Like every other Indian student, moving from India to Australia was a big leap for me, but a truly transformative one. The biggest culture shock for me was how calm and quiet everything felt compared to the beautiful
chaos back home. Even the way strangers smile at you on the streets felt surprising at first. A memorable moment was my first tram ride—I got lost, ended up at the last stop, and a lovely local lady guided me back, which made me realise how warm and helpful people here are.
Coming back to why I chose Australia was because the country stood out for its strong focus on practical learning and innovation. Deakin University became my top choice because of its modern facilities, industry-aligned curriculum, and supportive environment for international students.
University & Campus Life
So my classmates have been incredibly warm and supportive. Group work feels collaborative, and everyone respects each other’s backgrounds. I’ve made some wonderful friends through classes and university events. Now, when I talk about education, it actually took me a little time to adjust, as the Australian education system encourages independence and critical thinking. But once I adapted, I began to enjoy the flexibility and the opportunity to think beyond traditional textbook learning.
Challenges Of Indian Students
Homesickness is something that is experienced by everyone, regardless of where they are coming from. And for me, yes, homesickness is natural. To stay connected to family through calls, cooking familiar food, building a routine, and spending time with friends have helped me a lot. Now, initially, food was a challenge as I had to adjust to cooking regularly and finding grocery stores that suited my needs. Accommodation can be expensive, so budgeting became essential. Over time, I learnt to shop smarter, cook efficiently, and manage expenses well.
Managing Student Life, Financial Needs
I budget weekly, cook most of my meals, use student discounts, and plan my expenses. These small habits allow me to maintain a comfortable lifestyle while managing my financial responsibilities.
Highlights
Some of the highlights of my journey so far include receiving the ADR Summer Research Scholarship, which allowed me to work closely with academic mentors on a real research project and deepen my technical skills. Being part of Deakin Grad Girls has been incredibly empowering. It connected me with inspiring women in tech, provided career-building workshops, and helped me grow my confidence in a male-dominated field.
I’ve also enjoyed participating in various university activities, from peer mentoring to networking events, which have helped me build strong friendships and professional connections. And of course, exploring Melbourne’s vibrant culture, its festivals, art, food markets, and diverse communities has made the entire experience even more enriching and exciting.
The author is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Software Engineering (Honours) at Deakin University, Australia
