Beyond Borders: The Diversity Chronicles

By Arista Dalal, Student Life Editor of The Graduate Press

Beyond Borders is a monthly column spotlighting the unique experiences of students from diverse backgrounds at the Graduate Institute. Each month, we dive into the stories, challenges, and joys faced by students from a different nationality or culture, offering insights to help future students navigate the ups and downs of life in Geneva. A lot of these experiences, resonate with people across cultures, creating a unique kind of “bonding through joy and misery” that transcends borders and backgrounds.Through personal stories, tips, and recommendations, we aim to celebrate our global community and foster a deeper understanding of the incredible diversity that enriches our campus. 

“From Samosas to Snow-Capped Alps: A Survival Guide for Indian Students in Geneva”

Each year, a wave of Indian students arrive at the Geneva Graduate Institute, carrying not just their textbooks, but also their culture, stories, and of course—a stash of spices. This month in Beyond Borders, we’re diving into the journey of Indian students at the Geneva Graduate Institute, who trade the lively chaos of India for Geneva’s calm, structured charm.   

Challenges Faced : From the Great Housing Hunt to Socialising 

One of the biggest initial challenges is often housing. Pratha Bhatt, a second-year MINT (Environment and Sustainability) student, shared: “When I first arrived, housing was my biggest challenge! I’d applied for Grand Morillon and got waitlisted, so I quickly learned the Geneva housing game and applied everywhere.” The housing market operates at a different pace here, with limited spots in university dorms and intense competition for apartments. The trick? Apply early and have backup options, from dorms to house shares.

Once housing is sorted, it’s time to dive into the social scene—where many students encounter a new kind of culture shock. “There’s just so much happening,” Dhruv Nilkanth, a first-year MINT (Conflict, Peace, and Security) student said. “There are countless social gatherings and apéros, so many events that it was draining at first. I had this constant fear of missing out.” His advice? Prioritize! Give yourself permission to skip some gatherings and guard your social energy. FOMO is real, but Geneva will still be buzzing tomorrow.

Then, of course, there’s the administrative labyrinth. From finding out where to print assignments to figuring out which travel pass to buy, those first few weeks can feel overwhelming. Thankfully, the admissions team, especially Alexia Lima, has been a lifesaver for many, helping them through essential processes. Pro tip: Join online forums, connect with seniors, and don’t hesitate to ask questions—the best advice often comes from those who’ve just been through it!

​​Things to Pack: Beyond the Basics

Dhruv learned a lesson in wardrobe planning after landing in Geneva’s chilly climate with only a single kurta and a less-than-cosy coat. “I wish I’d packed more kurtas! I’ve been to so many Indian events, and now every photo has me in the same one,” he laughed. Tip: Pack a few traditional outfits unless you want a repeat performance in every event photo!

Another student, Sanket Bhokre a second-year MINT (Conflict, Peace, and Security) student, found themselves wishing they’d planned ahead for formal occasions. “I didn’t realise I’d need more than just a casual look. Some extra formalwear would’ve been perfect for those academic and social events,” they admitted. Consider adding a few polished pieces to your suitcase to nail that Swiss-professional style and feel ready for every occasion Geneva throws your way.

Adjusting to Geneva: From Midnight Buzz to Peaceful Quiet

Coming from India’s energetic cities, where food stalls, family gatherings, and late-night meet-ups are part of the daily rhythm, landing in Geneva can feel like pressing the mute button on life. “In India, there’s always a buzz—even at midnight. Geneva, on the other hand, is quiet and structured,” Sanket said. Stores close early, and people actually seem to enjoy a bit of personal space! Yet, surprisingly, that calmness grows on you. Soon, Geneva’s serene vibe becomes less of a culture shock and more like a well-needed exhale.

Then there’s the punctuality. Swiss people don’t do “fashionably late”—they do “precisely on time.” From classes to coffee, everything starts on the dot, which is quite a shift from India’s flexible schedule. Dhruv confessed, “I learned pretty quickly that ‘Indian Standard Time’ doesn’t fly here!” The trick? Embrace Swiss timing as part of the fun. And speaking of culture shocks, Geneva’s dedication to eco-friendly living means you’ll become a pro at recycling and waste-sorting in no time. Consider it your crash course in sustainable Swiss living.

What’s funny is how fast the things you first find odd become the things you love. Geneva’s small size? Suddenly, it’s convenient—you can walk everywhere! The unpredictable weather? It keeps you on your toes (and forces you to carry a jacket at all times). And that quietness? Turns out, it’s a pretty nice backdrop for life.

Spice Up Your Life: Finding Indian Flavors in Geneva

Almost every Indian student mentions spices in their Geneva survival stories. As Pratha said, “Spices! I mean, of course, I packed some, but I underestimated how much I’d miss the little things like hing and jeera.” Fortunately, Geneva has a handful of Asian stores where you can find familiar ingredients to recreate tastes from home. Stores like Huna in the Grand Morillon, Madhura in Servette, Monsoon on Rue de Lausanne and Seelan in Meyrin offer a range of Indian groceries, from Haldiram snacks to fresh spices. And for those in search of a bite of comfort food on the go, Salsabeel near the institute, Multi Bazar and Paquis Bazaar near Butini come highly recommended.

Finding Community: Student Initiative for Asia and Beyond

Adjusting to a new culture is easier with community, and many Indian students find solace in connecting with familiar faces. Through organisations like the Student Initiative for Asia (SIA) and the Indian Association in Geneva (IAG), students have found their own slice of India within the city. For Sanket, “Being involved with SIA has been my go-to connection with Indian culture here. Celebrating our traditions and festivals makes it feel like home.” From Diwali celebrations to casual dinners, these communities become a haven for students to share memories of home.

Places in Geneva That Remind You of Home

For many Indian students, Geneva’s charm is sprinkled with small reminders of home in unexpected places. Dhruv laughed, “Honestly, the only place that reminds me of home is at the traffic lights during rush hour. It’s nowhere near Indian traffic, but it’s just enough to give me that nostalgic feel!” 

Then there’s the lively Rue de Paquis, a street bustling with energy and late-night food stalls that stay open past Geneva’s usual bedtime. “It’s like a tiny slice of home,” he said. “The late-night food, the aromas—it’s Geneva’s own little twist on India’s street food culture.”

Vitamin D Supplement: Embrace the Experience

For future students coming to Geneva, current students have one clear piece of advice: take a leap of faith and embrace the new. “My heartfelt advice to future Indian students is to take that leap of faith. Moving to Geneva has been a transformative journey,” Sanket reflected.  “Embrace the opportunities that come your way, and you will discover just how magical and enriching this journey can be.”

Pratha advised, “Embrace the new, but don’t let go of what makes you feel at home. Get involved in student initiatives, make friends from everywhere, and don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Oh, and don’t forget to pack extra spices; they’re worth their weight in gold.”

Geneva might feel like a world away from India’s bustling streets, but students find their own ways to make it feel like home. Whether it’s by sharing Indian meals during apéros, celebrating festivals like Diwali and Holi at Student Initiative on Asia (SIA) events, or joining cultural celebrations such as Ganesh Chaturthi, Eid, Christmas, Garba Dandiya, Gurpurab, and Durga Puja with the Indian Association Geneva, they’re building a life here, one experience at a time. 

“Be open to new things—expectations won’t always align with reality,” advised Dhruv. “Explore a lot, balance work and life, and remember to savour every moment. Geneva’s quiet charm grows on you, and before you know it, it becomes a part of who you are.”