Moving across the world for graduate school can be both exciting and overwhelming. In this post, I share my experiences as an international student—from the first few weeks of adjustment to discovering resources, building community, and learning the importance of self-care along the way.
The First Few Weeks: Finding My Footing
When I first arrived, I leaned heavily on my family
here in the U.S. to guide me through everyday things—how things worked, what to
expect, and how to adjust. At the same time, I stayed closely connected with my
family back in India, speaking to them every day. That connection gave me
comfort and stability during those first overwhelming weeks.
Building Community Through Student
Organizations
One of the best decisions I made was reaching out to
other international students. Talking to people who had gone through the same
experience made me feel less alone. At Pitt, there are student organizations
for students from many different countries. These groups are wonderful for
finding a sense of belonging and for celebrating our cultures together.
Cultural events not only keep traditions alive but also help us feel a little
more at home, even when we’re far away.
Self-Care on Campus
Graduate school can feel stressful at times, so I
quickly realized the importance of self-care. Starting grad school has helped
me realize that self-care doesn’t have to be elaborate or time-consuming. It
can simply be an activity that takes your mind off worry or anxiety. For me,
that means a few minutes of meditation, working out, or even going for a walk.
Just spending a few minutes on self-care can help reduce stress, prevent
burnout, and build resilience.
Pitt’s campus makes it easy to explore different ways
to unwind—whether that’s painting sessions, using the gym, joining workout
classes, swimming, or trying yoga and meditation. Personally, I’ve found
meditation and exercise to be my best tools for managing stress and staying
focused. My advice to every new student is to find at least one activity that
helps you recharge. And if you ever need additional support, the university and
the School of Public Health have counselors available to talk to.
Resources for International Students
For specific guidance, the Office of International
Services (OIS) is an incredible resource. Whether it’s about travel,
maintaining your student status, or preparing for future work opportunities,
the OIS staff are always ready to help. They also organize events and provide
guides to help international students better understand American culture, food,
language, and daily life.
After three years at Pitt, I’ve come to appreciate the
huge adjustment that comes with moving to a new country. Everything—from
lifestyle and traditions to social norms—can feel different at first. Talking
to people who have been through it before, staying connected with family, and
leaning on campus resources all made my transition much smoother. The program
leadership have also been very understanding and supportive towards me, which
has made a big difference in feeling supported as a student.
Looking back, the transition was never easy, but with
the right support systems and a willingness to embrace new experiences, it
becomes not just manageable—but incredibly rewarding.
