Divjot Saini is a second-year student from India majoring in mechanical engineering in the College of Engineering. Saini took time to share insights into his experience at Ohio State.
What made Ohio State the right choice for you?
Ohio State’s massive and beautiful campus immediately caught my attention. It’s a place that’s alive with energy, from the roar of football games to the buzz of students constantly doing something new. I wanted that mix of strong school spirit and serious academics. The engineering program stood out to me right away, but what really sealed it was how many opportunities there are here. There’s literally a club for everything, whether it’s sports, music, or tech, so I knew I’d be able to explore all my interests, not just sit in classrooms. Ohio State just felt like the kind of place where I could grow in every direction.
How was the process of joining the Ohio State community? How did you meet other Buckeyes?
At first, it felt a bit overwhelming because there are so many people. But pretty quickly, I realized that everyone here is incredibly welcoming. There’s always something happening on campus, from club fairs to sports events, and that makes meeting people feel very natural. I’ve met friends from all over the world, each bringing their own stories and cultures, which has been one of the best parts. Getting involved in clubs, playing sports, and just showing up to random events helped me feel like I was part of one big community. Now it honestly feels like I have a second family here.
How has your classroom experience been?
As a mechanical engineering student, I’ve loved how hands-on everything is. Instead of just learning theories, we actually get to build and test things and see how what we learn works in real life. One of my favorite classes involved working with Arduino systems, sensors, and coding, figuring out how everything connects in a real project. I’ve also gotten to use machines like lathes and drills, which gave me an early start with tools that real engineers use. Every class feels like progress toward the kind of engineer I want to become: creative, technical and focused on solving real-world problems.
What is a highlight of your time at Ohio State?
There have been so many moments that stand out, but winning the Makeathon competition was definitely a big one. It felt amazing to see our ideas come to life and actually get recognized. Another highlight has been my involvement with Kappa Theta Pi, where I lead the blockchain committee and get to teach members about new tech I’m passionate about. And then there’s the Beatbox Club. I’ve been beatboxing for years, but this is the first time I’ve found a real community for it. Performing and learning alongside some of the best beatboxers in Ohio has been incredible. And of course, nothing beats going to football, soccer, hockey and basketball games with friends. That energy is unbeatable. Ohio State really has something for every side of me.
What resources are you using on campus?
I’m a regular at the libraries because they’re perfect for when I need to zone in and get work done. I’ve also made good use of the free tutoring services whenever I’ve needed a little extra help. What I’ve realized is that Ohio State gives you everything you need to succeed, from academic resources to personal support. You just have to show up and use them.
How has Ohio State prepared you for your career?
Ohio State has done a great job preparing me both technically and professionally. The engineering courses give me a solid foundation, while Engineering Career Services has helped me build the confidence to step into the real world. Things like resume workshops, mock interviews, and networking events have made a huge difference. Between hands-on projects, strong academics, and the connections I’ve made here, I feel ready to take on whatever comes next as an engineer.
