As I slogged my way through the tedium of class XI and XII, my ambition to study in one of Delhi University’s prestigious colleges was a constant source of motivation. All I wished was to hop right out of school and into college. College, to me, symbolised liberation. The burning desire and hope for brighter prospects helped me tide by many difficult moments of low self-esteem, fatigue and pessimism.
It’s a simple concept, really.The idea of studying in college has been glamorised to an ad nauseum degree in our movies, songs and literature. Collegiate life has always been painted in rosy hues, making it look like all fun and play. So vehement has been such enforcement that even before one enters college, one forms multiple mental images about it. And more often than not, these images can be extremely deceptive, false and misleading.
So yes, I was a little disappointed when I walked into college on my first day and no one rolled out a red carpet in my welcome; or that the canteen was not full of good looking boys. The teachers weren’t cool and trendy (no Sushmita Sens in my college,unfortunately) and the girls weren’t dressed like they had walked out of a fashion magazine. In retrospect, I realised that college after all, is not the optimum amalgamation of Riverdale High (Archie’s Comics), St.Teresa’s (Student Of The Year) and East High (High School Musical). College is a pretty raw and serious deal.
One year in college and I have come to know college life for what it really is. Here are my musings:
1. When elders tell you to study in school so that you can enjoy college, they’re just baiting you. Maintaining good scores in college is important and that means you must maintain your academic rigour.
2. Professors aren’t necessarily cooler than teachers. Even though professors are more lax than teachers, some professors can be daunting and nagging, perpetually handing out assignments and tests.
3. Even though you don’t have to wear a uniform, you have to be quite mindful of what you wear and when you wear it. People like to judge.Never let yourself be voluntarily victimised.
4. Friends made in the first semester may not remain friends in the second semester. Group dynamics are subject to frequent changes. This happens because in the first semester, you’re too new to gauge people’s true personality.
5. The festival season is great, but not as sensational or stunning as you’d hoped.
6. No matter how many amazing eateries might be in around your college’s campus, sooner or later, you’re going to tire of all of them.
7. Once you’re in the University, your college name hardly matters. The importance of the name of your college is one of those things that outsiders make a big deal out of. But for a student or teacher in University, you’re just like any other university student.
8. College societies require time, commitment and dedication. And they’re important because they shape your college life. Thus, be heedful about the society you join.
9. College is not the destination; it’s a pit stop along the journey. Don’t let it be your end all. Keep improvising on yourself, use your experiences to develop your personality and don’t settle easily.
10. Don’t let college life strip you off your ideals. Be true to yourself and your values. These are the things that will set you apart from the rest of the world later on.
Feature image credits: learnmoreeveryday.wordpress.com
Kriti Sharma
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