Rasika Pawar, Information Systems and Technology graduate student
Her hometown:
Im from Belgaum, Karnataka, India, and I currently live in Fairlane Meadows just a stones throw away from campus.
Living away from family安hats it like:
I love it because I get to learn new things, be independent and adapt to living without the comforts Im used to all while trying to make my new place a home. I believe that no matter where you live, you can create your own sense of home. My decor isnt where I want it to be yet, but I feel very comfortable here.
Favorite thing about her apartment:
Having good roommates. I spoke to one of my roommates before moving in; we met via mutual friends and connected instantly. But I hadnt really met anyone until moving in. The resources provided by the university helped me find the people I eventually chose to room with. We cook together my favorite dish to make is butter chicken and we explore whats around here together. I really like going to Hines Drive; the sunsets there are just magical.
Something you would like people to know:
A new home is exciting, but it can be a tough transition. You meet new people in a new country and start a new degree program plus you have to rethink how you handle money, like the adaptation of the currency rates. Even when you have prepared, there is a lot to learn. But there is also a lot of support here. If you have a question, ask. Ive learned that people want to help.
Whats good about having a separation between campus life/home life:
It can be very quiet. Its nice when I need to study, but I also want to meet people. Thats why I often go to campus. Visiting the campus and the areas surrounding has given me the desired exposure that I wanted when I came here. Ive also found a job on campus working on campus has given me even more leverage to meet new people and develop campus connections.
How she gets from here to there:
Theres a campus shuttle that solved my concerns when it came to commuting to and from campus. Even when you dont have a car, getting around has been relatively easy because the people Ive met here that do have a car are really helpful. The campus is comparatively smaller than other universities, which is a huge plus in building strong bonds.
Compiled by Rudra Mehta.
