Adjusting to Grad School in the US: The Perspective of an International Student

Applying to go to grad school in America was probably one of the most daunting things I ever did. In 2022, I joined the University of Rochester’s Linguistics department for my master’s degree. But so far, this has been one of the most exciting and enriching experience of my life. It has taught me a lot and I’m here to break it down for you.

Homesickness

It’s normal to miss home when you’re away for so long. I came all the way from India to Rochester. My flight was nearly 24 hours long and I had to prepare to stay put for at least a year before flying back home because tickets are expensive.

When I first got here, I tried to recreate home: I listened to Bollywood music, rewatched my favorite SRK films, cooked everything that reminded me of my mom’s kitchen, even started random conversations with other Hindi speakers at gas stations and grocery stores. But a new feeling of home had to be built.

It is a lot more fun to embrace your surroundings and see what your city has to offer you. Before moving to Rochester, I had never gone out camping. But I spent this summer pitching tents in cheap campsites in Ithaca and Stony Brook, joined wine tours, and visited every gorge trail I could find. I tried all sorts of new foods that I couldn’t find back in India such as the Ethiopian at Abyssinia Restaurant, Vietnamese at Saigon Pho, Nigerian and Ghanian food at Kamara, etc. Now that I know what the city has to offer, I feel more at home than ever.

Work Life

The education provided in the US is some of the more robust and challenging in the world. It can take a while to get used to grad school no matter your background. In comparison to an undergrad, you take fewer classes, but go far more in-depth. The assignment load is greater and more frequent.

As an international student, adjusting to a new lifestyle is one of the biggest challenges. Indian universities often focus on end-of-year examinations. You spend the academic year taking short tests to prepare for the big exam. The system is very different in the US. A large part of your grade might rest on your active participation in the classroom. Professors may assign reading assignments each week along with a midterm and final paper. Classes also have a presentation component. Additionally grad students are expected join labs, apply for grants, and attend conferences.

Finding a spot to work on campus is a good start. But the most important is setting realistic expectations and goals with your advisor. It is important to read the syllabus of every class you apply to and familiarize yourself with the expectations. Identify your studying style and work on assignments early on. Visit professors and Tas in their office hours if you need help.

Overall, make the most of your time in the US. It’s not your grades that define you, but how much effort you put in. Make sure you talk to your advisor regularly so you’re on track but also make sure you’re having fun. Try taking classes at Eastman if your schedule allows it. Attend guest lectures and social events. Don’t just stick to your chosen discipline. And find every opportunity to network!

The Weather

The weather in Rochester is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced; lots of overcast or rainy days and at least four months of snow. When the snow first hit, I was ecstatic to see the ground enveloped in white. But when I lived through a whole week of 4 PM sunsets, I felt the seasonal depression hitting me. I quickly bought a SAD (seasonal affective disorder) lamp and started working in the library after my classes ended. I realized if I went back home, my body just told me to go to bed.

Every season calls for adjustments but brings with it its own set of excitements. Over the fall, make sure to try hot apple cider and cider donuts. Walk through a corn maize, visit a pumpkin patch, and go apple picking. Over the winter, try eggnog, ice skating, and make snow angels! No season should deter you from having a social life.

Social Life

Grad life is socially quite differently from the undergrad. For example, my department has people from ages 21 to 44 who are all at different stages in life. Some people are married and prefer to spend their free time with their significant others. Additionally, people from all over the world come to get an education in the US. It is likely you may not find anyone from your cultural background in your department. I was very lucky that I joined with another Hindi speaking girl the same age. But for the most part, grad life can get pretty lonely.

While it is important to join student clubs and go to department social gatherings, it is equally important to embrace solitude. American culture can be pretty individualistic. More so if you come from a community driven society. It doesn’t help that there is no reliable public transport in most cities. However, it is also easier to go out alone. No one stares at you if you eat by yourself. Most people are willing to make conversation with strangers. There’s plenty of solo activities out there like orchestra concerts at Eastman, game night at Millenium games, etc. I have friends who joined book clubs, took up crocheting, or joined D&D groups. Ultimately, the best friend you have is yourself. So make sure you take yourself out on dates and don’t fear new experiences. Especially those that encourage non-academic conversation!

Although life can be tough to navigate in a new country, remember that there are always resources for help. The university offers counseling services. GEPA hosts some amazing social events. And the ISO has drop-in hours on zoom most days of the week. Get familiar with your resources and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Remember, you are not alone!