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For this Faces of ANU feature, we’d like you to meet Disha Taneja; a Bachelor of Psychology student at ANU and the recipient of the prestigious Chancellors International Scholarship. Since arriving in Australia in February 2023, Disha has embraced every opportunity to connect, learn, and grow. With a passion for exploring new cultures, meeting diverse people, and creating her own opportunities, she has carved out a unique and inspiring journey at ANU.

“My experience here has been nothing short of beautiful,” Disha reflects. “I’ve taken part in so many events and activities around campus, and I’ve found that there’s always something new to learn from the people I meet.” One of her most notable ventures has been her radio show, Disha in Australia, which she started in August 2023. In just a few months, Disha has turned this show into a platform for connecting with a wide variety of voices from Canberra’s entrepreneurial and business community. “I’ve had the chance to interview entrepreneurs, founders, and CEOs—people who were once in my shoes and are now running major businesses. It’s been such an eye-opening experience.”

But Disha’s connection to her community goes far beyond the professional sphere. Living in Wamburun Hall last year, she was immersed in a multicultural environment that felt like a journey around the world without leaving her residence hall. “I did recipe exchanges with people from all over, sharing food, stories, and traditions. I got to eat the most authentic sushi (made by a Japanese friend), kimbap from Korea and Brigadeiro from Brazil—talk about world travel!” Disha laughs. She even shared her own Indian heritage with her hallmates, teaching them how to make dal parathas. “It was a beautiful way to connect with others while celebrating our differences. And let’s be real, the food was incredible.”

For Disha, getting involved in clubs and societies was the key to building her community at ANU. "I started with clubs and societies, and they were the foundation of my journey," she says. Disha quickly took on leadership roles, becoming Vice President of multiple societies. She found that these positions helped her form close connections with other members, making it easy to meet new people.

Giving helpful tips on finding friends, she recommends all students to start by attending O-week events, but don’t stop there. "Make plans beyond the events and take the initiative to say hi," she advises. "Everyone is looking for friends, even if they have a big group. A simple ‘hi’ can make a huge difference." Disha also recommends seeking out smaller, informal communities like cooking clubs or residential events. "At a Hall that I previously lived in, we had a midnight cooking club, and it was a great way to meet people," she recalls. Whether on or off-campus, Disha believes there’s always an opportunity to connect.

She also recommends getting involved in events that encourage networking and building relationships, such as the Chancellor's International Scholarship event or programs like ANU+ and Set4ANU. "I’ve volunteered at ANU+ for so long, and it’s a beautiful way to meet people. After a while, you realize: ‘We’re friends now.’"

Her final piece of advice? "You’ll never know until you try. Say hi, make the effort, and attend events. Remember, everyone is looking for new friends, so don’t hesitate—your next best friend could be sitting right next to you, waiting for you to make the first move."