Name: Maria Vardanyan
Pronouns: She/Her
Class: 2027
From: Yerevan, Armenia
Studying: Physics (major), Russian (minor)
How did you develop a community of friends on campus?
As a UWC alumna, one of the first friends I made were fellow UWC-ers. We found each other at an international students event, and became friends, as we all had a lot in common. I met a few other friends from my classes, usually after meeting each other at the library while struggling with homework. Eventually, I met the friends of my friends and their friends, too, and now, I would say I have a diverse community of friends.
What was your experience like adjusting to life on River Campus as an international student?
Coming from a very mountainous region, the first challenge I faced was getting used to the landscape, which is almost nothing like back home. I had to take time to adjust to the climate, since the air in Rochester is more humid compared to what I am used to. However, apart from the technicalities, I did not have a very hard time adjusting to the place, as I always had amazing people with me that supported me through times of homesickness.
What advice would you give to an incoming international student?
I would definitely say bring as much as you can that reminds you of home: food, posters, pictures, and I would definitely recommend bringing your flag. My first huge cultural shock was small talk, which happened basically as soon as I landed in IAD, even though I thought I prepared myself for that. I think all of us will at one point or another have big culture shocks no matter how much we prepare for it, and that is okay. Expect that social (and, obviously, not only) culture will be very different from what you are used to and be ready to learn and just have an open mind!
What’s your favorite thing to do off campus?
I love to walk to College Town with some friends, get a poke bowl and bubble tea, then go to the Dollar Tree and buy useless things that I definitely did not need (purple heart glasses???). It makes me feel a part of the city to some extent, and also I get the joy of having my comfort food and buying decorations for my room.
What’s your favorite place on campus and why?
I love the wooden part of iZone, on the left from the entrance. It might not be the most comfortable place to work, but when I need to type something, I am usually very productive there. It is also a great place to sit and people watch, see how life goes on campus and feel comfortable in the rush of university life. I don’t spend a lot of time there, but when I do, it is always a very pleasant time(except maybe some more comfortable seating arrangement would be lovely).