Raghav from India

My journey as an international student in Australia

My name is Raghav, and I’m from India. I graduated in November 2024 with a Master of Marketing from the University of Technology Sydney (UTS). 

Choosing Australia for my higher education was the perfect decision for me. It has a diverse culture and offered me the opportunity to study a course I was truly passionate about, at one of the best universities. I chose UTS because it has an innovative course structure and subjects that went beyond the ordinary. 

Exploring life in Sydney  

Sydney turned out to be an amazing place to live. It’s a vibrant and multicultural city that offers endless opportunities to explore. Whether it’s trying different cuisines, enjoying movie nights, playing sports, or even taking pottery classes with friends, there’s something for everyone here. 

My advice to future students is to try to secure accommodation near your university if possible. Living close to campus allows you to attend workshops, events and activities at short notice—valuable opportunities to network and make the most of your time as a student.  

Time management: The key to success 

Being a full-time student can be overwhelming, but effective time management made all the difference for me. I maintained a calendar and daily notes to stay organised, which helped me balance my studies with extracurricular activities. This simple habit reduced my stress, kept me focused, and supported my mental well-being.  

Why I chose Marketing

I chose Marketing for my Master’s because it was something I genuinely enjoyed studying. My biggest piece of advice to international students is to select a course you’re passionate about. When you love what you study, it becomes engaging and exciting rather than a chore.  

My enthusiasm for marketing helped me actively participate in class, ask questions, and apply my learning to real-life scenarios like running societies or collectives.

One of my favourite subjects was ‘Creative Problem Solving’ where I worked on a project about the Sydney Morning Herald. For the project, I analysed their marketing strategies as part of Nine Media, their parent company. The project turned out really well and even got me an opportunity to visit the Nine Media offices. 

My active participation didn’t go unnoticed, either. My professors appreciated my engagement and were more than happy to be my references for job and volunteering opportunities. 

Making the most of university resources  

In my first year, I explored UTS resources like UTS BUILD, UTS Soul, UTS Startups, and the Wellbeing Representative Program. I also got involved with the UTS Students’ Association as the International Students’ Officer, advocating for the international student community. 

By my second year, I was taking on leadership positions, helping other students get involved, and building meaningful relationships within the university.  

If you can, I highly recommend getting involved in leadership roles, such as standing for academic or faculty board elections. These roles give you hands-on experience, help you work closely with professors, and enhance essential skills like decision-making and communication. 

Beyond the university, I became the International Students’ Ambassador for the City of Sydney Council and volunteered with organisations like the Australian Kookaburra Kids Foundation, which helped me develop my knowledge of the Australian community.  

Volunteering: A rewarding experience 

One of the most fulfilling aspects of my journey was volunteering. I contributed over 400 hours of service to the community, which allowed me to explore different cultures, meet inspiring people and gain transferable skills.  

This dedication earned me several recognitions, including the “Young Community Champion” award from the City of Sydney, recognition from the UTS Students’ Representative Council for my contributions to international students, and a finalist position for NSW International Student of the Year 2024.

Volunteering is not just about giving back—it’s also an excellent way to grow personally and professionally.  

Words of advice 

I arrived in Australia in February 2023, and in just two years, I’ve been able to achieve so much by pushing myself out of my comfort zone. If I can do it, so can you!  

Take advantage of every opportunity, get involved in extracurricular activities, and always stay organised with a calendar or notes. These small steps will help you explore new ideas, value your time, and make the most of your experience as an international student.