Hi! I’m Arush, a sophomore at UMD studying astronomy and, somehow, still finding time to play a ridiculous amount of cricket. I’ve always been fascinated by space, which is probably why I willingly chose astronomy as a major, and cricket has been a huge part of my life for years. At UMD, I get to do both, whether I’m learning about galaxies in class or arguing with my teammates about whose batting technique is actually worse. If you see me out and about you'll find me usually exploring campus, meeting new people, or pretending to get work done. Since coming to UMD, this place has gone from a giant campus where I had absolutely no idea where anything was to somewhere that genuinely feels like a 2nd home. That’s why I’d love to be a tour guide. I'd be your inside scoop on what it means to live like a Terp.

Hometown

Pleasanton, California

Major(s)

Physics, Astronomy

Clubs, organizations & involvement

Cricket Club - Admin Undergraduate Quantum Association Sky at UMD

Describe your college experience

The transition to college was great!, I really enjoyed how sociable the environment is. People are easy to connect with across dorms, classes, and student groups. Having an active social scene made it straightforward to find my footing, build a reliable community, and feel comfortable on campus early on.

Tip for future students

Go to office hours early, even if it’s just to introduce yourself. Professors are much more approachable when you aren't asking for last-minute help right before an exam. Also, don't feel pressured to join every club or attend every event in the first month. Finding a solid routine and protecting your sleep will pay off way faster than trying to do everything at once.

Favorite class

GEOG 140 (Natural Disasters) is my favorite because it connects earth science directly to human infrastructure. Instead of just studying how earthquakes or hurricanes form, we analyze why two identical natural events produce completely different outcomes based on city planning, building codes, and regional resources. It changed how I read the news and look at urban design, making geography feel practical, grounded, and immediately relevant to everyday life.

Career goals

I plan to attend graduate school to specialize further in astrophysics. My undergraduate studies will give me a strong foundation, and pursuing an advanced degree is the step in order to get into my end goal of doing research.

Ideal way to spend a free night

How I spend a free night depends on my mood. If I feel extroverted, I’ll go out and explore a new area with a friend. If I feel introverted, I’ll solve a jigsaw puzzle while singing to my favorite beats out loud.

High school or secondary school

Amador High School

Favorite spot on campus

My favorite spot on campus is the rec well turf field. It’s packed with pickup games during the day, but late at night it empties out completely. Having a quiet, open space right on campus makes it a solid spot to clear my head and decompress.