From Haridwar to Wollongong: Finding creativity, courage and community in a new country

Indian Express

2 days ago

– Antra Johri
Studying abroad was always something I dreamed of — not as an escape, but as a challenge. I wanted to push myself, try something new, and see the world through a broader lens. Initially, I planned to study in Germany. I even learnt German for four consecutive years. However, the Covid pandemic made international plans feel uncertain.
That's when Australia and the University of Wollongong (UOW) came into the picture. The more I researched UOW, the more I felt aligned with its values and offerings. The student experience seemed incredible, with opportunities for real-world learning, global community engagement, and a campus nestled between the beach and the mountains.
I completed my Class 10 and 12 at Delhi Public School, Ranipur in Haridwar. I was actively involved in a wide range of extracurricular activities my school offered — from debates and tennis to swimming — and I also won several art competitions along the way. My school is located in a quiet, spiritual town known for its ghats and Ganga aarti. Haridwar, while serene, has limited exposure when it comes to opportunities, especially in higher education and creative careers.
My father graduated from IIT Roorkee and was the senior deputy general manager at BHEL Haridwar. My mother was a full-time homemaker until life pushed her to be a changemaker — she founded Hakuna Matata, a local NGO supporting people with disabilities, especially in a town where disability is often hidden.
My eldest brother has autism, and growing up around him gave me a profound sense of empathy and perspective. From the outside, we looked like a picture-perfect family, but the reality was more complex. My father struggled with severe alcoholism. He passed away in a car accident when I was 10-year-old. That tragedy became a turning point for our family. I am 22 now, and those early experiences shaped my resilience and passion for life.
I explored many options in Australia, but once I narrowed in on UOW, I felt confident in my decision and put my energy into making it happen. I mostly handled the admission process myself, though I did receive lots of guidance from The WorldGrad team and UOW College support team, especially for the visa process. Gathering documents and meeting requirements was time-consuming, but worth it. I appreciated how transparent the process was. I also received the Global Start India Scholarship, which was awarded automatically with my course offer. That support made a big difference.
My first few days in Australia were a mix of excitement and nervous energy. I moved into an apartment with a stranger who quickly became a friend. I remember thinking, a stranger is just a friend you have not met yet. I enjoy conversation and connection, so I leaned into that instead of fearing culture shock. For example, I joined events during Orientation Week and signed up for a local art club, which helped me ease into life in a new country along with many other things.
Of course, there were challenges — my first landlord scammed me with a rental contract, and figuring out groceries and budgeting felt like crash courses in adulting. But I kept reminding myself that growing pains are normal, even if I had moved cities within India. I have since lived in two wonderful accommodations, and now share a home with two of my best friends — both Australian.
When it came to work, I focused on making the most of my university experience. I became a Student Ambassador for UOW College and volunteered with various organisations. Giving back to the community made me feel happy and along the way made great connections that helped me in one way or the other.
Academically, my experience in Australia has been incredibly rewarding. I studied Marketing as my major for a Bachelor of Business, and what stood out was how practical the learning was. Instead of just exams, many assessments involved solving real-life business problems. We even gave live presentations for our subjects, which helped build confidence and communication skills.
The teachers are wonderful — not only incredibly knowledgeable, but approachable and supportive. There's a great sense of mutual respect between students and staff. They are happy to meet for one-on-one consultations, and that openness makes learning collaborative, not just hierarchical.
For example, for one of my subjects, we created a full marketing strategy for a local business and pitched it to the owner. It gave me real-world experience and taught me a lot about teamwork, deadlines, and strategic thinking.
What I love most about UOW is its diversity, inclusiveness, and creative energy. There's always something happening on campus — from global festivals to local initiatives — and everyone is encouraged to participate. I have made friends from all over the world, each bringing their own stories, cultures, and perspectives that have enriched my experience in ways I never imagined.
So many treasured memories I have here in UOW. But one of my proudest moments was performing an Indian classical dance on the UOW stage in front of over 300 people. I also started my own photography club, showcased my paintings through live art and sold more than 50 paintings, and participated in the University Clubs Cup — where my team won first place! I've also had the joy of doing henna for countless people, sharing a beautiful part of my culture.
I always find time for something creative afterwards including painting, playing the ukulele, photography or simply hanging out with my friends.
I have always believed in trying everything and sticking to what truly brings me joy. Over time, I have built a life full of creative and adventurous hobbies. I run a photography side business where I've had the chance to shoot weddings, portraits, and even host multiple exhibitions — one of my most meaningful exhibitions was with Headspace, Australia's National Youth Mental Health Foundation. Outside of that, I like to do skating, dancing, hiking and exploring the outdoors. One of the things I've fallen in love with in Australia is camping. I've made some amazing local friends, and we often go on camping trips—building our own fire, cooking under the stars, and simply soaking in nature.
Managing finances was challenging in the beginning, but with a part-time job and an understanding of budgeting, I made it work. I worked around 7–8 hours a week as a student ambassador. I focused on needs over wants, but always left space for spontaneous adventures. My mother also supported me when needed, and I learnt to be financially responsible without compromising on the experience.
Studying abroad has completely changed my outlook on life. I've become more independent, open to new experiences, and confident in taking ownership of my choices. What I like most about Wollongong is how close it is to nature while still having a city vibe. It has everything—great hikes, beautiful beaches, cafes, clubs, and a fun student atmosphere. It's also affordable, which makes it easier to enjoy student life without too much stress.
I think putting myself out there really helped me make the most of my student experience in Australia. Having a positive mindset, being open to learning from every situation — especially the tough ones — and always showing up with honesty and good intentions made a big difference. People are genuinely kind here, and when you're honest and real, it helps build trust. On the professional side, go to as many networking events as you can! It's an amazing way to step out of your comfort zone, meet new people, and create meaningful opportunities by simply showing up.
For now, I want to keep building my career in marketing and growing as a creative professional. Now that I have graduated, I work full-time as a Communications and Digital Marketing Officer. I recently completed a short course in Brand Management from the University of London and would love to pursue a Master's degree or even an MBA in the future. As for returning to India — I'm open to where life leads me. If the best decision down the line is to go back home, I'll embrace it. But for now, I'm here to learn, explore, and make the most of every moment.
(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)
Mridusmita Deka covers education and has worked with the Careers360 previously. She is an alumnus of Gauhati University and Dibrugarh University. ... Read More