Moving to a new country for college is an exciting yet daunting experience, and as an international student at Tufts University, I quickly learned that adjustment is a process, not an event. From the moment I arrived, I was greeted by a campus that felt alive with possibility: students rushing to classes, faculty welcoming new faces, and the beautiful New England landscape buzzing with energy. But as thrilling as it was, the journey to finding my footing came with its share of challenges and moments of growth.
The first few weeks at Tufts were a whirlwind. Between orientations, classes, and meeting people from all over the world, I often felt like I was navigating uncharted territory. Coming from India, where community and connection are central to daily life, the independence of college was both liberating and overwhelming. Simple tasks, like figuring out the laundry machines or navigating the dining hall, became mini-adventures. And while I was eager to make friends and immerse myself in this new environment, it wasn’t always easy to shake off the occasional bouts of homesickness.
One of the hardest parts of adjusting was being so far away from family. In India, family is woven into the fabric of everyday life, and suddenly not having them around to share meals or talk about my day felt strange. However, Tufts has a way of softening that loneliness. My professors and friends were quick to offer support, and I soon found myself forming bonds that began to feel like a second family. Late-night conversations in dorm lounges, group study sessions in Tisch Library, and shared meals at dining halls reminded me that I wasn’t alone in this transition.
The diversity at Tufts has been a significant part of my adjustment. Walking around campus, I see students from countless cultural backgrounds, and this inclusivity is reflected in the many student organizations and events. Joining the International Club and the Cricket Team helped me connect with others who understood what it felt like to balance two worlds. Celebrating Diwali on campus, playing cricket matches with teammates, and participating in Holi festivities were moments when I felt deeply connected to home, even from thousands of miles away.
What surprised me most about life at Tufts was how quickly I began to feel like I belonged. As the seasons changed and I experienced my first snowy winter and then the arrival of spring, I realized that these unfamiliar surroundings were becoming familiar. Walking to class past the iconic Tisch Library steps, cheering with friends at a sports game, or simply enjoying the views from the Academic Quad, these moments have become part of my own story.
Adjusting to life at Tufts as an international student has been a journey of self-discovery. It’s taught me resilience, adaptability, and the value of stepping out of my comfort zone. While I still miss home, my family, the bustling streets of India, and the warmth of familiar traditions, I’ve come to realize that this experience is shaping me in ways I never imagined.
For any international student considering Tufts, I’d say this: the adjustment may take time, but you will find your place here. This community is one that celebrates diversity, embraces individuality, and provides countless opportunities to grow. Tufts has shown me that home isn’t just where you come from, it’s also the place where you choose to build your future.