Student Spotlight: Riana Verma 28Ox
For Riana Verma, leaving her home in India to study at Oxford College of Emory University wasn’t just about pursuing academics—it was about discovering herself in a new culture and community.
“I decided to study abroad because both my parents and my sister studied in the U.S. and spoke about how different it is,” she says. “My parents have emphasized the importance of gaining cultural awareness and exploring different places in the world – to live our lives and not stay constricted to one place, which played a big role in my decision.”
When choosing where to study, Oxford College’s close-knit community stood out.
“It [Oxford] really spoke to me. It eases the transition into college and helps you feel less overwhelmed, while still giving you the best of both worlds with the Atlanta campus.”
Arriving in the U.S. brought its share of surprises. “I was most surprised by the amount of workload you have to balance with the rest of your curriculum in the U.S.,” she says. “There is so much more to college life here than just studying, including other initiatives and opportunities like research, internships, being a TA, different campus jobs, and of course campus involvement that overall create your college life.”
She was also struck by the level of support Oxford provides. “I was surprised by the amount of support provided for students in almost every aspect, like the ASC or mental health support, and support by the faculty, and so on,” she says. “College over here provides so many more resources than I would have imagined.”
Making friends in a new country took both courage and openness, but she found a connection quickly. “Before coming to campus, I connected with people online—like my roommate and other students from India,” she says. “Everyone here was so welcoming, which made it easier to adjust.”
Getting involved on campus helped her feel even more at home. As President of the South Asian Cultural Association (SACA), she plans major events and loves sharing her culture through food and community. “A big part of Indian culture is feeding your guests,” she says with a smile. “I love introducing my friends to my favorite snacks and drinks—it’s fun to share my culture with them through food and learn so much about theirs.”
She also serves as an International Student Leader with iMentor, supporting new international students as they navigate life at Oxford. Her message to them is simple: “You’re not going through it alone. Everyone around you wants to make new connections, too.”
Her sense of belonging, she says, came gradually—through small moments that accumulated into comfort.
“It happened when I wasn’t scared to go to the dining hall alone, when I joined events by myself, or when I rode the shuttle to Atlanta to see friends, walking around the quad with my friends made me feel like I really belonged to Ox.”
When homesickness hits, she finds comfort in familiar routines. “I drink tea from home—it reminds me of my parents and grandparents,” she says.
At Oxford, Riana is majoring in Economics and Mathematics, exploring how data, policy, and human behavior intersect. She works as a math tutor, a library assistant, and a researcher studying income inequality with Professor Christopher Blake.
She also channels her passion for sustainability through the Emory Sustainable Business Group, where she serves as a marketing associate and Oxford liaison, and most recently as a sustainability consultant for CAVA, analyzing corporate practices in diversity, equity, and inclusion.
“These experiences have taught me how interconnected everything is—economics, sustainability, policy, and people,” she says.
One course that profoundly influenced her was Religion 170: American Minority Religions. “It changed how I think about people’s beliefs and experiences in the U.S.,” she says. “It opened my eyes to how integrated and important religion is in our day-to-day life.”
Living and studying in another culture has broadened her worldview. “I have learned to analyze situations in completely different ways,” she says. “I will always carry what I have learned from this class with me.”
Now, Riana is thinking ahead to how she can use her international experience to make a global impact. “I’ve realized I love exploring and learning about different cultures,” she says. “I hope to work at the intersection of public policy, sustainability, and business—and to keep traveling and learning wherever life takes me.”
Reflecting on her journey so far, she smiles. “I’ve learned that I really value connection with others,” she says. “Being away from home taught me that relationships are what keep me grounded—and that no matter where I go, I can build community.”