International student Ritu Shiroya M’22 is in her second year of studying Architecture at UHart’s College of Engineering, Technology, and Architecture (CETA).
In addition to being a student, Shiroya also works as a student ambassador at International Pathway Program (IPP) and is a member of the English native speaker club. She arrived in the United States from India in January of 2020 and decided to immerse herself in the new country and the beginning her academic program, a Master of Architecture.
When she arrived on campus, she thought life at an American university would be intimidating as an international student, so Shiroya took advantage of the International Student support services at UHart. Specifically, she says, “I managed well thanks to the international departments. As a result of their guidance, I was able to set up a bank account, get a cell phone number, and use public transportation very easily.”
There she also learned about the value of participating in activities, clubs, and organizations available to all students. She gives a word of advice to new students, “I recommend students pay attention to on-campus events, webinars, lectures, conferences, and meetings that could ultimately assist with career development, and make full use of the resources available to you on campus.”
When asked about her graduate program of study, Shiroya says, “Being a student in this M.Arch program, I am able to observe the actual ongoing project as a studio project, which helps me better understand the city planning regulations, construction methods, and design of the city.” During her studies, she had the opportunity to work on a proposal planning project for the City of Hartford. The Hartford400 city plan document brochure includes her work as a North Cove Design. The project is part of the course she’s taking with Professor Crosbie, where they are designing studio projects. “The opportunity to be a part of the city of Hartford growth was very fulfilling for me,” she says.
Shiroya believes faculty members at the University of Hartford engage in independent thought rather than only the traditional classwork seen at some universities. “This flexibility,” she says, “and the way they strongly supported student input in their own course is admirable.”
In the classroom, CETA provided Shiroya the opportunity to learn a new software specific to the architectural world. She believes it will help her stand out from the competition when it comes time to secure a job. She says, “My education at UHart has prepared me for a smooth transition from school to work by enhancing my earning potential, developing professional skills that are relevant to my career, expanding my professional network, and increasing my likelihood of personal growth.” In May 2022, she will graduate from the master's program in architecture, and she plans to obtain her Architect license and practice in the United States.
Ritu Shiroya '22, Master of ArchitectureMy education at UHart has prepared me for a smooth transition from school to work by enhancing my earning potential, developing professional skills that are relevant to my career, expanding my professional network, and increasing my likelihood of personal growth.