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How Disha built her dream community at ANU
ANU student Disha Taneja reflects on her experience as an international student at the Australian National University (ANU) and how being part of a welcoming and diverse community has made her journey unforgettable.
By Disha Taneja
What was it like moving to Canberra from overseas as an international student?
It was an interesting move; I realised that the city I am from, Chandigarh, and Canberra have similar infrastructure and were among the first planned cities. It was a very welcoming feeling being 10,000 km away from home to find the same roundabouts, walking trails, greenery and man-made lake. Coincidentally, my coach to Delhi Airport was from Novotel in Chandigarh, and I ended up in Novotel in Canberra through the Murrays coach from Sydney. I knew at that moment this place would eventually feel like home to me.
The first few weeks were harder than I thought. I entered with a very strong mindset and an open perspective. I was inviting new experiences with my arms wide open and was meeting people from all walks of life. But on my fourth day, I got a terrible allergy – I tried three doctors and to this date, I am unclear what I was allergic to, but it was the most painful one and a half months for me. I tried numerous medicines, doctors, remedies – nothing helped. It really did break some of my confidence. I was conscious of myself and my looks and tried covering the allergy as much as possible. I cried – A LOT, I felt homesick – A LOT, I missed my family – A LOT. But you know what? I fell in LOVE with myself in those hard times.
I became resilient. I felt powerful. I felt unstoppable. Overcoming that allergy felt like a victory and a belief that if I can handle this all by myself as an 18-year-old, I surely can do anything in life. Shortly after that, I made a painting called “An Unstoppable Force”, and I have been an unstoppable force since then.
How did you build your sense of community once you arrived at ANU?
When I arrived at ANU, I believed this was one of the biggest opportunities of my life. I am the first generation of women in my family who has ever prioritised themselves and their career before anyone or anything. I understood the value of opportunities and knew I had the power to change my life.
I was living in Wamburun Hall in my first year, and the hall had people from all around the world. Being obsessed with cultural exchanges and food, I started shooting recipe exchanges with fellow international students. Oh my days – without stepping outside the hall, I tasted Japanese, Belgian, and Spanish, you name it. I had cuisine and hours of conversation with these people that later felt like family. Wamburun shortly became my safe space, and the people became my home. I felt I belonged at ANU.
I also took a bold step soon after my first semester and ran for the International Students' Department (ISD) vice-presidential election. Everybody thought I would lose because I was competing against third-years, but I believed in what I said. In fact, I ended up winning the election!
That role allowed me to be in a leadership position and connect with other groups and societies, and that was the creation of my community on campus.
Disha has truly made a home in Canberra and built a community at ANU.
Can you describe a moment when you felt truly at home at ANU?
Later in my first year, I wanted to run in the presidential election. I mentioned to my friends that I would love their support. I had no expectations whatsoever, but on the day of the elections, over 30 people were sitting in the election room to support me.
No, I did not win the election, but that day I felt I WON in life. I won in creating the community I always wanted. These people were there for me, looking at me with so much trust and pride. My heart was full; that was my win. That was the day I felt I had made a community in ANU.
Also, living in Wamburun hall, I made so many friends with exchange students, and there came the time when people were leaving. It was very emotional; all of us cried every time an exchange student left. Still, in those small pockets of time, I realised we have been each other’s chosen family and have created memories and connections for life. I felt I met my people that day, and the best part is that most of them are still in contact.
What role has your culture played in helping you feel at home?
My culture is a part of my identity and has played a massive role in my university life. Everything I am today, every value I stand on, is a gift from my cultural and ethnic identity. I’ve felt more connected to my culture while studying abroad than I did at home in India. And it wasn’t just me – people around me were also more inclined to celebrate all the festivals, prayers, temple visits and things that we would normally take for granted.
To stay connected, I started tutoring Hindi and Indian culture and discovered so much about my culture by sharing my experiences and learning new knowledge. This year, a client of mine who I taught Hindi over the last two years visited my home in India and bought me a handwoven muffler using traditional Indian art that we learned when we first started working together. It was a full-circle moment for me. I felt so humbled and grateful beyond words.
Are there any ANU support systems or mentors that have helped you settle in?
I have been really lucky to have teachers and tutors who are always happy to support me. Honestly, I did not know anything about writing academic articles in my first year, but my professor helped me to understand them, guiding me to ANU Academic Skills and taking some time out from their busy schedule to work on different things with me. That was indeed a very special moment and I felt valued and cared for by the ANU staff and support systems.
Studying abroad at ANU has been a life-changing experience for Disha.
Looking back, how has your experience as an international student at ANU shaped who you are now and how you see the future?
Studying abroad was never a part of my plan, but after two and a half years of being an international student, I can proudly say no other path could have been better. I am very fortunate to have been able to do that at ANU because the opportunities I have gotten here have shaped my learning experiences and challenged me to push my limits and strive hard to be a better version of myself.
I have turned my dreams into realities. I had no clue if I could run a business while being at uni. Still, in April 2025, I launched my business, Glow Getaways, where I take people on group trips focusing on increasing positive social connections. It was a completely sold-out first trip, and the second one is happening in five days. Seeing my vision become a reality is still the most amazing thing I have witnessed as a part of ANU. In the future, I will take all the learnings and experiences and apply them to my ventures.
During my time at ANU, I have worn numerous caps – a show host, an international student, a two-time panellist, an entrepreneur, a leader, a volunteer, a friend, a content creator… and many more to come.
Thank you, ANU.
