October 1, 2025

Ishika, Computer Science Student

Meet Ishika: My Most Memorable Experience as a UCalgary Student

A few months after I turned 18, I packed up my warm clothes and boarded my very first international flight, leaving the beautiful warmth of India for a country 11.5 hours behind my home time zone. Landing in Calgary was both exciting and overwhelming, but what made all the difference were the opportunities waiting at the University of Calgary—far more than I had ever dreamt of.

Now in my 4th year of Computer Science, I can truly say that UCalgary has shaped me in countless ways. The curriculum not only builds the technical foundation needed to thrive in the tech world but also encourages collaboration across disciplines. Working on assignments with students from diverse fields has pushed my boundaries, honed my skills, and taught me how technology integrates with other areas of study—all supported by incredible professors and TAs who are always ready to help.

One of my fondest highlights has been living in residence during my first year as an international student. The Dining Centre became more than just a place to eat—it was where I made lifelong friends, shared endless late-night conversations, and experienced the joy of cultural nights. Every time Indian food was served, it felt like a piece of home, reminding me of my roots and helping me feel grounded in a new country. That sense of belonging was priceless.

Those memories inspired me to give back. In my 3rd year, I became a Community Ambassador with the Residence Experience Team, where I now get to welcome new students, host events that bring people together, and help create an inclusive community where making friends is effortless. Paying forward the warmth and welcome I once received has been one of the most rewarding parts of my journey.

Opportunities kept unfolding from there. My role as a CA helped me secure my current co-op with UCalgary’s Accommodations and Events team. This experience has been transformative, giving me direct client interaction and a behind-the-scenes look at how some of the university’s most successful and grand events come to life.

From hackathons and business clubs to volunteering and research, my time at UCalgary has been a journey of learning, friendship, growth, and belonging. I’ve gained not just knowledge and skills but also life-long memories and a true sense of place. Looking back, I feel incredibly grateful to UCalgary for being more than just a university—it has been a community that welcomed me, challenged me, and helped me grow into someone I never imagined I could be when I first stepped off that plane. To any future students reading this: say yes to opportunities, even if they feel outside your comfort zone. Get involved, connect with others, and make the most of everything this campus has to offer—you might just find that UCalgary becomes your home away from home, too.

The University has also given me space to grow academically and professionally through research. I am currently involved with the Hotchkiss Brain Institute and the OpenDH Lab, where our mission is to revolutionize healthcare for patients affected by neurological conditions such as stroke and Parkinson’s. At OpenDH, I’ve had the chance to work with wearable technologies and AI tools—skills that not only develop my research ability but also allow me to contribute toward innovative solutions in rehabilitation and recovery.

Beyond residence, volunteering has also been a core part of my journey. I still remember being a first-year, watching a 4th-year peer helper talk about wellness and thinking how impactful it was. That moment inspired me to volunteer with Student Wellness Services, where I now give interactive classroom presentations on stress management, connect students with campus resources, and plan wellness events each semester. It’s been a full-circle experience—going from being inspired to becoming that supportive voice for others.