10 Things I’ve Learned Living With Indians At Syracuse University

During this semester I've learned a ton about Indian culture. They love tilting their heads, dancing the Wobble Dance and always having their doubts.

I'm an American student receiving a MS in Information Management from the School of Information Studies at Syracuse University, and Indians surround me. In all seriousness the majority of my program is Indian (51%) followed by Chinese then American.

During this semester I've learned a ton about Indian culture. They love tilting their heads, dancing the Wobble Dance and always having their doubts.

Wobble Baby

Via youtube.com

Aside from the cultural differences they are good people. Below I've highlighted why Indians are awesome people and the 10 things I've learned from living amongst Indians.

1. Partying

As an American, and being an American who was in a fraternity, we have a predatorial mindset. We go to parties to have fun but primarily to meet women. Indians on the other hand seem to enjoy each other's company, and look to have a good time.

Anyhow, guys and girls love to dance with each other and listen to Bollywood/American songs.

Some of my favorite Bollywood songs include:

Yaariyan Sunny Sunny (Aaj Blue Hai Pani Pani)

Angreji Beat Gippy Grewal Feat Honey Singh

I recently brought my Indian friend Ankur to an American party on Westcott — blew his mind.

Americans: Girls in bras

Indians: Girls in Salwar Suits

You will never see one in a bra (unless you're dating). One thing for certain Indians know how to dance. Going to Diwali, I felt like I was on set of a Bollywood movie.

2. Eating Ghee on the Daily

Indians love their ghee, and I love their ghee. Indian food is delicious. My favorite is tandoori and chicken curry.

Unfortunately for me I eat paleo so I stay away from the samosas and chapati.

3. Culture

Indians are literally the nicest people on the planet. They will ask you all about yourself and thoroughly interested in getting to know you. It's not uncommon to eat lunch with a few friends and all of a sudden a few more Indians show up to your place unannounced. It's totally acceptable. They are then treated with food and will never ask you for money in return for feeding you. Unheard of in America.

4. Words Indians Say

I love their British English. I was so fascinated I created an Evernote — Words Indians Say. My favorite is doubt, which is used instead of I have a question.

5. Indians Are Fascinated With The Snow

In Syracuse its snows daily, so when it does, your Facebook feed blows up with status like this one…

6. Celsius

I quickly learned that Indians communicate in Celsius, so I had to change my weather app too.

7. Assignments

Indians are obsessed with knowing how you did on your assignments. You literally need to blast your music with your headphones on to not be disturbed. Instead of asking how your System Design Course is going, they will ask

"How's 654?"

Course numbers are strictly used. I learned quickly that you mustn't be rude, ignore them or blow them off when they do ask. You literally have to stop what you're doing, kill your creative rhythm and have that friendly conversation.

8. Grades

Following an exam everyone is curious about how you did. I was taken aback at first but they only do so to calculate the average in their head and see how they stack up with the rest of the class.

9. WhatsApp and Emoticons

WhatsApp is Indians go-to texting app, and don’t get me started with the thumbs up emoticon.

They absolutely love it!

It can be used in a variety of ways:

Following a sentence—Thumbs up

When someone asks you how you're doing—Thumbs up

When someone is in agreement—Thumbs Up

You get the idea.

10. Facebook

Indians love Facebook. I’d be willing to say that they love Facebook even more than Americans. How is that even possible you may ask? Well, it’s not unheard of for someone to get over a 100 Facebook likes at 1am. Indians stay up late to communicate overseas.

In Closing

As you can see Indians are chill people! I've had such a good time with them I decided to travel to India next Dec ('15). Now looking forward to being the minority but now in India!

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