Lost in Translation? An International Transfer Student’s Survival Guide

Shrishti Das

Staff Writer

Six months ago, I was researching American universities from my bedroom in India, nervously typing emails to strangers on LinkedIn. Today, I’m writing for the campus newspaper. The journey from “international student applicant” to “actually surviving here” taught me more than any orientation program could.

Welcome to the international transfer student experience.

Transferring to universities is challenging enough. Doing it across continents? That’s a whole different adventure. Here’s everything I learned the hard way so you don’t have to.

Finding Your People (Before You Even Arrive)

Here’s my secret weapon: I started building connections months before setting foot on campus. I’m talking full-on LinkedIn and Instagram detective work: finding alumni, current students, staff, even professors, and sliding into their DMs or sending emails. Did I feel awkward? Absolutely. Was it worth it? Completely.

People actually remember. I’ve had multiple moments on campus where someone says, “Wait, you’re the one who emailed me over the summer!” It breaks the ice instantly. Don’t wait for the community to find you, go find it yourself, even from 7,000 miles away.

Getting Lost (Literally)

Nobody warned me how big the campus would feel. For my entire first week, every time I left my dorm was an adventure in the wrong direction. I’d confidently walk to what I thought was the library, only to end up at the athletics center.

Definitely locate your academic resources early: the library, TFAC, CDIC, and Plourde Recreation centre etc. Here, asking for help isn’t weakness, it’s smart.

Finding My Place at Assumption

What surprised me most about Assumption was how quickly it started feeling like a community rather than just “a campus I attend.” The smaller class sizes meant professors actually knew my name by the fourth day. The Chapel offers quiet spaces for reflection that helped when homesickness hit hard.

I got involved with The Provoc, CAB, and the women’s weightlifting club, and it was the best decision I made. Whether it’s cultural organizations, academic clubs, or just intramural sports, there’s space for everyone, I promise.

The Assumption community is tight-knit enough that you’ll start recognizing faces everywhere, but diverse enough that there’s always someone new to meet. That balance made the transition so much easier.

Home Away From Home

Time zones are brutal. India is 10.5 hours ahead, so my morning coffee happens during my family’s dinner. But I’ve built my own Worcester survival kit: a growing list of spots in the city that feel like home, whether it’s a particular coffee shop or a quiet corner in the library.

I call my parents and friends whenever I can, updating them on everything: making my first snowman, acing a presentation, or yes, getting lost on campus again. Those calls keep me grounded, reminding me that home isn’t gone, just far away.

Here’s what I’ve learned: it gets easier. Not perfect, but easier. You’ll stop getting lost eventually (mostly). You’ll find your people. You’ll build a life here while keeping your roots strong back home. And yeah, you’re doing something brave. So give yourself credit for that. To my fellow international students: we’ve got this. And to everyone else reading, say hi to us. We might look like we have it together, but we’re all just figuring it out, one lost walk across campus at a time.