#8 - Ritvik Minhas from University of British Columbia - Canada Student Network Podcast

Navigating Student Life in Vancouver: Ritvik's Story of Growth, Challenge, and Success

Vancouver is a vibrant, dynamic city that draws thousands of international students every year. But what’s it really like to move here, adapt to a new culture, and thrive in university life? In this episode of the Canada Student Network Podcast, Ritvik—an aspiring operations and logistics expert—shares his transformative journey from India to Vancouver, discussing the challenges, the lessons, and the personal growth that shaped his student experience.

From Gurgaon to Vancouver: The Journey Begins

Ritvik, originally from Gurgaon, India, moved to Vancouver to pursue a Bachelor of Commerce degree at UBC. Like many international students, his journey was one of self-discovery. Coming from a family where he was deeply protected, Ritvik initially found himself outside his comfort zone in Canada.

Key Takeaways:

• The Protection of Home: Growing up in a highly sheltered environment, Ritvik had little exposure to the real world outside his immediate surroundings.

• Leaving Comfort Behind: His family encouraged him to study abroad, pushing him to experience life beyond his familiar routine.

  
  

His experience in Vancouver has been a game-changer. He’s learned not just academic knowledge but valuable life skills, developing as a person and as a student.

Adapting to a New Culture: Overcoming the Cultural Shock

Moving to Canada was not without its challenges. Ritvik encountered significant cultural shifts, especially in terms of how people interact socially. He shared how life in Vancouver felt drastically different from what he was used to in India.

Key Takeaways:

• Loneliness and Making Connections: Many first-year students struggle with loneliness, and Ritvik was no exception. He found it hard to find people with similar interests and values, which led him to feel disconnected at first.

• A Shift to Individualism: He observed how the cultural environment in Vancouver was more individualistic compared to the collectivist mindset back home.

  
  

Ritvik credits his growth to this experience. The process of adjusting to a new environment taught him the importance of stepping out of his comfort zone.

Building a Community: The Importance of Clubs and Extracurricular Activities

Ritvik quickly realized that to truly thrive in Vancouver, he needed to push past the isolation. His strategy? Joining student clubs and becoming active in leadership roles.

Key Takeaways:

• Joining the Orientation Team: By signing up to be an orientation leader, Ritvik met dozens of new students and immersed himself in campus life, despite not being familiar with the campus itself.

• Dance and Social Groups: His passion for dance led him to join a competitive dance team, where he gained professional training and had the chance to compete representing UBC.

  
  

These experiences were pivotal in forming strong bonds with others and finding his place within the university community.

Finding Balance: Work Experience and University Life

In addition to his studies and extracurricular activities, Ritvik also worked as an operations and logistics analyst at a skincare brand, a role he secured through UBC’s co-op program. This hands-on work experience not only enhanced his academic learning but also gave him a clearer view of his career path.

Key Takeaways:

• Co-op Opportunities: Ritvik’s work at Blanca, a local startup, helped him apply his academic knowledge in real-world settings, preparing him for life after graduation.

• Planning for the Future: He’s now focused on supply chain and logistics, particularly in marine transportation, and has plans to pursue further training in exports.

  
  

His story highlights the value of gaining practical work experience during university, helping students bridge the gap between academics and the professional world.

Celebrating Tradition: Keeping Indian Festivities Alive in Vancouver

Despite the challenges, Ritvik has managed to stay connected to his cultural roots. He’s actively involved in the Hindu UWA club at UBC, where he helps organize events that celebrate Indian festivals and bring students together.

Key Takeaways:

• Cultural Connection: Ritvik continues to celebrate important Indian festivals like Diwali, Mahashivaratri, and Raksha Bandhan, keeping his traditions alive while integrating into Vancouver’s diverse culture.

• Cultural Exchange: Through his involvement with the Hindu UWA club, Ritvik not only shares his culture with others but also connects with students who share similar values.

  
  

These efforts have allowed him to maintain a sense of belonging while contributing to the multicultural tapestry of Vancouver.

Conclusion: The Power of Stepping Outside Your Comfort Zone

Ritvik’s journey is a testament to the power of stepping outside one’s comfort zone and embracing new opportunities. From overcoming cultural shock to finding community through student clubs and work experiences, his story is an inspiration for any student navigating life in Vancouver.

Do you want to hear more stories like Ritvik’s? 🎧

Tune in to the full episode on the Canada Student Network Podcast available on your favorite podcast app. Stay tuned for more student journeys, tips, and advice!

✨ And don’t stop here. Explore more Canada student stories that will inspire you, challenge you, and remind you—you’re not alone.

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#8 - Ritvik Minhas from University of British Columbia - Canada Student Network Podcast