Student Spotlight: Manish Mishra, India

Hi Manish! Please introduce yourself, and tell us what drew you toward computer science in the first place.

Hi! I’m Manish Mishra from Kolkata, India. I’m currently pursuing a Bachelor’s in computer science and engineering with a specialization in artificial intelligence and data engineering at Lovely Professional University, Jalandhar, Punjab. My journey into computer science began when I was around 13 and my school organized a small bootcamp on making simple web pages. That was the first time I discovered that there’s something fascinating happening behind those attractive websites we see every day. During that bootcamp, I made my very first webpage, a fun personal site where I even added my favorite Bollywood stars, Shah Rukh Khan and Amitabh Bachchan, saying lines like “Manish is an excellent kid; we’ll invest in his webpage!” 

A year later, I attended another bootcamp, this time focused on Python. That’s when I learned about libraries and started making small games like Tic-Tac-Toe, 7 Up 7 Down, and Guess the Number. It was so exciting to see my code actually work; it made me realize that computers could do anything if you just learned how to talk to them right. Over time, that curiosity turned into a deep passion. I became fascinated by how AI, ML, and data engineering can help solve real-world problems and improve the way we live and work. That is what keeps me learning and building every day.

How did this exchange opportunity come your way?

It came through Lovely Professional University’s international program, which offers students a chance to study abroad and gain global exposure. I had always been curious about exploring education in a different cultural and academic setting, and Russia, especially ITMO University, stood out because of its strong reputation in computer science, research, and innovation.

I captured this opportunity with the guidance of my mentors, Rahul Chhabra Sir and Rupali Ma’am, who encouraged me to apply and supported me throughout the process. After going through the selection process, which included academic reviews, interviews, and motivation statements, I was fortunate enough to be selected. Now, at ITMO, I’m studying courses like reinforcement learning, where the professor teaches us from a very practical, game-oriented perspective. It’s been an amazing experience so far, and I’m truly grateful to LPU and my mentors for making this possible.

What sparked your interest in big data and ML, the discipline you’re studying at ITMO?

It started during the first year of my Bachelor’s program at LPU. That was when I met my professor, Pramod. He had a deep passion for big data and ML, and the way he explained those concepts made me genuinely curious about how everything works.

How has it been studying at ITMO so far?

It has been an incredible experience. The academic environment is very hands-on, and the professors encourage practical learning, which makes complex topics like AI and reinforcement learning easier to understand. I have been able to broaden my perspective significantly on AI, machine learning, and big data.

As someone coming from India, how have you found adjusting to life in St. Petersburg?

It was exciting and full of surprises. The city is rich in history, culture, and architecture; it feels like a mixture of the UK, Italy, and even Spain. The streets, buildings, and people’s fashion sense are impressive, and the cars remind me a bit of Germany. The locals are welcoming and helpful, which made settling in much easier.

What does a typical day look like for you here at ITMO?

My day usually starts with attending lectures and lab classes. Then, I spend time coding or working on projects. Evenings are often for exploring the city, trying out local food, or meeting other international students. Weekends are perfect for trips. One memorable experience was Yagodnoe, where we camped in the forest, picked berries, cooked barbecue, and even visited the old station nearby. Those trips really help you bond with people and experience Russian nature in its purest form.

What’s one thing about Russian culture that surprised or impressed you the most?

I think I am most impressed by the way people balance history with modern life. There’s a deep appreciation for art, architecture, and traditions, yet the city and its people are very modern and innovative. The efficiency, cleanliness, and aesthetic sense in Russian culture really caught my attention.

Is there something about Indian or Kolkata culture that you’re looking forward to sharing with your friends at ITMO?

Absolutely! In India, we believe in the saying “atithi devo bhava,” which means “the guest is god.” We love hosting people, showing them our culture, food, and traditions. I would love to invite my friends from ITMO to visit India as exchange students to experience our festivals, music, and, of course, the food.

Looking back, what will you remember most about your time at ITMO?

I will remember the friendships, the incredible learning experiences, and all the small adventures, like trips to Yagodnoe, forest camping, and exploring the city streets. ITMO has been amazing in terms of academics and personal growth. I would definitely love to come back as a full-time student, perhaps for a Master’s program, because it is one of the best places to study AI and technology.

Finally, what advice would you give to students back home who are thinking about applying for a semester exchange at ITMO?

My advice would be to go for it without hesitation. The experience is life-changing, academically enriching, and culturally eye-opening. Make sure to take full advantage of the Buddy System and guidance from senior students, which really helps in adjusting to a new country and university. Explore the city, meet new people, try new foods, and enjoy every moment. And if you get a chance, take trips outside the city, for example, to Yagodnoe; camping, cooking, and exploring nature are the memories you’ll never forget.