'I had to prioritise my mental health': An Indian student on the reality of studying in Canada

For many students, studying abroad begins with ambition and uncertainty. For Ira Badesha, a sophomore at the University of British Columbia, Canada, the transition was shaped less by distance and more by scale. “When I first arrived at the University of British Columbia, the idea of city life seemed extremely daunting,” she recalls. With over 60,000 students on campus, she did not know what to expect, who she would meet or how she would find her place.That feeling stayed with her through the early months. The university felt large and unfamiliar, and certainty did not arrive overnight. “Now, as I begin my second year, I’ve realised that with time, you naturally grow into the environment,” she says. For her, the adjustment was gradual. Slowly, she began to understand who she was within a university that was both large and diverse.This is often the first lesson for students planning to study abroad. The transition is not immediate, and it unfolds through daily routines, conversations and moments of self reflection.One of the most important shifts in Ira’s journey came through community. “One of the most important things I learned is the value of finding ‘your people’, the ones who make this place feel like a home away from home,” she says. That sense of belonging took shape through UTSAV, the Indian Student Association at the university.She joined the organisation soon after arriving and now serves as its Marketing Director. The role gave her more than responsibility. It offered familiarity in a new country and people who understood her without explanation.For aspiring international students, this highlights an important truth. Belonging is rarely instant. It is built through shared spaces and repeated effort. Joining communities helps turn a campus into something personal.Academics were only one part of her experience. Ira majors in Psychology and intends to minor in Commerce, but much of her learning came from involvement outside her degree. “With time, I also realised how important it is to get involved,” she explains. Being part of different organisations helped her stay engaged and connected to the wider student body.She also works as the Psychology Representative for the Arts and Graduate Student Society. The role allowed her to meet people who shaped her perspective. “It has allowed me to connect with incredibly mindful and inspiring people,” she says. These interactions reminded her why she chose to study so far from home. “It gives you purpose, direction and a sense of belonging.”For students considering studying abroad, this is worth understanding. Universities often offer opportunities that extend learning beyond textbooks. Taking part helps students grow into their roles rather than waiting to feel ready.University life, for Ira, has not followed a straight path. “There has never been a moment when I felt like I had everything perfectly figured out,” she says. That uncertainty, she believes, reflects life itself. She carries a quote that has stayed with her: “How you react to your failures is what truly defines who you are.”There were interviews that did not go as planned and moments of doubt. Yet she found that progress often came through small reassurance. “All it takes is that one meaningful experience, one encouraging conversation or one piece of guidance from someone in a position of authority to remind you that you’re on the right path,” she says.This is a reality many international students face. Success abroad is rarely constant. It is shaped by persistence and the ability to keep moving despite uncertainty.Living far from home also changed her relationship with herself. “Being so far away from home has taught me the importance of enjoying my own company,” Ira shares. Self reliance became essential. In a new environment, she learnt not to depend on others for emotional balance. “Knowing that you are independent, emotionally secure and not relying on anyone else for your peace is incredibly empowering.”Mental health became a priority, shaped by both her experiences and her academic background. “As a university student and especially as a Psychology major, I’ve realised that mental health must always remain my top priority,” she says. She acknowledges the pressure students often place on themselves and the risk of burnout.Her belief is simple. When mental, emotional and physical health are stable, performance follows. For this support, she expresses gratitude to the University for connecting her with opportunities that supported her growth.As she reflects on her journey so far, Ira offers advice to students who are still deciding. “Don’t be fearful and don’t limit yourself to your comfort zone,” she says. Studying abroad, she believes, is as much about learning who you are as it is about earning a degree.“You might fail many times. People may not always be there for you,” she adds. But the moment you realise you are building your own identity and being recognised for it makes the journey worthwhile.For aspiring international students, her experience offers reassurance. You do not need to arrive with everything figured out. Growth happens while you are adjusting, trying and learning to stand on your own. The journey begins not with certainty, but with the decision to begin.