You’ve probably seen the guy. He’s standing in front of a random apartment door at Penn State, wearing a grin and a backwards cap, asking a group of slightly confused but laughing students for an "apartment tour." Or maybe you’ve caught him on your Instagram Reels or TikTok feed, documenting the chaotic, high-energy life of an international student in Happy Valley.
Shamak Agarwal is currently one of the most recognizable faces at Pennsylvania State University, but honestly, the "viral student" label barely scratches the surface. Most people know him for the 5.3 million views he racked up in just over two weeks with his "Day in the Life" series. What they don’t know is that before he ever set foot in State College, he was already a world-record holder and a business prodigy.
The Viral Engine Behind Shamak Agarwal Penn State
There is a specific kind of magic in seeing someone genuinely excited about the mundane. For Shamak Agarwal, a Computer Science major from Surat, India, things like taking the CATA bus or grabbing food downtown aren't just chores—they’re content.
His rise wasn't an accident. It started with a simple "Day in the Life of an Indian Student in the US" series. It resonated because it was raw. No over-the-top cinematic transitions, just a guy navigating a new culture 8,000 miles from home. He showed the gym sessions, the late-night study grinds, and the social whirl of sorority formals and State Patties.
People often ask why his videos blew up. Honestly? It's the confidence. He walked into an Alpha Phi formal and started dancing. He asked to see how "parties work" in America. That level of boldness is rare, especially for international students who often feel the pressure to blend in rather than stand out.
More Than Just a Creator: The Record-Breaker
If you think he’s just another influencer chasing clout, you’ve got it wrong. Shamak’s background is actually kind of wild.
Back in India, he was a prodigy in the fine arts. We’re talking about a kid who started sketching in second grade and sold his first painting at age four. By 16, he wasn't just "good at drawing"; he was the youngest honorary doctorate recipient in Fine Arts from a Delhi University college (Alfus State Government University).
He holds records in the World Book of Records London and the International Book of Records. He once set a world record for creating a graphite sketch in under 30 minutes.
- Bal Ratna Award (2021): Recognized as one of India's top artists under 18.
- Seven Fine Arts Records: Spanning speed sketching and technical precision.
- Business Growth: He helped scale his father’s electronic supply business from $100,000 to $1,000,000 in just four months before moving to the US.
It’s a strange mix, right? A world-class artist who is also a business-minded computer science student who also happens to be a viral TikToker.
The Reality of Being an International Student
There’s a misconception that viral fame equals a massive payday. For Shamak, that's literally impossible. Because he’s on an F1 student visa, he can't legally earn passive income from social media in the United States. He does it for the connection.
He’s talked openly about the transition from Surat to State College. It wasn't all parties and record-breaking sketches. He’s incredibly close to his mother, Pallavi, who calls him every single day. He admits he was a "naughty kid" in school—so much so that teachers sometimes didn't want him in class. It was his mother who channeled that energy into art and dance.
At Penn State, he’s not just filming. He’s the secretary of the university's first public speaking club and a member of the NextGen Leadership Academy. He’s basically building a resume while also becoming a campus celebrity.
Why the "Apartment Tour" Video Worked
The video that really pushed him into the stratosphere was the apartment tour. It was awkward, funny, and deeply human. He walked into a girls' apartment, joked about the "party room," and asked for advice on how to host his own events.
The comments were a mix of "this guy is so bold" and "I wish I had this much confidence." It humanized the international student experience. It showed that despite cultural differences or language barriers, you can just... talk to people.
Navigating the "Hate" and the Fame
When you get millions of views, you get millions of opinions. Shamak has dealt with his fair share of "clout chaser" comments, especially when he poses with girls or at frat parties.
In a 2025 interview on the ThinkwithLakshay podcast, he addressed this head-on. He’s not chasing a specific image; he’s documenting a life he’s genuinely living. He even did a "girlfriend reveal" to quiet some of the rumors. He basically told the audience that his confidence didn't come naturally—it was built through these very interactions that people see on screen.
What’s Next for Shamak?
Currently, he’s a student in the Class of 2027. While most students are worried about their next midterm, Shamak is balancing a Computer Science degree with a brand that spans two continents.
His father, Vikas, owns a massive electronics supply company in India, and while Shamak is clearly talented at the family business, he seems intent on carving out his own path in the tech and media space.
Actionable Takeaways from Shamak's Journey
If you’re a student or an aspiring creator, there’s a lot to learn from how Shamak handled his time at Penn State:
- Document, Don't Create: You don't need a script. Your daily routine is interesting to someone who hasn't lived it.
- Leverage Your "Otherness": Shamak didn't hide his Indian heritage; he made it the centerpiece of his curiosity about American culture.
- Confidence is a Muscle: Start by asking small questions (like for an apartment tour) to break out of your shell.
- Focus on Community: He joined clubs and leadership programs, ensuring his life wasn't just lived through a lens.
Shamak Agarwal is a reminder that the "Penn State experience" looks different for everyone. Sometimes, it looks like a world-record artist trying to figure out how to throw a party in a college town. It's messy, it's fast-paced, and it's definitely worth a follow.
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Whether he ends up in Silicon Valley or back in the art world, one thing is certain: he’s already made a permanent mark on the State College community. Keep an eye out for him near Old Main—he might just ask you for a tour.