"2020 was a year of uncertainties however, my time at SCAD has been a good escape from the same. Whether attending classes virtually or in person, SCAD tried to make it a rather smooth experience. Apart from the classes, I was able to attend many virtual events organized by the school with industry experts, and that was the cherry on the top, keeping me busy and productive during an otherwise trying year.

I am also a finalist for the “SCAD Serve Scholarship” for Current students. The decision for this scholarship will be communicated to me sometime in June."

"2020 and 2021 have been the most hopeful and yet the most difficult years of my life. There were many things I missed out on such as my high school graduation ceremony and more, and at the same time gained so much more - started my Bachelor’s degree at the Geneva School of Diplomacy (GSD) in Switzerland, made new friends, and more. GSD so far has been a great university for me with an international environment, its praxis-oriented approach to learning, a small and friendly environment, and of course its fantastic location in Switzerland - surrounded by hundreds of international organisations which constantly offer great internship opportunities to students. Moreover, we also have these sessions called “Emerging Issues and Persisting Challenges” where state ambassadors, international organisation leaders come and lecture us on current relevant and interesting topics. This also gives us a chance to widen our network in the international community. Overall, GSD is a great university, Geneva has great weather throughout the year, and the friends we make are friends for life."

"Zoom University, 2021. It has been a bittersweet journey for me. As much as I disliked the online setting, and complained about it, it was quite an eye-opener. What was sweet for me was poison for the many students who were forced to stay in the confines of toxic households. When I used the extra time I got to be productive, this time metamorphosed into degrading mental health for some others. Surely generalisations can be reductive and I would not want to make claims on behalf of my classmates, but all I wish to do is bring in some perspective. I am from Delhi, as are most Ashokans, and so I had the opportunity to meet my friends a number of times between the two lockdowns. But, making friends, networking, and connecting online was taxing, the unread emails and group chats really do take a toll on you when you're transitioning from your school circle to one that is spread across the country.

About the classes, my professors and teaching assistants made it as accommodating as possible. I enjoyed the diversity in my subjects and the academic readings until it got too much sometimes. Mid-sem exams and finals were extremely draining, though. It was my first attempt at writing academic papers, the tasks seemed intimidating but the teaching staff with their welcoming office hour zoom links eased the tensions with a few edits here and there.

What I benefited most from were the societies and the internships that I was able to undertake. The free time I got from subtracting all the travel and socialising one experiences in a campus setting allowed me to take up different projects in my first semester. As I reach the end of this essay, all I wish to say is that I am grateful, especially to be able to write this essay conveniently on my laptop in an air-conditioned room with a stable internet. Would I change it if I had the option, have live classes instead? Yes, definitely. But, I know that altogether, online college has only benefitted me to grow and learn more about myself and my academic trajectory."

"Moving to a new country, with a different culture and education system seemed like a scary decision 3 years ago, however in hindsight I am so glad I went through with it. The past 3 years have been the most challenging and yet most rewarding years of my life.

I chose University of Manchester over higher ranked universities in my course, as I didn’t want rankings to be my only criteria. With support from everyone at University Connection I decided to pick Manchester as it ticked all my boxes.

Since it is a city university, there was always something happening around campus and was a great way to mingle and make new friends. From having pancake nights every Tuesday to revising econometrics late night in the library, these experiences played a major role in making my life at university so rewarding.

Currently I am on a gap year, I plan to join Imperial Business School in September for my Master’s in Economics and Strategy. I am looking forward start this new chapter and returning to the U.K."

As an Economics major with a deep interest in global affairs and diplomacy, I was all set to pack my bags and fly to Geneva, the very heart of the diplomatic world to pursue my master's in International Relations. The next thing I knew COVID-19 waved its ugly face and I decided to defer my studies, in order to squeeze everything I could from the experience of studying abroad when things got better. One thing led to another, I was offered a business analyst role at a boutique consulting firm and six months later I decided to completely join hands with my mother to support a clothing brand that I had helped her build in the last 3 years. Diving deeper and deeper into work and with COVID-19 showing no signs of disappearing, my plans to study abroad took a backseat and so did my decision to study IR. Even though the virus disrupted my future plans as it did for most of us, I believe it was a good decision afterall to explore different career paths and have a clearer vision before jumping into pursuing a master's degree. My interests in the fashion industry are backed by months of work experience and I am currently in the process of planning for my master's in a related course.

"My first year at Leiden University was an amazing first year. The location of the university in The Hague made it easier for me to indulge myself in politics and international relations as there were so many embassy visits in addition to visits to organisations such as INTERPOL, the Peace Palace, and the Dutch Foreign Ministry (which is the building next to my university's building).

Meeting people from all across the world has given me the benefit of not just understanding diversity, but also it has broadened my knowledge. With so many people from such different countries, the quality of discussions and social life has become very enriched.

Although it was hard at first, I eventually came to love the idea of being independent, and as a result of that I believe I have formed friendships for life at Leiden University!"

"Talking about Purdue is something that even leaves someone as loquacious as me usually speechless. I still remember stepping down from the bus and arriving at the University for the first time. Never had I seen a place filled with more life, passion and opportunities. How warmly I was being treated by the older students who were helping us in settling down; how we were segregated into several diverse groups to ensure that we understand the culture of Purdue; how tirelessly we walked around the never ending campus attending various events designed to ease us in and understand culture shock that we may experience; how we even had to learn a choreographed dance within a week for the last event! It actually cannot get more Indian than that!

Just anyone who happens to visit Purdue will be left mesmerised by how many opportunities one has, and how something or the other is always happening. One day you could be looking at joining a dance club, on another day you might be interested in joining the Greek life, another and you might fancy a trip to Purdue airport and join the flying club!

Purdue is not just a university for me, it is an experience that inspires you to live to the fullest every day."

"Attending Berkeley allows me to get the best of both worlds - he opportunities offered by the Bay Area and the lovely city of San Francisco are just a short BART ride away, yet at the same time I am able to experience what it is like to live in a college town.

I’ve learned a lot more about Psychology and Neuroscience, and immersed myself in learning about emerging technologies like Blockchain. I have been able to attend relevant events and conferences for the same, since SF is the hub for all things tech. Over breaks, I am lucky to have friends whom I can travel with and explore other cities, the latest adventure being taking a road trip all the way up to Banff National Park in Canada.

The past three years have been extremely enriching - I have traveled to new places, made friends from across the planet, and learned so many new things! I learned how to cook, clean, shop for groceries, set up a tent, go canoeing, manage my time - and I’ve made ever lasting memories doing all of this!"

UC SuccessMeet has been an annual event of celebration at University Connection. Last year, the UC SuccessMeet 2019 was a precursor to university life for students and an event that celebrated the hard work and dedication of our scholars. The idea was not only to understand the journey forward but also to interact with the UC Alumni and get a first-hand understanding of what it takes to deepen your roots in a new city. Here are some glimpses...