How the Common Room Club is building a community for international students
Starting college abroad is an exciting new chapter, bringing opportunities to explore a different culture, build new friendships, and find a sense of belonging in a new environment. Inspired by their own experiences as international students, New Media Design students Shivika Chopra and Nutsa Sesiashvili founded the Common Room Club at RIT Croatia to help incoming students feel welcomed, connected, and supported from the moment they arrive.
From personal experience to student initiative
As international students themselves, Shivika and Nutsa experienced firsthand what it feels like to arrive in a new country and have questions about everything from transportation and banking to finding a good place to study. "We often found ourselves confused or unsure about everyday things," they explain. After talking with other international students, they realized many felt the same way and decided to create a space where students could connect, ask questions, and support one another. "That's when we decided to create the Common Room Club, a space where incoming students could ask questions freely, make connections, and feel supported by peers who had recently been in their shoes."
"We want students to feel that they already have a community waiting for them before they even arrive in Zagreb," Shivika explains. Working closely with RIT Croatia's International Office, the club helps students before and after their arrival by answering questions, sharing advice, and organizing events that make settling into a new environment less stressful.
Creating a sense of community
The Club welcomes students from around the world, creating opportunities for members to share traditions, experiences, and perspectives while learning about Croatia and one another. "We always hope participants leave having learned something new or made a new friend," says Nutsa. Among the most popular activities are picnics and day trips, which give students an opportunity to connect outside the classroom and experience Croatia together. "Some of the best conversations and friendships have started during these outings," they say.
These interactions often lead to meaningful friendships and help students develop a deeper appreciation for different cultures. "One of the most rewarding moments is seeing students who first met through the Common Room continue spending time together long after the event ends," Shivika says. For the organizers, seeing those friendships develop is a reminder that the club is accomplishing exactly what it sets out to do: creating a genuine sense of community.
The Club’s mission
Leading the Common Room Club has also been a learning experience for its founders. Through helping other students navigate challenges, they have strengthened their own leadership, communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills. Looking to the future, they hope to reach even more incoming students and continue expanding the club's activities.
Shivika’s and Nutsa’s vision remains simple: to ensure that every student arriving at RIT Croatia feels welcomed, supported, and connected from the very beginning. Ultimately, the Common Room Club demonstrates that sometimes the most important part of studying abroad is not just where you go, but the people who help make it feel like home.
