On a college hunt

Updated on: Thursday, July 08, 2010

As most of you guys are busy searching the best college for your merit or arranging finance to get to the place of your choice, chasing your dream to an IIT, grilling people to make sure about your choice, it is a hectic time ahead. The energy we put in to make a good choice is one of the best investments we make to guarantee a good future. One thing we should never miss is the delight of life ahead for which some preparations can mould a concrete path.

The new friends: What the college has in store for you largely depends on who your friends are. The new buddies you have there could be directors of your life from then! It is of course interesting to make new friends, just make sure that you stick to the right ones. If your college houses people from different places of the country, the diversity can bring more fun. Idea: Take time to make friends; once you are done, you will have no time! Yes! You will be busy having a great time.

Seniors: First you hate them [ragging issues], then you get used to them [you understand that they are going to be with you till they pass out - no other way], after some time, there is a bond you build and then you are dependent! This really happens in such a style that you can’t follow or notice. Idea: Don’t shy away from seniors. They can be a treasure a few days later. Slowly…, but befriend.

Building a career: Because giving a structure to your career should start from these days, you need to give it a focus. Having a good rapport with the department staff and contacts with alumni are things that would really help. Choosing a field of interest, doing projects, presentations, internships, fellowships, industry visits are all activities that should be a part of your college days. Each activity should come at the right time and that can be guided well by the faculty and seniors. Idea: It is immensely important to groom a well furnished under-graduate profile. It would help to whatever you plan in the future, might it be placements, higher studies or general job hunting.

Fests and Carnivals

This is the escapade from every boring academic schedule. Colleges have tight daily schedules with classes cluttered over time, giving little space for ourselves. To break out of the mundane, comes the cultural festival or technical festival! Whatever the fest might be, try to take part in the simplest event hosted. There can be nothing more exciting. If you think you are not skilled enough to take part, at least, go to the place and see what's happening. Just being present is so rewarding.

Placement: Wow! Does it ring a bell? We get reminded of why we joined a college when we are put to screening tests to get a job. Don’t fret; if your college is bringing many organisations to you, you stand a great chance to get placed. All you need to do is give a little effort. Basics of Math and common sense can win you a job for sure! Tune your communication skills as that could give you an edge. Stay in touch with the seniors for information that you can’t obtain from anywhere else.

Higher education: It depends on the kind of person you are. There are a lot of questions you should ask yourself now. Indian or foreign? Technical or Management? Research or Course-based? Which country? Financial ability? Once you have the answers, you have a lot of tests to take, heavy papers to process and long procedures to follow. It takes a lot of time. Seniors who have taken a similar choice as you are the best persons to collect details from. He/she would have gone through everything and would be in a stage to tell you anything that you might need. Idea: There is a lot of work to do. Plan ahead and stay connected with people. There is a pleasant experience that awaits.

Hostel life

Doesn’t apply to all. But for people who are moving away from homes to study, you will find that there is a whole new world you have not imagined! It is different, there is a lot of independence and a lot of responsibility. Not-so-nice food, washing your own clothes, staying awake till early mornings, chatting for long hours are all characteristics of hostel life. Idea: With all the fun, hostel life comes with a package of learning and test to character.

On a college hunt

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