My transition journey was a mix of excitement and challenges. Being the first in my family to study abroad meant I had no one there to guide me through this journey of discovering a new land, hence unique yet at times overpowering. One of the initial cultural shocks was the openness of people here. I remember standing on a street corner when two strangers greeted me and started a casual conversation. This is unusual in India, so I was initially confused but eventually appreciated this friendliness. Another surprising aspect was realising that most businesses, including restaurants, are closed on Sunday evenings. In India, Sundays are often a day for family outings and socialising. Adapting to this new rhythm was part of the learning curve. Despite all the difficulties, they made me step out of my comfort zone and understand cultural differences.
Why US
I first began to explore the idea of studying abroad during my undergraduate years. International travel movies always inspired me to dream about exploring the world and achieving something that no one in my family had ever done. The US stood out as my top choice because it is the financial capital of the world, offering endless opportunities in finance and analytics. Pursuing a master’s in finance here perfectly aligns with my aspirations to work in global banking and capital markets. What particularly attracted me to the University of New Haven was its focus on finance and analytics, as well as its excellent academic resources. I must credit IDP for their immense support throughout this process. From shortlisting universities to navigating the application and visa process, their guidance made the journey much smoother and less daunting.
And I live in New Haven, Connecticut, a city that feels vibrant and historic at the same time. It’s a hub for students, thanks to Yale University, which adds a lively academic vibe to the area. New Haven is famous for its pizza, which is often referred to as the best in the US. Its proximity to beaches is another aspect I love—it gives me a chance to unwind and connect with nature. The mix of urban charm and scenic beauty makes it a great place to live and study.
University and education system
The University of New Haven went above and beyond to make international students feel welcome. From my very first day, the university helped to orient me, allowed me to connect with others, and even held game nights, making settling in easier. My classmates have been great, and they are always willing to collaborate and discuss, so the transition into the new academic setting has been eased. My sense of belonging came pretty early as a result of these efforts by the university and my classmates.
US education system Initially, it was overwhelming to adjust because it was very different from what I was used to in India. Here, the focus is more on practical learning, critical thinking, and applying knowledge to real-world scenarios rather than rote memorisation. The first semester was challenging, but the university provided excellent resources, such as academic advisors, mentors, and workshops, which helped me understand the system better. I eventually began to like this one as it made me go deeper into the subject areas and taught me skills that have a direct application at work. Homesickness and difficulties
Homesickness has been with me almost every day.
I miss my family, the warmth, and the comfort of home. However, I have learnt simple and effective ways to overcome it. The most important of this is staying in touch with my family. I call my mom regularly, no matter the time difference, and share even the smallest details about my day. I’ve learnt that open communication with family and treating them like friends is the best way to overcome loneliness. Additionally, I’ve tried to create a sense of home by cooking comfort foods like dal rice and kadhi rice. This not only reminds me of home but also gives me a sense of accomplishment and peace. Moving to life in the US did not come easy; I had to face the challenges that came along with it. The biggest for me was cooking since I never knew how to do it.
Through video calls, my mom was able to help me cook proper meals and now enjoy the process—it is self-care. Another challenge was managing my finances, as I initially did not understand budgeting. I started keeping track of my expenses and prioritising needs over wants. Occasionally, when I feel low, I turn to travel. So far, I’ve visited over 10 states in the US. Travelling has been a great way to explore new places, create memories, and stay motivated. Finance management: I have a pretty basic budgeting strategy. At the beginning of each month, I put aside money for fixed expenses like rent, groceries, and bills. Part of it goes to savings, and the rest is for leisure, such as having dinner with friends, partying, or a trip. This keeps me balanced between financial responsibility and getting to appreciate my university experience. So, I never feel constrained while still in control over my finances.
Advice to prospective students:
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Keep track of every expense.
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Don’t get carried away by the lifestyle of others; live within your means.
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Prioritise essential expenses and set aside savings before spending on luxuries.
The author is pursuing MS in Finance and Financial Analytics at the University of New Haven, Connecticut, USA
