'I Was Much Happier Living Through Poverty' In India—Student Struggles After Moving To The U.S. For A Master’s Degree

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A graduate student who moved from India to the United States for a master’s degree says they feel lonelier and more lost now than when they were living in poverty back home.

The Reddit post, shared on r/povertyfinance, hit home for many immigrants and Americans who know how hard and overwhelming life in the U.S.

“I Thought I Was Working Toward the Life I Want”

The student shared that after getting into a good university, they just wanted to build a simple, steady life.

Instead, they found themselves surrounded by wealthy and polished classmates.

“I’m not fitting with the crowd, everyone is upper class around me. I’m not polished or sophisticated enough and miss a lot of social cues,” the student wrote.

“I think I liked my life back home in India, I was much happier when I was living through poverty.”

They emphasized that their goal was never to become rich.

“I’m not super ambitious either but have just come here to live a modest life. I just want to support my family and give a modest life to them.”

The Weight of Class and Culture Shock

Many commenters recognized the student’s experience as a combination of culture shock and class isolation.

One person wrote, “America is a rat race. Everyone is just trying to one-up everyone else. You’ll fall apart if you’re not built for the game.”

The student replied, “That’s what I realized about myself. I do not have it in me to be part of this rat race. I only craved for security in life and to be part of the intellectual world.”

Despite seeing extreme poverty firsthand in India, the student said they are now struggling to cope with the pressures of American life.

“Now that I see the good side of it I cannot bear it for some reason.”

“All My Energy Is Going Into Figuring Out How to Conduct Myself Here”

It’s clearly taking a toll. The student said they feel like they’re just trying to get through each day and use up most of their energy trying to blend in.

One poster noted this could be imposter syndrome, which the student acknowledged.

“I come from the lowest of all classes in India,” they said.

“And also I am surrounded by people who are all upper class, upper class in true sense. Parents own multiple homes, own companies.”

Support and Advice From the Community

Others who had been through similar transitions shared advice: focus on finishing the degree, stop trying to fit in, and find community with people who understand your background.

“Trying to fit in is a waste of time,” one top comment said.

“Focus on you. On learning. On getting the best grades and outcome for a job offer. That is the goal.”

Another encouraged the student to compartmentalize social groups: treat wealthy peers as professional contacts, not close friends, and instead build deeper friendships with others from similar backgrounds.

Some recommended practical ways to cope: join cultural or interest-based student groups, seek counseling, and find more middle-class spaces to live and socialize.

“I Lost the Courage That Got Me Here”

The student noted that they’ve been in Los Angeles for seven months but still feel like they don’t belong.

“The worst of all is that I lost the courage that got me here and the confidence I had,” they wrote. “People tell me I look scared and underconfident all the time.”

Still, they expressed hope that the experience will at least provide the intellectual growth they craved.

“I will see this as an opportunity to learn,” they said.

“My top priority has always been to give my family a modest life and I got distracted with trying to fit in with the crowd.”

In a world where appearances and polish often count more than effort and authenticity, this student’s story is a reminder that the pursuit of education and a better life can come with invisible costs, ones that many immigrants silently carry every day.