From Golgappas To Quinoa: An Indian Student's Journey Through Space, Scholarships, & Survival

I'm not much of a "quotes" person but if I had to pick something, it’d be Robert Frost’s classic lines:

“The woods are lovely, dark and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep...”

It’s poetic... and also a great reminder when you’ve got five deadlines, zero sleep, and way too much caffeine in your system.

Oh, my transition journey I would say it started From spicy street food to... well, salad. From joint families to solo microwave meals. It was a ride. But what really helped was finding a group of fellow confused-but-determined friends here in the US—basically my new family with less judgment and more pizza.

And from an early age, I was deeply fascinated by astronomy, physics and in general science. Although I qualified for the JEE examination and considered pursuing engineering in India, I ultimately realised that learning about the universe was more enticing for me. So I packed my bags and moved to the US.

Another interesting part for me is that I got a full-ride merit scholarship at the University of Arizona to study physics and astronomy. I also worked as a Research Assistant. Pro tip: financial aid won’t fall into your lap, so definitely research, apply, and talk to people.

Admission and visa process

Honestly, no horror stories here—my visa and admissions went pretty smoothly. But one thing I’d recommend is being choosy about where you apply. Don't just go for the rankings. Think if it is a good fit for you. You’re going to live there.

Campus life

So my university and classmate, they were very warm and welcoming — not just because I brought Indian snacks to class. Sure, you might run into the occasional awkward moment (like trying to explain Diwali without sounding like an action movie plot), but overall, it’s been friendly and encouraging. Plus, every campus has an Indian WhatsApp group. Guaranteed.

Education system is the US is pretty great, actually. The system here is more “learn by doing” and less “memorize or perish.” You actually get to do science, not just chant it before an exam.

Collaboration and mentorship played a huge role within the Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics. The department is incredibly supportive and filled with brilliant minds who foster a culture of growth. Failure isn’t punished—in fact, it’s expected and even encouraged, provided you learn from it and don’t blow up the lab.

Home away from home

Homesickness is something that every international student faces once they leave their house. And of course it was me as well. Anyone who says they haven’t missed home-cooked food or their mom’s yelling is lying. Personally, I fix it with friends, food, and long video calls with family. Tip: always have frozen parathas on standby. They heal many emotional wounds.

Challenges

Coming from New Delhi, the absence of proper street food hit me like a truck. No chaat. No golgappa. Just... quinoa. My survival strategy? Mastering the art of the aloo paratha. It’s warm, filling, and emotionally supportive.

Advise prospective students to manage their finances.

Budget like your life depends on it. Because, well... it kind of does. Also, it is a part of growing up.

The author is an Astrophysics Ph.D. Student at University of Chicago, USA.

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