The thrill of receiving an acceptance letter from the University of Chicago quickly turned into a whirlwind of uncertainty. The experience of international students at American universities is often fraught with challenges, from securing visas to adjusting to a new cultural environment. In 2020 alone, over 1 million international students were enrolled in U.S. institutions, contributing significantly to campuses’ academic and cultural fabric nationwide. However, the COVID-19 pandemic added an unprecedented layer of difficulty, with travel bans and visa delays disrupting plans for many. When I received my acceptance for a master’s program at the University of Chicago, my initial excitement was overshadowed by a pressing concern: would I even be allowed into the United States? During the pandemic, European Union citizens were banned from entering the U.S.. It was a peculiar situation, considering my Pakistani family could travel in and out of the country with ease, while I faced restrictions. Quarter 1 was set to begin in September 2021, but as August approached, my visa still hadn’t arrived. The Office of International Affairs suggested deferring my acceptance to Quarter 2 (January 2022), but this was easier said than done. To pursue my master’s at the University of Chicago, I had already quit my job. Returning to my position for the remainder of 2021 was not an option I could realistically consider. My journey through college in America was a mix of anticipation and anxiety. While the academic opportunities were unparalleled, the administrative and logistical hurdles were significant. Navigating these challenges required resilience and resourcefulness. I spent countless hours communicating with university officials, trying to expedite my visa process, and seeking temporary employment to fill the gap created by my deferred admission. The takeaway from my experience is clear: the path to higher education in the U.S. for international students needs to be more accessible and supportive. This includes increasing access to financial aid and enhancing college services tailored for international students, especially for those from lower-income and socio-economic backgrounds. For example, creating more need-based scholarships specifically for international students, providing emergency funds for those facing unexpected delays, and offering comprehensive orientation programs that address visa and employment issues can make a significant difference. Elected officials and university administrators must work together to create a more inclusive and streamlined process, ensuring that talented individuals from around the world can contribute to and benefit from American higher education without unnecessary barriers. Originally from the Netherlands, Zareen moved to Chicago for a Master of Public Policy at the University of Chicago and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Indiana University. Their professional experience includes working for the Kurdistan Regional Government and podcast host for “Root of Conflict” by the Pearson Institute.