Packing Up for Academia: My Path to UIUC and PhD Life
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*Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this blog post do not necessarily reflect the views of any affiliated organizations. The content provided is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice
Hello, again! It's been a long time!
Life has been a chaos lately: between packing up, saying goodbyes, and setting out for a new chapter, it feels like everything happened all at once. Making the decision to uproot my life and move across the world to pursue a PhD was no small feat, and honestly, I’m still wrapping my head around it all.
Taking this leap has come with its fair share of excitement, nerves, and countless to-do lists, but here I am, finally settled (mostly!) and ready to share the journey so far. It’s amazing how quickly life can shift, isn’t it? One moment, I was in the comfort of home, surrounded by the familiar, and the next, I found myself in the heart of Illinois, adapting to new surroundings and diving headfirst into academia.
In this post, I want to take you along for a closer look at the journey and why I chose UIUC (University of Illinois at Urbana - Champaign), how the preparations unfolded, and what it’s been like to start this new adventure. There’s a lot to tell, so grab a cup of coffee and cookies, and let me share the story of how I ended up here, embarking on this PhD journey to turn my passion for resilient urban design into something impactful.
I’m honored to be here at UIUC with the support of a Fulbright Scholarship, a journey that has been transformative in itself. There’s so much to share about the Fulbright experience, from the rigorous application process to the incredible opportunities it’s opened up. But I’ll save those details for another post, where I can dive deeper into what this scholarship means to me and how it’s shaping my journey. Stay tuned!
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So, I’ve always had a passion for understanding the built environment and the unique ways it shapes our lives, especially in the face of climate challenges. After years of working in architecture and its relation to the environment, I realized I wanted to contribute something lasting to the world through a set of best practices and frameworks that could make cities more resilient, specifically to the growing threat of floods.
My decision to pursue a PhD was motivated by this drive to deepen my knowledge and amplify my impact. UIUC stood out to me as the ideal place to accomplish this. With its strong research focus on sustainable urban planning and adaptive design, UIUC offered not just the academic environment I was looking for, but also a community that actively champions resilient cities and innovative design solutions.
Professionally, this journey is a step toward bridging the gap between academia and applied resilience strategies. On a personal level, it’s about pushing my own boundaries and building a path that contributes to creating safer, sustainable cities.
This PhD is more than a degree, it’s an opportunity to reshape how we think about urban landscapes and help safeguard communities against future climate challenges.
Preparing for the Move
As soon as I decided on UIUC, my deep dive into research began. I read everything I could find about Urbana-Champaign, its campus culture, the local community, even the best places to grab coffee. I reached out to current students in my program, who gave me valuable insights into the academic environment and tips on how to prepare. Knowing that my PhD would focus heavily on simulation and modeling for flood resilience, I also familiarized myself with the labs and software available on campus, which felt like preparing for an adventure in itself.
Visa Requirements and Packing Essentials
The visa process was, unsurprisingly, one of the more challenging parts (especially with this weak passport in hand). Between gathering endless documents, scheduling appointments, and waiting for approvals, there were a few nail-biting moments. Fortunately, connecting with others who had gone through the process made it feel less daunting. For anyone planning an international move to The United States, I recommend starting as early as possible, staying organized with all the necessary paperwork, and preparing mentally for the wait times. Patience is key!
Packing was an art of its own. Balancing essentials with sentimental items was a delicate act. I couldn’t bring everything, so I prioritized what mattered most. I packed my laptop and essential gadgets for studying, but also a few personal items like family photos and my favorite books to bring a sense of home with me. It’s amazing how these small pieces can make a new place feel familiar. And, of course, some warm layers! I heard about those harsh Illinois winters!
Saying Goodbye to Family and Friends
Leaving family and friends behind was by far the hardest part of this journey. As the departure date drew closer, emotions ran high. I felt a mixture of excitement for what lay ahead and a deep sadness about leaving my loved little ones behind. Every hug, every shared meal, every conversation seemed more precious, knowing it would be a while before we’d have those moments again in person.
We planned small farewell gatherings to make the most of the time we had. I organized a short trip to Lampung for the best sunset I have ever had in my entire life. My friends surprised me with a heartfelt send-off. These gestures filled me with love and gratitude, making the goodbyes both bittersweet and comforting.
To prepare myself emotionally, I spent time journaling and reflecting on this new chapter. I also kept reminding myself that technology would keep us connected, no matter how far apart we were. For anyone facing a similar transition, I’d say: don’t hold back your emotions! Embrace the bittersweetness of goodbyes, make the most of the time with loved ones, and remember that these connections will be there to support you, even from a distance.
The Journey to Urbana-Champaign
The journey to Urbana-Champaign was a mix of exhaustion, anticipation, and excitement. The flights felt long, approximately 20 hours in total! with layovers that seemed to stretch endlessly, yet somehow each step brought me closer to this new beginning. As I looked out the airplane window during the final descent, the vast landscape of Chicago came into view, and it hit me: this was real! I was actually here, about to start a new chapter.
Arriving in the U.S. was an adventure in itself. Navigating the airport, customs, and the unfamiliar surroundings added a layer of thrill to the journey. When I finally reached Urbana-Champaign, I was greeted by the openness of the campus and its iconic landmark, the beautiful Main Quad. Seeing the UIUC campus for the first time felt surreal. That first day was a whirlwind of new sights, sounds, and a rush of emotions, but it marked the start of what I knew would be an unforgettable journey.
First Days at UIUC: Adjusting to Life as a PhD Student
Campus Homecoming and First Impressions
Stepping onto campus as an official UIUC student was both exhilarating and overwhelming. The campus was even more impressive in person with sprawling quads, beautiful old buildings from the 1800s, and the overwhelming facilities they had. The academic atmosphere was palpable, with students buzzing about their classes, professors discussing research, and the constant hum of ideas being exchanged. I felt both inspired and a bit daunted, knowing I was now part of such a dynamic, intellectual community.
Homecoming was my first real taste of campus life. It was packed with activities designed to help us settle in, from campus tours to departmental meet-and-greets. One highlight was a welcome event for new international students, where I connected with people from all over the world, each with their own incredible story of what brought them here. Meeting other PhD students in my department was also reassuring, we all shared similar nervous excitement, and those first conversations already sparked potential friendships and collaborations.
Settling into Housing and Daily Life
My new home in Urbana was a small apartment close to Siebel Center for Computer Science, which was perfect for quick commutes to classes and the library (3 bus lines pass through this). Setting up my living space was a blend of excitement and homesickness.
Everyday routines like grocery shopping became mini-adventures, as I navigated new stores I found myself commuting far from the Campus Town (I really need a car for this! the public transport is so unreliable here!), unfamiliar brands, and American portion sizes for giants!
I also found myself quickly developing new habits, picking a spot in the library to work. One of my favorite discoveries was a study spot at Funk Library ACES in the 3rd floor with South Quad as the view. Each day, I felt myself adjusting bit by bit, finding a rhythm between classes, assignments sessions, discussion with advisor and downtime. Although there were differences to adapt to, these small routines were helping to make Urbana feel like my new home.
Diving into PhD Life: Academics and Research
Navigating Your Program and Building Connections
Starting the PhD program was a thrilling, if slightly intimidating, experience. Meeting my advisor and other faculty members felt surreal. They were experts I had read about, and now, they were here to guide and challenge me. Our first meetings were encouraging, they were genuinely interested in my research ideas and goals, and their passion for the field was contagious. I also met my cohort, a diverse group with backgrounds and perspectives from all over the world. Our shared ambitions and unique stories created an instant bond, and it was comforting to know we’d be facing this journey together.
The early days brought their share of challenges. There was so much to absorb, from mastering new methodologies to understanding my program’s expectations. My research group dived quickly into discussions on resilience modeling, pushing me to think critically and question everything. The pace and depth of academic work here were initially overwhelming. I quickly realized that a PhD was as much about learning to ask the right questions as it was about finding answers. But with each challenge, I felt myself growing more capable and more excited about the work ahead.
Adjusting to the U.S. Academic Culture
Professor-student interactions here were also more relaxed yet focused. Professors invited us to call them by their first names, and office hours were informal conversations rather than structured meetings. I learned to be proactive about seeking feedback and clarifying expectations, as self-initiative was highly valued. At first, I hesitated to speak up, but slowly, I began to embrace this culture of open dialogue. For anyone adapting to a new academic culture, I’d suggest staying open-minded, observing how others approach discussions, and allowing yourself to lean into these differences, they’ve already helped me grow in ways I hadn’t anticipated.
Each day brought new insights, and while adapting to the academic environment was a gradual process, I felt myself settling in, finding my voice, and feeling more at home in this new scholarly world.
A Note to Future International Students
To all future international students considering a similar journey, know that while the transition can be challenging, it’s incredibly rewarding. Embrace each step, from the excitement of packing to the inevitable homesickness, it all adds to your growth. Stay open-minded, reach out for support, and let yourself fully experience this adventure.
Personally, this journey has stretched me in ways I never expected, both emotionally and professionally. It’s taught me resilience, adaptability, and the value of stepping outside my comfort zone. While there are still unknowns ahead at UIUC, I’m optimistic and grateful for the chance to grow in this inspiring environment.
If you’re about to take this step, trust yourself and dive in, it’s a journey that will shape you in the best ways.
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To come this far I have been through hundreds of rejection. This post is a reminder that being rejected doesn't mean I am not capable, it just means God has a better plan for me.
...and, well, I always thought I wasn’t meant to be there and I was right, maybe my expertise just didn’t flood them with enough resilience! Guess it's a good reminder that sometimes even rejection is... flood-proof.
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