The Indian education landscape has seen the rise of students preferances to obtain an education sacrifing the comforts of home. In addition to the degree that one receives, there are several other stories and factors that guide a student’s life ahead of academics. Thousands of students leave home, carrying their goals and aspirations in their backpacks, in search of a better life with more possibilities and experiences. While students learn to navigate their ship in an unknown city, they also face high winds and turbulent sea. Nonetheless, they learn to sail anyway. With the ongoing pandemic, it has become increasingly difficult and unpredictable for outstation students to adjust to college and city life, especially with the added anxiety and stress. In search of independence and quality education, young adults travel far and wide to gain practical experiences. Universities serve as a cultural melting pot, bringing people from all over the country together to celebrate education and a memorable college experience. However, there is no rose without a thorn.

 

Students come to understand the gravity of responsibility they need to bare, almost as soon as they arrive. They build a community to lean on and a home away from families. Toiba Irshad, a first-year UG student from Kashmir reports, “I came to Bangalore in November. I found the move very chaotic and even depressing before I got used to the city. The pandemic was very disturbing as well. We were getting on with our college routine but I could feel that everything was not okay. It was only after I met few Kashmiris in Bangalore that I realised that I was not alone in the city. I was here only for two months but I left as a changed person.”

 

While the natives in cities can be welcoming and kind to students, sometimes they confront situations with unfamiliar people and learn to handle them effectively. Diana Seram, a third-year student from Manipur encountered people inquisitively questioning her nationality and home state when she initially arrived to college. Chukka Harshita Reddy who moved from Bangalore to IIM Rohtak was taken by surprise when she was looked down upon for being a south Indian. What was once deemed to be trivial things or episodes become the most stress-inducing when everything must be done on one’s own. Nivedita G N, a research student from Bangalore in University of Massachusetts Amherst explains, “As soon as I got settled, I started looking for a job. Studying in another country is as it is high-priced and I didn’t want to burden my parents with my external requirements. I have learnt a great deal about managing my finances. It becomes overwhelming sometimes to understand the functioning of banks and public transportation. Google Map has become my go-to app while YouTube taught me how to hold chopsticks.”

 

Living in a metropolitan city can be unarguably expensive students acquire financial skills early on in their life. Many opt for PG but it comes with its share of struggles. When the college had adopted the online mode and the PG services were not availed, the outstation students were however required to pay the full rent for the two months. The uncertainty that the pandemic has caused over the two years has immensely cost the students. Diana recalls her anxiety when there was an ATM cash-out during the second wave while she was still in Bangalore. For students from particular locations, the non-availability of flights owing to severe weather conditions in the winter has become a nightmare.

 

From having to deal with the accommodation, adulting and assignments, they neglect their mental well-being experiencing frequent breakdowns. Students resort to their parents and friends for emotional support. Talking about her parents Diana shares, “They are my source of motivation. Their words of positivity keep me going. I know that they put on a brave face and deep down they are more anxious than me.” Chukka Harshita’s mother Sujana says, “My daughter and I share a close bond with each other. She is my best friend. It is hard for me to stay away from her. Sometimes I really miss her. But I am confident of the person she is and I know that she will survive in the gravest circumstances.” 

 

At the end day moving has definitely been a life changing experience for these students. While Harshita has learnt to be economical and disciplined, Toiba feels empowered and independent. There are several other teenagers and young adults who battle their way to survive each day in the city. Though they come from different places, their common objective is towards progress and giving back to their homelands through this education.