Life in a Foreign University | From DPS school topper to Huron University student council president

At Huron University in Canada, I am pursuing an Honors Specialisation in Economics for my undergraduate degree, enriched by parallel enrollment for the first two years in a certificate in Practical German and participation in the Scholars Electives programme.

This unique programme is designed to prepare students for success in research, offering early exposure to research methodologies and critical thinking. Engaging deeply in research during my undergraduate years profoundly shaped my approach to learning and problem-solving, equipping me with the tools to acquire knowledge and expand it. This experience has been invaluable, guiding me through complex problem analysis and innovative solution development in real-world scenarios.

Finalising Huron — home away from home

Deciding to attend Huron was a journey that began with a simple gut feeling, a subtle but persistent nudge that something just felt right. The inclusive environment at Huron played a pivotal role in my decision. From the moment I stepped onto the campus, I was greeted with warmth and acceptance that made a foreign land feel like home. The Huron community’s genuine interest in my background, hobbies, cultural heritage, and perspectives fostered a sense of belonging and safety that was unparalleled. I felt valued, and it was clear that my voice mattered here.

The university became a place where I could freely express and develop my passions for dance, music, and sports and engage in meaningful conversations. From my first year, I seized every opportunity to step onto the stage I had always dreamed of. My active participation in extracurricular activities quickly propelled me into leadership roles, culminating in my election as the first Indian-origin president of the student council and a TedX speaker.

Becoming first Indian-origin President of the Student’s Council

My decision to run for the president of the student council at Huron University stemmed primarily from a deep-seated desire to give back to a community that had given so much to me. It presented an ideal platform to amplify the voices of my fellow students and contribute positively to the community that welcomed me with open arms.

‘There are tons of scholarships available at Huron that you can apply for, and the best part is, they don’t judge you solely by your marks,’ says Aaryan.

From the moment I arrived in Canada, courtesy of the opportunities Huron provided, I felt a compelling responsibility to reciprocate. Serving as President was more than a role; it was a chance to implement the lessons I had learned, to share the guidance I received, and to channel every piece of advice into meaningful actions. It was about enhancing the student experience in every possible way and ensuring that their voices were not just heard but acted upon.

I take immense pride in being one of the first Indian presidents of the council, a significant achievement for both myself and the broader Indian community at Huron. This role was a personal milestone and a beacon for further inclusivity and diversity.

The true measure of my position’s success, however, was seeing the increased enthusiasm for student leadership that followed. Many students expressed their desire to pursue the president position after witnessing the support I received and the impact I made. Knowing that my journey inspired others to apply to Huron and aspire to leadership roles fills me with immense gratitude and confirms the profound impact we can have when we are given a stage to showcase our capabilities and passion for community service.

My favorite memory at Huron: My first day

Naturally, I was worried about everything—different country, different culture, different value systems. Questions like: “Will they accept me for who I am?” “Will I have to change myself?” and “Do I need to be someone I’m not to ‘fit in’?” swirled in my head as I wondered how I would settle in. These thoughts kept me awake at night.

On my first day, I was nervous because I assumed no one knew me, but I was wrong.

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The moment I arrived at Huron, the university’s chief strategy officer greeted me: “Oh, Aaryan, welcome to Canada!” I was stunned and could only thank her, having no idea who she was since we were all masked up due to Covid-19. But she knew me, people knew my story, and they knew where I was coming from. That’s when I knew I was definitely in the right place. The sense of belonging I longed for was already there.

Sure, I had talked to some friends online because of the pandemic, but I had never met them in person. This is a core memory for me: Rafaela Drumond, now my best friend, ran up to me excitedly and said, “Aaryan, you’re here!” She hugged me tightly and said, “Welcome to Canada; I was waiting for you to arrive!” It warmed my heart and made me even more certain that I was in the right place.

Rafa, who is from Brazil and studies with me at Huron, was just as excited to meet someone she’d only known online. I was confused at first because who knew I’d be making friends not just from Canada but from Brazil as well. This led to a famous nickname given to me by Rafa: “Disney Aaryan” because every building I saw made me go, “Woahhh, this is so cool!” It felt surreal that I had made it.

People have been very helpful here, from assisting me understand the bus system to picking up groceries and finding my way home. I have been welcomed and helped with open arms. I have loved playing football with my professor, having coffee with the staff at Huron, playing guitar with musicians, and just walking around with friends.

Battling ‘Canada crisis’

You might hear some noise about Canada or the ongoing crises, but let me tell you, I’m writing this with a smile on my face, reflecting on all the great things that have happened to me. Much of it was made possible by the people who supported me. Thousands of miles away didn’t feel like thousands of miles away.

‘My journey has been one of persistent gratitude, not instant gratification,’ says Aaryan.

That said, I won’t deny that certain regions in Canada with major cities like Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal are currently facing challenges related to housing and employment. Housing prices have surged in major urban centers making it sometimes difficult for students and newcomers to secure affordable accommodation. Jobs can be competitive as well, especially for students balancing studies and work.

To tackle the housing situation, students usually opt for on-campus housing in the initial years, which provides a supportive community and eases the transition into Canadian life. Later, I moved into shared housing with friends to reduce costs while also creating a sense of belonging. By networking within the Huron community, I could quickly find reliable roommates and safe, affordable accommodations.

As for employment, I found that leveraging the resources offered by Huron’s Career Development Team made all the difference. They ensured every student had guaranteed access to paid internships and part-time opportunities. This proactive approach helped me secure on-campus internships, which not only contributed toward my tuition but also provided valuable professional experience.

Beyond that, I worked as an intern at the Bank of Montreal (BMO) and Scotiabank, which were significant milestones in my career journey and provided additional financial stability. These internships enriched my understanding of the banking sector while helping me manage my expenses.

(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)