Moving to a new country is often described as a once-in-a-lifetime leap of faith. For me, navigating entirely new cultures, educational systems, and societal structures has become a defining aspect of my young adulthood. I am 20 years old, originally from India, and my path has been a cross-border journey that spans three nations.That urge brought me to the United States. Today, I live in Queens and study Business Administration at Baruch College, which is part of the CUNY system.
Why New York?
I have always known what I wanted to do. Fields like management, sales, operations, and watching companies grow fascinate me. Studying Business Administration was the obvious choice because it connects directly with my past work and future career plans. But choosing what to study is only half the battle. Picking where to do it is what changes your life.
I chose the US because New York is diverse, fiercely competitive, and packed with every industry imaginable. Baruch College gives me a front-row seat to new people, fresh ideas, great internships, and career paths, all while keeping me grounded within CUNY.
Even so, leaving Canada wasn’t easy. In the days before my move, my head was spinning. It was a chaotic mix of intense excitement and nervous energy. I kept wondering if I was truly ready to live on my own, adjust to a whole new system, and leave my friends and routines behind. But deep down, I felt incredibly motivated. I knew this specific move would help me build the future I wanted.
Those days were a mix of excitement and nervousness. I kept wondering if I was ready, but I knew this move was my chance to build a better future.
Classrooms and Daily Hustle
The moment I landed, reality hit. Life in the US is way faster and more independent than I expected. Suddenly, everything was on me. It can be exhausting, but there is a major upside: if you are proactive and willing to learn, the opportunities here are everywhere.
My daily routine keeps me sane. A typical day means commuting to Baruch, going to classes, replying to emails, finishing assignments, and juggling work and life. I stay organized by tracking deadlines on a calendar and planning ahead. Some days are completely packed, but having a set routine keeps me centered.
The classroom itself was a massive culture shock. American academic culture is incredibly interactive, especially at Baruch. Professors expect you to speak up, ask questions, participate in debates, and lead presentations. At first, doing this felt completely uncomfortable. It forced me to find my voice, and over time, it made me a much more confident person.
The Hard Stuff: Housing, Budgets, and Homesickness
Living in New York isn’t just about going to class. Finding a place to live was a major headache. It took endless research, tons of patience, and asking anyone and everyone for advice. I needed somewhere safe, affordable, and close to school, work, or the subway. The process was incredibly stressful because New York housing is notoriously expensive. But it forced me to grow up fast. I learned to look closely at leases, track legal documents, and respect a budget. Budgeting as an international student takes pure discipline. I manage my money by strictly separating my 'needs' from my 'wants.' Rent, food, subway fares, phone bills, and school costs come first. To make it work, I track my spending, cook my own meals, use student discounts, and completely avoid impulse buys. I also make sure to keep a small emergency fund on the side.
Then there is the emotional side. Homesickness is real, and it hits hard. I miss my family, our food, our routines, and the simple comfort of being around people who really know me. To cope, I stay in close touch with home, keep myself busy with work and school, and cook familiar meals when I can. Most importantly, I remind myself why I started this journey.
You can’t do this alone. I had to build a support system from scratch. I reached out to classmates, professors, coworkers, and people I met in Queens. It didn't happen overnight. You have to be open, ask questions, and put yourself out there. Having even a small community makes a massive difference.
Work, Balance, and What’s Next
Juggling life is a balancing act. Alongside my studies, I have worked part-time in sales, retail, and management roles. These jobs helped me improve my communication, leadership, and time-management skills. Working while studying is tough, but it teaches you true discipline and independence. My secret to staying afloat is simple: plan the week, map out deadlines, and do the most important tasks first. Balance doesn't mean every day is perfect. It just means staying consistent and not letting one problem take over everything. When things get overwhelming, I stop and focus on one task at a time.
After graduation, my plan is to stay in the US. I want to build my career and gain real-world experience in business, management, or entrepreneurship. But while I am building a future here, I will always stay connected to my roots and my family. I'm just taking it one step at a time.
My Advice for the Journey
- Look Beyond the Classroom: Studying abroad is about paperwork, money management, homesickness, and solving your own problems. Be mentally ready for it.
- Do Your Homework: Research the cost of living, visa rules, housing, and transit before you arrive. Come with an open mind.
- Avoid Big Mistakes: Don't underestimate expenses, don't ignore university emails, go to orientation, and don't isolate yourself.
- Keep Your Records: Keep digital and printed copies of your passport, visa, school records, financial papers, and housing details. Talk to the international student office before making major changes.
A Final Note
To anyone about to start this journey: it will change your life, but it won't be easy. There will be lonely days and stressful moments where you question everything. Be patient with yourself, stay humble, and keep learning. Remember why you started. Consistency matters much more than being perfect.
