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Originally from Dhaka, Bangladesh Tabia Tahsin ‘27 is a Neuroscience major with a Psychology and Political Science double minor. Here, she tells us how �������� supported her transition to college as an international student. 

Tell us a bit about your college search process. 

When I was searching for colleges, I longed for a place that would feel like home, a place that could, even if slightly, soften the heartache of moving nearly 8000 miles away from home. I first heard about �������� from the Bangladeshi students who were already here (my current upperclassmen), who spoke about it with such warmth and fondness that I could almost picture myself among them. 

Perhaps, deep down, I was searching for that familiar sense of belonging, a place where I wouldn’t feel so far away from everything I had ever known.

Being from Dhaka, a bustling city, I always craved the peace of nature all while having the opportunity to travel to the city as well; ��������’s location with both opportunities gave me the environment I cherished! One of the moments that truly sealed my decision was my interview with Dorothy, a �������� alum who took the time to share stories of her undergraduate life with such tenderness and joy. I still remember the way she held up her lantern, which she got as part of our tradition, as she spoke about the friendships and experiences that shaped her. Amidst the stress and uncertainty of the college application process, that conversation felt like a beacon of kindness, a glimpse into a community where I could see myself growing. That was the moment I knew that I wanted to be a part of this community. I applied Early Decision, and �������� has never once failed to make me feel at home. 

Tell us about your first-year transition to ��������.   

Before coming to ��������, I was filled with a mix of excitement and fear of the unknown. I couldn’t wait to meet new people and see the castle-like dorms with my own eyes, but the uncertainty of stepping into a new environment was also there. However, ��������’s warm welcome and constant support made the transition surprisingly smooth, easing any discomfort I had at first. One thing that caught me off guard (still does!) was the constant number of compliments people casually threw my way. “Oh, your scarf is so pretty,” “You look gorgeous” (even when I was in my pajamas), “That color suits you so well!” - and so many more. I wasn’t used to being in a culture where strangers complimented each other so freely, but at ��������, it quickly became a part of my daily life.  

Furthermore, whenever I felt homesick or missed home-cooked food or the flavors of home, the dinners arranged by the Muslim Student Association (MSA) and South Asian Students Association (SAS) were a source of comfort, bringing a sense of familiarity and warmth and also the opportunity of engaging with others who went through changes just like me. More than anything, I still appreciate how eager people are to listen; whether it’s about my culture, my identity, my experiences back home, or anything else I want to share, my friends are open to rants! Talking to current �������� students I knew, as well as other international students, reassured me that I wasn’t alone. Knowing that everyone was figuring things out together made the transition so much easier. 

Tell us about your academic adjustment.  

Academically, I was definitely nervous at first, but talking to my class dean during the pre-advising session helped ease a lot of my worries. As a Neuroscience major and someone interested in a lot of different things, discussing my options with deans and professors really helped me figure out the path I wanted to take. My professors, upperclassmen, and friends played a huge role in helping me choose my classes in a way that allowed me to explore my interests while still leaving time for myself and extracurriculars.

Attending office hours has been incredibly helpful- not only for academics but also for figuring out my field, dreams and what I want to do in future!  

These conversations also made me realize just how much our professors genuinely want us to succeed! One of the best decisions I made in my freshman fall was taking Writing Workshop. The class was full of international students, and it became a space where we could talk openly about the challenges we faced, the adjustments we were making, and anything else on our minds. It was more than just a writing class; it was a support system. I still remember one class where we spent time painting and talking about what "home" meant to us, both in our home countries and at ��������. Pairing that experience with Thrive and E-Sem in the first semester, now that I look back at it, all these combined made me feel largely welcome!  

How have you built community on campus?    

Working in Erdman, one of the two dining halls on campus, introduced me to an incredible community. I found a group of friends with whom I worked side by side, danced during cleaning shifts, and created unforgettable memories. The warm smiles of the full-time staff and the fun-filled shifts ensured that I never felt bored! Beyond that, being part of ��������’s South Asian Society, BMC MSA, and a club, my friends and I founded—BMC Brainstorm: Neuroscience Society—helped me form connections in different ways. Whether it was bonding over shared cultural backgrounds, academic interests, our obsession for boba, or simply finding people I could call friends, these communities became an essential part of my �������� experience. 

"From flying across the world from Bangladesh to the U.S. to planning my own trips and attending concerts, I truly believe �������� has helped me grow into a more confident and empowered version of myself."

Now, as I work as a Tour Guide in the admissions office and as a Circulation Assistant at Canaday Library, these roles have become new additions to my identity, each shaping different aspects of who I am, all while opening the path to new connections and friendships! ��������, in many ways, has been nothing short of a “home far away from home” for me.

How have you grown as a person—in and outside of the classroom?

When I look back at the person I was before coming here and compare her to who I am now, I see a woman who has learned to face different circumstances, cultures, environments, and people. From flying across the world from Bangladesh to the U.S. to planning my own trips and attending concerts, I truly believe �������� has helped me grow into a more confident and empowered version of myself.  

What advice would you give a prospective international student?  

If there’s one suggestion I am to give to people, it is to be the “Yes” person, for as long as it’s within your boundaries! Say yes to new friends, places, cultures, music tastes, and even new food! Now, I believe to be a person that loves her friend’s handmade Kashmiri chai (tea from Kashmir), a person who saves up to go to an Iranian restaurant because her Iranian friend made her fall in love with the cuisine and a person with many more small diverse pieces of her; and believe me, I do owe a lot of it to ��������.