Country of Origin: India
Degree: Computer Science, Minor in Business

When I first moved to the U.S. to start college, I was both excited and nervous. Studying abroad had always been something I looked forward to because I wanted to challenge myself and grow in new ways, but the reality of being far from home hit me during my first semester. I didn’t know anyone, and at first, everything felt unfamiliar: the people, the culture, even the classroom environment. Instead of staying in my shell, I decided to put myself out there. I started talking to new people, joining conversations, and slowly built meaningful friendships. Over time, I found myself turning from an introvert into a more outgoing, confident person.

Homesickness was something I expected, but I’ve been independent since I was a kid, so I adjusted faster than I thought. Staying connected with my family helped a lot. I talk to them often and share everything that’s happening in my life here, which makes the distance feel smaller. Academically, my first semester was challenging because the teaching and learning style in the U.S. was so different from what I was used to. I had to figure things out on my own and adapt to a new way of thinking and studying. But with time and effort, things started improving. Now I’m doing much better, both academically and in life overall. I feel more confident, balanced, and proud of how far I’ve come since that first semester.

Advice to my peers: My tip would be to talk to people more and make new connections; it really makes a difference. Don’t be afraid to reach out to TAs or professors and ask questions, even if you feel unsure or embarrassed. I used to hesitate to do that, but now I realize how much easier things would’ve been if I had started earlier. Joining more clubs and attending events, even if you don’t know exactly what’s going on, is also a great way to learn and meet people. International Students in Business is an amazing club for international students to connect with other like-minded people. Also, the U Career Success Center is an incredible resource that’s helped me with internships, resumes, and interview prep. There are so many great resources out there, you just have to explore them!