Vishrut’s Journey from New Arrival to Victorian Student of the Year

When we sat down with Vishrut to learn more about his journey, this is not just a story about a student's thriving. It’s a story about a young man rebuilding himself through community, kindness, and unwavering courage. From leaving Uttar Pradesh to becoming Victorian Student of the Year (Regional), we asked him to take us back to the very beginning.  Specifically, we wanted to know: What were some of the biggest challenges in the lead-up to his move, especially with everything coming together so last minute?

His answer set the tone for a story defined by courage.

The days before my move to Melbourne felt like a movie scene that was rushed, dramatic and slightly chaotic. My visa came after months of delays and suddenly I had only twelve hours to pack, say goodbye to my family and get on a plane. Emotionally it was a mix of excitement, fear, confusion and a lot of googling about Australian weather. It felt like I was jumping into a new life before I even understood what was happening. That moment taught me resilience even before I arrived.

That sense of being swept into a new chapter carried with him as he landed in Melbourne and arrived at Deakin Res. We asked what he remembered most about that first day, the moment many international students look back on as a turning point.

I remember walking into Res carrying two suitcases that were definitely heavier than me and wondering how people made it look so effortless in the brochures. Someone said ‘Hi, welcome!’ and I turned around like they must be talking to someone else. The kindness felt unreal. I also remember spending far too long trying to figure out the washing machine and feeling extremely proud when I succeeded. That was my first success in Australia.

But belonging often begins not with big moments, but with small acts of kindness. So we asked if there was a moment early on that made him feel like he truly belonged here.

On the very first evening at Res, one of my neighbours knocked on my door and simply said ‘You must be new, do you want some dinner?’ That plate of pasta was the warmest welcome I could have imagined. In that moment, a stranger made me feel like I belonged here. I did not know their name yet, but they made Australia feel a little less scary.

As he settled into life on campus, we wanted to know about his favorite memories, the pieces of everyday life that shaped his experience.

My favourite memories are the small, funny and unexpected ones. Late-night conversations on level 11 that went so deep we forgot the time. Cooking disasters that somehow turned into group dinners. Celebrating tiny victories like finishing an assignment or learning to use the oven without burning anything. And of course the evening when my Res friends screamed louder than me at the awards night. Their joy was bigger than mine. That moment will stay with me forever.

These moments weren’t just fun,  they were formative. So we asked how living on Res shaped his confidence and sense of self.

Res taught me to start again with courage. I arrived unsure, tired from the visa rollercoaster and afraid of being alone in a new country. Living on Res taught me to open up, trust people and build connections that felt like family. It helped shape my confidence and reminded me that leadership does not require perfection, only authenticity. Res was where I learned to be myself again.

Community support is often what helps students navigate the challenges of a new country, and we asked how the Res community helped him during this transition.

The Res community made the transition smoother than I ever expected. There was always someone around for a chat, a walk, a shared meal or a quick lesson on how Australian slang works. It gave me a sense of routine and belonging during a time when everything else felt new and unpredictable. Res made me feel less like an international student and more like a part of a community.

One of the most moving parts of his story is the night his name was called for the Victorian Student of the Year (Regional) Award. We asked: What went through your mind in that moment?

The moment my name was announced, everything went quiet in my head. I thought about the twelve-hour notice, the uncertainty, the loneliness of the early days and all the students I tried to support so they would never feel the way I once did. I felt grateful, overwhelmed, and genuinely shocked. My first thought was ‘Is this really happening?’ followed by ‘I hope my friends recorded this.’ Their happiness made the moment even more special.

With so many achievements behind him, we wanted to understand how Res contributed to where he is today.

Res was the starting point of everything I built. It gave me friendships, confidence, and a sense of belonging that helped me step into leadership roles across Deakin. It taught me how to support others, how to show up for a community, and how to create spaces where people feel safe and valued. Without Res, I would not be the person I am today.

Today, his life is a blend of leadership, community service, and mentorship,  so we asked him to describe what his world looks like now.

Life now is a beautiful mix of study, community work and leadership. I serve on the Deakin Academic Board, support student wellbeing through DUSA, mentor new students, lead BuildHub Deakin and work casually with the Alumni Engagement Team. Beyond Deakin I stay connected with local organizations, multicultural groups and regional student networks. My journey has grown, but the purpose remains the same. To support students the way I was once supported.

Staying connected to Deakin is clearly important to him, so we asked why.

Deakin became my home when I arrived with uncertainty and a single suitcase. Staying connected feels natural because the community shaped my confidence, my opportunities and my sense of belonging. The friendships, the mentors and the support I received continue to inspire me to give back. Deakin is not just a university for me. It is a place that changed my life.

Knowing how many international students look up to him, we asked what advice he would give to those preparing to move into Res.

My advice is simple. Say yes to conversations, join activities even if you are shy, and ask for help without hesitation. Everyone around you is also figuring things out. Bring one comfort item from home, learn to cook at least one dish and keep your room key safe. Most importantly, remember that you belong here. You are not alone.

We also asked him how living on campus can help students make the most of their experience in Australia.

Living on campus places you in the middle of a community that grows with you. You meet people from every corner of the world, learn independence in a safe environment and form friendships that make the journey less overwhelming. Res gives you access to support, events, shared experiences and a built-in family that stays with you long after you move out.

Finally, we asked him to reflect on the full journey, from Uttar Pradesh to Melbourne, from uncertainty to leadership.

My story feels like a reminder that beginnings do not define what you can achieve. I arrived in Australia scared and unsure, with twelve hours to leave home and start a new chapter. Today I look back with gratitude because every challenge shaped my purpose. It means that courage can come from unexpected places and that kindness from strangers can change a life forever.

And in a final, deeply honest reflection, we asked what people often don’t see about journeys like his.

People often see the achievements but not the quiet evenings when I missed home, or the moments of doubt during the first few weeks. They may not see how challenging it can be to restart your life alone in a new country. But they also do not see how powerful small acts of kindness are for international students. For me, Res was not just accommodation. It was my first home in Australia and the place where I rebuilt myself with the help of people who barely knew me but still cared.