Name: Krisha Gelli | Institution: Georgia Institute of Technology | Course: B.Sc | Location: Atlanta, USA
Key Insights:
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Smooth transition: Though nervous at first, Krisha quickly settled into Georgia Tech life and built lasting friendships.
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Diverse community: She enjoys the mix of Indian and international students that make campus life dynamic.
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Active balance: Between tough classes, sorority life, and volunteering as an EMT, she keeps a full, balanced routine.
- Campus connection: Krisha loves attending football games, charity events, and concerts that make her college life lively and social.
Krisha Gelli was not her usual self on her very first day at Georgia Tech — one of the most prestigious engineering schools in the US and the world. She wasn’t used to living in dorms, which gave her a few anxious moments. Surrounded by new faces, she felt uneasy even as she explored the campus with her best friend from high school.
All of that changed within days. Krisha quickly adjusted to her new life, made several new friends, and began living her best college life. “Overall, I am very happy with everything that Georgia Tech offers,” smiles Krisha, who is pursuing her B.Sc, in a chat with Global Indian.
Indian and international community at the campus
“There are a lot of Indians at Georgia Tech, both from in-state and out-of-state,” says Krisha. “There are also many international students. The campus is very diverse.” Her subjects include Biology, Intro to Chemical Principles, Physics, Neuroscience Principles, and Cell & Molecular Neuroscience, among others.
Within her first week, she met people from across the world, though it wasn’t easy at first. “It was hard for me to branch out from my high school friends. But by joining my sorority, I was able to meet new people and make some best friends,” says Krisha, who also participated in various campus activities for freshmen.
Exploring the campus
Georgia Tech’s campus is located in Midtown, just north of downtown Atlanta. Although skyscrapers like The Coca-Cola Company and Bank of America headquarters are visible nearby, the campus itself has few buildings over four stories and plenty of greenery, creating a suburban atmosphere.
While Georgia Tech is best known for engineering, Krisha notes that the Pre-Medical programs also offer excellent faculty and resources. “The school’s location in Atlanta which is a hub for communication, business, and hospita provides many opportunities for jobs and internships. I also considered the cost,” she adds.
Krishna Gelli and friends
Choosing Georgia Tech
Before joining Georgia Tech, Krisha considered other universities such as the University of Georgia and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. “The main factors I considered were academics and location. Georgia Tech excelled academically,” she says. She received her admission in late December and accepted in early February.
Having applied to many schools, Krisha wrote multiple essays every day. “It added value to my personality and career because it helped me develop my writing skills, which are crucial for my future.”
Scholarship advantage
As a Georgia resident, Krisha qualified for the in-state scholarship, which covers all tuition costs. “So, it was advantageous for me to remain in-state,” she says, describing her college years as one of the best experiences of her life and recommending Georgia Tech to other students.
Rigorous academics
“Academics at Georgia Tech are very rigorous,” Krisha says. “Professors expect a lot from students, and each class requires significant studying and participation.”
Though she hasn’t completed any specific projects yet, she plans to get involved in neuroscience research next semester. “My future plan is to go to medical school and then complete residency to become a doctor.”
Sorority life
Krisha wakes up early for her classes and walks to campus from her apartment. “I spend most of my day on campus attending classes,” she says. She also spends time at her sorority house studying and socializing with friends — a close-knit community of women that fosters friendship, leadership, and shared goals. “Overall, I am very happy with everything that Georgia Tech offers.”
Campus events
Krisha enjoys attending campus events such as freshman mixers designed to help new students connect. “Through my sorority, I’ve attended many events and charity fundraisers that support our philanthropy, including The Ronald McDonald House Charities.” The school also organizes job fairs and networking events. Krisha regularly attends these to explore new clubs and opportunities. “At job fairs, we get the chance to meet representatives and share our resumes.”
Clubs, volunteering and weekend life
Krisha actively participates in several clubs on campus. “I’m part of the Emergency Medical Services Club, where I volunteer to teach CPR classes and serve on campus as an EMT,” she shares. She is also involved with Miracle, a student organization that supports a children’s hospital.
On weekends, Krisha enjoys attending football games with her friends and cheering for the Georgia Tech team. “I also love going on walks, attending concerts, and cooking with my roommates,” she says.
Parental support
Krisha’s father is a software engineer and her mother works in payroll. “Both have been crucial in motivating and supporting me in my academics. They helped me succeed in high school, which laid the foundation for attending such a great college now.”
