Studying abroad is about ‘taking responsibility’, growth and adaptability, says Macquarie University student

By Nikita Farhin

NEW DELHI: Life at Macquarie University has been nothing short of transformative. When I first landed in Sydney, Australia, leaving behind the familiarity of Kolkata, India, I didn’t know what to expect. But Macquarie’s warm and welcoming culture quickly eased my nerves.

The first moment of this kindness came even before I set foot in Sydney. The university had arranged an Uber to pick me up from the airport. What could have been a simple ride turned into an experience of care — he gave me a mini-tour of the suburb, explaining its nuances, pointing out the best cafes and parks, and ensuring I felt at ease. It was my first impression of Macquarie and it spoke volumes about the community I was about to join.

Macquarie’s campus is vibrant and inspiring. Nestled in the heart of Macquarie Park, it’s more than just a place to study — it’s a community where you feel like you truly belong. When I decided to pursue a dual degree in business analytics, it wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment choice. I spent countless hours researching programmes that could strike the perfect balance between my love for computer science and my budding interest in management.

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Now I am in love with Macquarie, all the more because of its exceptional faculty and their incredible focus on making learning practical and deeply relevant to real-world challenges. From the very moment I stepped onto campus, I could feel the energy and promise it held. I knew instantly that I had made the right choice — Macquarie is the kind of place that doesn’t just inspire you to dream big but also gives you the tools, guidance, and confidence to turn those dreams into reality.

Creating a home in Sydney

Settling into a new city is always a challenge but Sydney made it easier. Choosing to live off-campus was a conscious decision — I wanted to embrace independence fully. After staying in an Airbnb for a week and exploring the neighbourhoods, I found a two-storey townhouse with a backyard. It has since become my sanctuary, a place I proudly call home.

Living alone has been a learning curve. Managing rent, groceries, and other household chores pushed me out of my comfort zone. I’ve learned to cook meals that range from Indian curries to quick Aussie snacks, balancing tradition with the flavours of my new surroundings. Grocery shopping, planning meals, and experimenting in the kitchen have made me more self-reliant and confident.

Interestingly, Sydney’s safety has been a major comfort. The suburb I live in feels secure even late at night. Sometimes after my part-time shifts at [electronics retailer] JB Hi-Fi, when I return home around midnight, I’m amazed at how safe I feel walking alone.

From India to Australia

The journey to Macquarie University began with a conversation at home. I had just completed my bachelor’s degree in computer science in September 2023, and like many Indian students, I initially leaned toward preparing for the CAT exam. An MBA seemed like the next logical step in India’s competitive education landscape.

My parents had a different perspective. They encouraged me to think beyond, to consider the world of opportunities outside India. “If this is going to be your last academic degree, why not make it count?” they said. Their advice struck a chord.

Stepping out of my comfort zone, I started exploring international universities. I soon realised that I didn’t want just any management degree — I wanted something that integrated my technical background with the strategic aspects of business. This realisation narrowed my search to programmes in business analytics, which perfectly combined these two worlds.

Why Sydney?

Choosing Sydney was a deliberate decision. As Australia’s economic hub, the city offers immense professional opportunities and a dynamic cultural environment. While Melbourne is often the go-to choice for international students, Sydney’s growth potential and networking opportunities made it the ideal place for me.

Once I decided on Sydney, I applied to three universities: Macquarie University, UNSW [University of New South Wales], and the University of Sydney. All three accepted me but the real decision was about finding the perfect fit.

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The University of Sydney, though prestigious, didn’t align with my academic goals. Its strengths lie in fields like engineering and medicine, which weren’t my focus areas. UNSW was appealing but came with higher living costs due to its location. Macquarie stood out for its specialised faculty in business analytics, student-friendly approach, and affordable housing options.

Financial responsibility

Being the older sibling, I had no roadmap for navigating the international application process. From shortlisting universities to preparing essays and securing loans, it was all uncharted territory. My parents were my unwavering pillars of support, encouraging me through every step.

Though they were ready to finance my education entirely, I felt strongly about taking responsibility. We secured a non-collateral education loan from ICICI Bank, with my parents helping with the simple interest for now. My goal is to take over completely once I graduate and start earning full-time.

Additionally, I received a scholarship from Macquarie, which eased the financial burden. Excelling academically in my first semester has motivated me to apply for more scholarships. Macquarie’s numerous opportunities for Indian students are something I’m determined to maximise.

Embracing Australian culture

Living in Sydney has been an eye-opener in many ways. Aussies have a unique and endearing culture, often shortening words in quirky ways. For example, McDonald’s is “Maccas”, a gas station is a “servo”, and “thank you” becomes “tha.” These linguistic quirks have become part of my everyday life, adding a touch of humour to my interactions.

Working part-time at JB Hi-Fi, an electronics chain similar to Croma in India, has been another enriching experience. It’s taught me not just about Australia’s work culture but also about balancing studies and work effectively.

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Looking ahead

For now, my focus is on excelling in my dual-degree and making the most of the opportunities Sydney offers. The journey has been about more than just academics — it’s been about personal growth, resilience, and adapting to new environments.

While I don’t have concrete plans yet, I hope to return to India with the skills and global perspective I’ve gained here.