When Shailly Kerkar left Goa, India, for college in the United States, she was looking for more than a strong academic program.
She wanted a place where she could challenge herself, build community and grow into the person she hoped to become.
“I’m originally from Goa, India, and when I was applying to universities, one of my main goals was to get into a strong computer science program — ideally within the top 50,” Kerkar said.
She applied to universities around the world, including the University of Michigan, New York University and the University of Maryland, but Ohio State stood apart.
“When all my decisions came in, Ohio State stood out in a way I didn’t expect,” she said. “It wasn’t just about rankings. It was the combination of everything like campus life, the scale of opportunities and especially the sense of community.”
Kerkar, now a sophomore majoring in computer science and engineering, said Ohio State offered the right balance of academic strength, affordability and student life.
“Compared to my other options, Ohio State offered the best balance of a strong program, affordability and an environment I could genuinely see myself thriving in,” she said. “It just felt right.”
Her college search began with rankings and academic reputation, but she quickly realized she wanted more than a prestigious name.
“My process was pretty structured at first,” Kerkar said. “I focused on rankings and shortlisted universities with strong computer science programs. From there, I started looking at factors beyond academics.”
In the end, she said, three factors mattered most: a strong computer science program, affordability and campus life.
“I wanted a place that challenged me academically but also gave me room to grow socially and personally,” she said.
Kerkar said her major appealed to her because it combines logic, creativity and problem-solving.
“More recently, I’ve been drawn to the intersection of technology and human-centered design. Especially how we can use engineering to build solutions that are not just functional, but meaningful and impactful,” she said.
She credited several Ohio State mentors with helping her succeed, including Assistant Professor Kadri Parris, Lecturer Jeremy Grifski and her STEP mentor, Chelsea Black.
“My STEP mentor, Chelsea Black, has been someone I can talk to about everything, from last-minute decisions and chaotic plans to moments where I felt really proud of myself,” Kerkar said. “Having that kind of guidance has made a huge difference.”
Outside the classroom, Kerkar said the 18th Avenue Library has become one of her favorite places on campus.
“The 18th Avenue Library has basically become my second home, especially during finals week,” she said.
She also found community through the boxing club during her freshman year.
“It was honestly one of my favorite experiences,” Kerkar said. “It was a great way to stay active, relieve stress and push myself physically, especially during busy academic weeks.”
The club also helped her make one of her closest friends.
“For me, getting involved isn’t just about joining clubs,” she said. “It’s about finding spaces where you can grow, meet people and feel like you belong.”
Like many international students, Kerkar said her first weeks at Ohio State were difficult.
“My first week at Ohio State was honestly overwhelming,” she said. “I was in a completely new country, didn’t know anyone and was really homesick.”
Over time, though, she became more comfortable and open to new experiences.
Now, some of her favorite memories come from late-night study sessions, coffee runs and spontaneous trips with friends.
One of her favorite adventures began with a last-minute skiing trip.
“A few days later, we were driving through snowstorms, dealing with tire issues and blasting music somewhere in the middle of nowhere on our way to West Virginia and then Washington, D.C.,” she said.
More recently, she took a trip with friends to the Great Smoky Mountains.
“Those moments — the chaos, the spontaneity, the people — are what made Ohio State feel like home,” Kerkar said.
For current and prospective international students, her advice is simple.
“Be yourself,” she said. “When you’re your most authentic self, you naturally find the right people.”
She also encourages students to be patient with themselves.
“There will be ups and downs, and everything in between,” she said. “Be bold, be kind, be a little chaotic if you want. Honestly, just do it for the plot.”
