What I Learned at Bentley University as a Nepali International Student — And My Advice to Incoming Students

If I’m being real, before coming to Bentley, I was shy and quiet. I still consider myself introverted in some ways, but back then—it was different. I had no idea what life in the U.S. would look like. I didn’t plan much. I didn’t know what to expect. I just showed up and hoped for the best.

Everything felt so different from Nepal—the people, the lifestyle, the way classes worked. It was a lot to take in. I missed home, my friends, my family. I leaned on my brother for everything. And honestly, if you had asked me during that first semester—I would’ve told you I liked Nepal better.

I came in thinking I would study accounting, mostly because that’s what was expected back home. In Nepal, there’s this pressure to pick “safe” and “practical” careers like science, finance, or accounting. If I were still there, I probably would’ve followed that path without ever exploring what I truly liked.

But Bentley changed that.

Discovering What I Really Loved

Once I started taking classes, I realized how much more was out there. I didn’t want to spend four years studying something I didn’t enjoy just because society said I should.

Then I started working in Undergraduate Admissions—both as a admission fellow and a social media manager—and something clicked. I loved storytelling, connecting with people, and being creative. That’s when I truly fell in love with marketing.

Bentley didn’t just shift my academic path. It helped me find my voice.

I was scared to speak up. But giving campus tours, hosting events, and interviewing prospective students forced me to grow. I eventually became President of Momentum (Bentley’s hip-hop dance group) and President of ISA (International Student Association). Those experiences taught me how to lead—and believe in myself.

Once-In-A-Lifetime Experiences

Because of Bentley, I’ve had some of the most surreal experiences of my life:

• Studied abroad in Brazil for 10 days

• Got selected as a Career Day Ambassador with the Boston Celtics

• Sat courtside at a game, visited their headquarters, and even met the players

• Was featured in the Bentley Newsroom (something only a few students ever experience)

These things wouldn’t have happened if I hadn’t been open to trying something new.

My Advice for New Students

Whenever prospective students ask me what Bentley is like, or what I’ve learned, I always share this:

1. Don’t limit yourself.

I came in thinking I had to study accounting. But one marketing class changed everything. Don’t be afraid to switch paths. You’re allowed to grow.

2. Grades matter, but experiences matter more.

Your GPA is important—but the real learning happens outside the classroom. Don’t miss out on memories, performances, or leadership roles because you’re too focused on perfection.

3. Get involved.

Joining Momentum and ISA helped me meet some of the best people in my life and shaped me into who I am. Don’t wait—jump in.

4. Say yes to small opportunities.

I started working in Admissions because I loved making content. I never expected it to lead to the Celtics opportunity. But it did—because I said yes and gave it my all.

5. Try things that scare you.

Performing a solo Bollywood dance at Bentley’s biggest show every year for four years? Terrifying at first. But now, it’s one of my proudest memories.

6. Talk to people.

Professors, staff, alumni, peers—some of my biggest breakthroughs came from random conversations.

7. Trust yourself.

I came here unsure, homesick, and afraid. I’m leaving more confident than I ever thought possible. Bentley didn’t just give me a degree—it gave me me.

Final Thoughts

If you’re about to start college, especially as an international student:
Go in with an open mind. Be curious. Take up space.

You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to be willing to grow.

Bentley helped me grow—and I’ll always be grateful for that.