New Beginnings at Fisher: An International Student’s Journey

I recently arrived in the beautiful yet quaint city of Columbus, Ohio, carrying just two bags and a whole lot of hope. Originally from India, I had been working in the development sector as a researcher before deciding to pursue my Master’s in Human Resource Management at the Fisher College of Business. This step marks a significant milestone in both my professional and personal journey, driven by a deep curiosity to learn and grow as a purposeful leader.

However, as many of us know, navigating change can be challenging, especially when you are embracing multiple “firsts”: moving to a new country, starting graduate school, pivoting your career, or simply learning how to take care of yourself in a new environment. That is why I would like to share my personal toolkit for managing transitions and embracing change during these first few weeks at Fisher:

• Come Prepared: Create an organized to-do list to help you complete all requirements smoothly and on time. What really helped me was categorizing lists into sections such as admission-related requirements, immigration check-ins, and pre-orientation activities etc. These clear lists kept me focused once I arrived on campus and helped me avoid unnecessary confusion or chaos.
• Ask Questions: When in doubt, just ask! Whether it’s figuring out where to buy groceries, how to ride the bus, or bigger steps like opening a bank account and registering for classes, Fisher has resources to help you. You can always walk into the Office of Graduate Programs for program-related support. Additionally, for international students, the Office of International Affairs hosts in-person sessions that cover a range of these topics and provide helpful links to available student resources.
• Build a Support Group: While being independent is an important part of the journey, building a support system makes all the difference. Creating meaningful social connections away from home not only helps you learn from others’ experiences but also allows you to share your own ideas and build lifelong memories. Be open to meeting new people, and you’ll find your own circle of friends who will cheer you on throughout your academic journey.
• Have Courage: For me, this lesson matters the most. Leaving your family and country as an international student pushes you out of your comfort zone in ways that can feel overwhelming. But that discomfort is also proof that you are growing as a person. Having the courage to show up and speak up, even when it feels awkward, has been invaluable. Moreover, in just a few weeks, I’ve learned that Fisher is not only an academically stimulating environment but also a warm, welcoming space where you can truly be yourself.

Lastly, while this blog is meant to share my experiences and toolkit for navigating the first few weeks of graduate life at Fisher, it’s equally about offering reassurance. If you’re seeking validation for the effort, you’re putting into becoming a better version of yourself, remember this: you are not alone on this journey.

I’m excited for all the experiences that await me at Fisher and will keep cheering for myself and for each of you along the way. Go Bucks!