For Saira Ramanna, an international student studying interior design at The Ohio State University, finding a welcoming and supportive global community was one of the biggest factors in choosing where to study.
“Ohio State stood out to me because it’s such a large university with a big international student community,” she said. “I knew there would be a lot of resources and support available. Everything I needed was right on campus, which made it feel like a good fit for me.”
Now in her third year, Ramanna said the university’s strong program in commercial design set it apart from others she considered. While most schools emphasized residential design, Ohio State’s curriculum aligned with her passion for commercial space. It is also CIDA accredited, a detail that mattered when she was applying.
Because she applied during the COVID-19 pandemic, Ramanna didn’t have the opportunity to visit campuses in person. Instead, she relied heavily on online research to assess the academic programs and campus environments.
Support from the Office of International Affairs helped ease her transition, and her academic advisor has been a consistent source of guidance. “Whenever I was confused about what classes I needed or had questions about my college plan, he was always there to help,” she said.
Outside the classroom, Ramanna is active in the International Interior Design Association, serving on the events committee. “I’ve made most of my friends through IIDA events and classes,” she said. “It’s been the best way to meet people and build connections.”
One of her favorite memories was hosting her childhood best friend over Thanksgiving break, which happened to fall on the weekend of the Ohio State vs. Michigan football game. “She got to experience the game day atmosphere on campus, which is honestly one of the best parts about going to Ohio State,” she said.
When asked what advice she would give to prospective international students, Ramanna explains, “Start this new phase of life with an open mind and don’t forget to be kind to yourself. It’s amazing that we’ve left everything we’ve ever known to create a life in a new country. Be proud of that, but don’t forget to have fun along the way.”