Growing in unexpected ways: From Rajasthan’s Bhilwara to University of Chicago | Life in a Foreign University

So when my family asked me, “Why not stay closer to home?” I told them that I have always been fascinated by the gut-brain connection in Alzheimer’s research, and the University of Chicago felt like the perfect place to dive into this challenge.

University of Chicago — the ultimate choice

I applied ‘Early Decision’ to the University of Chicago because I knew this was where I could be part of world-changing research. Early Decision is for students who have identified a particular university as their absolute first choice and know they would choose to attend it immediately if offered admission. This is also a binding concept, meaning that if admitted, you commit to attending this particular university, withdrawing outstanding applications from any other school, and not applying to any additional colleges.

Coming from a traditional Marwari family, where my younger brother and I were treated differently, this journey was no easy feat. My family’s conservatism meant that studying abroad wasn’t even a consideration. But I sat my parents down and said, “Just invest in my last two years of high school, and I will make sure you don’t have to pay anything for the next four years.” Now, with a 100 per cent scholarship at University of Chicago, I have proved that their investment paid off. My parents took the leap of faith, and here I am, living my dream across the world.

The university life has been daunting, but also thrilling, says Urja

My first week in the US was an adventure. After 22 hours of travelling solo with a tennis elbow, I was exhausted. To top it off, my Forex card stopped working when I tried to book a cab. But fate had my back — I bumped into two Indian master’s students, who not only helped me book a cab but have now become one of the closest friends.

The university life has been daunting, but also thrilling. What sets University of Chicago apart is the freedom to explore and redefine your career paths. My day is filled with 2-3 classes, no breakfast (because who has time?), coffee walks with friends in the afternoon and dinner table conversations that help me laugh and decompress. It is not all about the grind, but is about growing in unexpected ways.

I have just started shadowing and eventually plan on getting involved in hand-on research at an Alzheimer’s research lab and hope to learn everything from the basics of neurobiology to how therapies are developed. These skills will be vital if I return to India someday, maybe after my master’s or PhD, where I can contribute to the pharmaceutical sector or research labs back home.

University of Chicago is incredibly diverse. Every day, I meet people from different corners of the globe, which has taught me how to be a global citizen without losing my identity. Interestingly, the friendly “How are you doing?” from random strangers is still something that makes me smile.

Studying abroad has cracked open my view of the world. I have realised there is so much more out there — new cultures, perspectives, stories. Meeting different people daily makes you see life beyond the bubble you have known. It made me a better listener, a deeper thinker, and someone who craves new experiences.

(This letter is part of a series by The Indian Express where we bring to you the experiences of students at different foreign universities. From scholarships and loans to food and cultural experiences — students tell us how life is different in those countries and things they are learning other than academics)