When you need this

A campus is a small city, and in the first weeks you don't know where anything is. You need to ask strangers for help, and they are usually happy to give it. Older students remember being lost.

Start with "Sorry" or "Excuse me". It tells the other person a question is coming, and it sounds polite without being stiff. Then ask one clear thing. "Do you know where the library is?" works better than "Where is library?" because the "do you know" part is softer. It gives the other person room to say no.

The second group of questions is about daily life: where you live, how many classes you're taking, whether you have a job. Answer in one sentence, then ask back.

Phrases

the polite way to ask for a place

checks you are going the right way

asks about the process for your card

asks if they live in university housing

you live outside the university, often in an apartment

asks about their schedule this term

gives your number of classes

asks if they work while they study

gives where and when you work

asks about distance

gives a short distance in time

you will see the place right away

Say it out loud

Tap a sentence to hear it. Say it after the voice.

Practice · 3 min

Say the question or answer that fits.

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Say it today

Use it once in a real conversation before tomorrow. Out loud counts, even to yourself.