Moving to Vancouver from India for my master’s degree was a monumental step in my life. It marked my first international experience and, more importantly, the first time I was moving away from my home country. Those initial days were a whirlwind of emotions, and homesickness hit me hard. The distance from home and the unfamiliar surroundings made me feel lonely. Those first few weeks in Vancouver, I often found myself reminiscing about the comforting sights and sounds of India. But little did I know that things were about to take a turn for the better.
As they say, every cloud has a silver lining, and my journey in Vancouver took a positive turn. One of the best decisions I made was choosing to live on campus. This played a significant role in helping me find my footing in this new chapter of my life.
The turning point came when I began to make friends. These friendships transformed my Vancouver experience and made it truly memorable. It didn’t take long for me to find friends who shared my experiences and feelings of homesickness. We were all in the same boat, navigating the unfamiliar waters of a foreign land, and that common ground brought us closer together. The camaraderie we shared, the celebrations of festivals together, and the simple joy of cooking Thanksgiving dinner as a group created bonds that I never expected to form so far away from home. Group study sessions, weekend outings, house parties – these moments became an integral part of my life. In essence, I found a family here at SFU Residence.
Before making the decision to move to Vancouver, I had considered other Canadian cities, such as Toronto. Looking back now, I couldn’t be happier with my choice. Vancouver’s Downtown area, where I reside, has been the cherry on top of my experience. It’s a vibrant place with a happening lifestyle, offering easy access to all the amenities one could wish for. The efficient public transit system, the stunning natural beauty surrounding the city, and the welcoming atmosphere make Vancouver an ideal place for international students like me.
Life as a graduate student can be exceptionally stressful, with academic pressures and personal challenges. Yet, I count myself among the lucky ones because I’ve had the opportunity to meet and connect with such amazing people. The diversity of cultures represented at Beedie, SFU, as well as the shared determination to navigate this challenging graduate journey together, has made all the difference.
In conclusion, my journey of relocating to Vancouver as an international student has been nothing short of transformative. From the initial loneliness and homesickness to finding lifelong friends and embracing the city’s vibrant lifestyle, it has been a rollercoaster ride of growth and discovery. Vancouver has become my second home, and the people I’ve met here have become my second family. This experience has taught me that stepping out of my comfort zone and embracing change can lead to the most beautiful and unexpected adventures in life.
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About the Author
Kusum Matlani is an emerging finance professional, currently deepening her finance acumen through the MSc Finance program at the Beedie School of Business. Graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Finance from Mumbai University in 2023, she stands as the youngest master’s student in her cohort. Her academic journey is complemented by having cleared the CFA Level 1, underscoring her commitment to a career in finance and marking the first step in her dedication to excellence in the finance industry.