Hello!

My name is Surmayee, and no, it’s not pronounced anything like what it’s spelled (it’s actually sir-my), but I’m Indian and generally, we tend to have some pretty interesting and unique (not to mention hard to say) names.


I’m from India, obviously, but have lived in Hong Kong for the last 10 years of my life. It’s been an amazing and eye opening experience living in such a multicultural environment, but truth be told, Hong Kong’s kind of small, and I’m kind of bored. Which may explain the sudden increase in my heartbeat when I think that in 3 months, I’m headed to Cal. Or it could just be the fact that I have yet to believe I was admitted into my absolute dream school. Applying to Berkeley to me was the equivalent of reaching for the stars, and I never thought I’d actually be here. But here I am, with a star in my hand, grinning widely at the thought of California.

They always say “picture yourself at Berkeley”. I was almost afraid to, being an international student applying for such a competitive course at one of the most prestigious institutions in the state. It was so worth it though. And now, I can’t stop picturing myself at Berkeley.

It’s going to be a complete culture shock, and one that I am looking forward to insane amounts. Having never been to the States, I made my decisions almost solely based on what I’d heard from students and various online sources alike. The great Facebook allowed me to meet students from California and from around the world, get a good grip on what it was going to be like and what to expect. Yet I think not knowing fully is half the fun. I get to explore, but then again, knowing me I’ll probably be lost within the first 10 minutes.

I remember reading this blog when I was forwarded the link, and just thinking “Wow. Look at these bloggers. They seem like they’re having the time of their life.” It helped me make my decision, and I’m convinced that I made the right one. It’s a bit odd, starting to blog here when everyone is ending their own blogs, but this is really where my journey begins.

I hope to let you all know what applying, being accepted and anticipating Cal is like from an international student’s perspective. After all, this is a fresh start, and who wouldn’t want that!?

You’ll be hearing more from me soon!

Surmayee