Name: Siddharth Roddam | Institution: New York University | Course: Bachelor’s in Economics | Location: USA
Key Highlights
• City as campus: NYU’s New York setting offers Siddharth an immersive, fast-paced learning experience
• Global classroom: Diverse professors and peers bring worldwide economic perspectives into every lecture
• Consulting ambition: Inspired by strategy and problem-solving, he aims to build a career in consulting
• Beyond academics: Guitar sessions, sports, and city life keep his college journey balanced and dynamic
The day Siddharth Roddam landed in New York was exhilarating. It was the start of a thrilling new chapter. Stepping onto NYU‘s campus, he eagerly anticipated making new friends, reconnecting with old ones, and adjusting to the vibrant environment. NYU’s diverse student body pleasantly surprised him, and the sheer number of people helping him move into the dorm brought a wide smile to his face. “I love New York City and was curious to discover college life on an unconventional campus. After all, the city itself is NYU’s campus,” Siddharth tells Global Indian.
Once settled, his first week buzzed with icebreaker activities alongside groups from his courses, including a trip to the spectacular Radio City Music Hall and a Broadway theater outing. “NYU’s activities create a supportive environment that helps students feel right at home.”
Welcoming professors and global insights
“My professors were incredibly welcoming, which shows why NYU is so revered,” says Siddharth, who is pursuing economics and liberal studies at NYU’s College of Arts and Science (CAS).
Their teaching methods reflect origins from Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America. “They draw on worldwide economic examples to explain development topics, trade, monetary policy, and inequality,” Siddharth explains. This international perspective makes learning more meaningful, as he can easily relate the material to his home country, India.
NYU over Denver: City vibes win
Siddharth soon discovered a strong community of students from Hyderabad at NYU, some of whom are now among his closest friends. “My classmates and professors, from all corners of the world, were welcoming, and I never felt out of place,” he says. He later plans to transfer to NYU’s prestigious Stern School of Business.
Before NYU’s acceptance, he was admitted to the University of Denver, but NYU was his dream school. “The city pulses with energy from exciting food spots by day to buzzing nightlife,” Siddharth notes. NYU’s “campus” stretches from Union Square to Brooklyn, fostering an open learning environment that blends languages, cultures, and intellectual perspectives.
Dorm life and easy adjustments
NYU’s dorm community offers international students vital support for settling in. “The university hosts social activities like sports events, movie screenings, and weekend excursions through neighborhoods, helping students connect in relaxed settings,” Siddharth says.
In the dorm lounges, he often plays pool, table tennis, and other games with friends. “At first, I missed home—the food, family, and warm weather. But adjusting was easy, and I quickly adapted to life in the US.”
Aspiring consultant
Siddharth who aims to become a consultant is drawn to how the role helps solve problems while forging meaningful connections, and has even done an internship at Deloitte. “I worked directly with clients to identify issues and craft solutions that deliver real results. The fast-paced work, constant learning, and industry variety excite me,” says the youngster who loves consulting’s collaborative side: “It taps my knack for teamwork, knowledge-sharing, and tackling evolving challenges.”
Weekends: Games, pickleball, and city adventures
After finishing coursework, Siddharth unwinds with friends on weekends. “We explore the nightlife or play games like Mario Party, Monopoly, Poker, and Ticket to Ride.” He stays active with pickleball and loves watching movies with friends, both the new releases and classics. Winter favorites include ice skating and Christmas markets.
Guitar: A lifelong passion
Playing guitar is one of Siddharth’s top hobbies. “I’ve played since I was eight, nearly every day. It sharpens my focus and creativity, leaving me relaxed and at peace,” he says. He took formal coaching, passed exams for seven grades with distinctions, studied music theory for one grade, and performed in school concerts and plays. “Now, my roommate and I do karaoke. I play guitar, he sings.”
Roots in Hyderabad
Born on June 29, 2006, in Arlington, Virginia, Siddharth soon moved to Hyderabad, where he grew up. His father works at Deloitte, a consulting firm, and his mother at Corteva, an agriscience company. Academically strong throughout school, he excelled in 11th and 12th grades. Math was his forte, matched by biology and chemistry. “I initially eyed medicine, but by 11th grade’s end, economics and business management hooked me. A year later, consulting became my path.”
Sports fanatic at heart
Beyond academics, Siddharth follows cricket, tennis, F1, basketball, and American football avidly. “I played a lot of cricket and tennis growing up, but post-COVID, time has been scarce.”
Family’s proud support
When Siddharth shared his US study plans, his parents saw it as a chance for academic and personal growth. “They were proud of my drive for global opportunities, making the decision easier,” he says. Grandparents and extended family shared the pride, despite the distance. “It saddened them to be so far, but they supported it as a way to broaden my horizons and build international ties.”
- Follow Siddharth Roddam on LinkedIn
