become a haven to a student population grateful for a dedicated place to connect, gather and build community.

“A space like this makes a huge difference when you are not living on campus and might only have one class in the day,” said Sefali Koirala, an international student who is pursuing a Master of Public Health at the University. “It’s nice to have a space to study and focus on work, but you can also relax and meet other people who can relate to your experience.”

Located near the offices of Graduate Student Life and International & Immigration Services in the East Building on West Campus, the lounge has plenty of room for large gatherings, such as informational sessions, and smaller nooks for students working on individual or small-group projects. The space features several cubicles, comfy seating areas, a small conference room and a break kitchen.

We spoke with Emmy Steinbrick, coordinator of International & Immigration Services, and Erica Sharp, assistant director of Graduate Student Life, about how the space is helping to improve the experience of international and graduate students at Sacred Heart and allowing their two offices to better provide support and services to those populations.

A dedicated and quiet space for studying

“Many of our graduate students attend classes on West Campus in the evenings,” Sharp said. “So, it’s great for them to have a quiet space to study and do work. But it also works for weekends. There’s a student who works all week and she just wants a quiet place to do her work. So, she often comes here on Saturdays.”

Steinbrick said she is pleased to see students working collaboratively at the cubicles, which are right outside her office. She says there is a benefit to having a centralized area for off-campus graduate and international students who are working with others on class projects. The lounge is open daily.

“Typically, graduate students tend to be more unique in their needs,” Steinbrick said, noting that most students in the international program are graduate students. “Many graduate students have jobs and different schedules, and their responsibilities can vary greatly. So, to have a set place to meet on campus is extremely helpful.”

An active place for community building

The staff of both departments have come together to create events that foster student connection and an appreciation for the varied backgrounds they represent. Recently, to mark International Education Week, students were treated to a snack station that honored cuisine from around the world.

On an everyday basis, students can reach for classic games, like Jenga and Connect 4, as they destress and take a break. Koirala said the lounge is becoming quite popular among students for its many recreational activities, which have included bingo, trivia and paint nights.

A dedicated spot for resources and assistance

Graduate programming is regularly planned to provide graduate students with professional development tips and advice, as well as social and academic resources. “We often collaborate with the Center for Teaching & Learning, Multicultural Center and the Center for Career & Professional Development for events,” Sharp said.

Steinbrick said when students come to the lounge, they check in and it’s an opportunity for them to share if they have more than just studying or relaxing to do. Staff members are available during business hours to assist them with questions. Perhaps they have concerns or seek information about on-campus or off-campus employment, health insurance, taxes, financial aid, billing, travel or other topics.

“The collaboration we have with other offices on campus really helps,” Steinbrick said. “It’s helpful knowing a little bit about each office and what they do. If a student comes in and has a complex issue, say about insurance or taxes, we can reach out for them and help to resolve it.”

Interested in learning more about Sacred Heart University’s international admissions or graduate programs?

These programs include doctoral, education sixth-year degrees and certifications and master’s and certificate programs. Sacred Heart offers a variety of degree and certificate programs. You can learn more by visiting the international students webpage or graduate admissions.