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Admissions 2016

DU Freshers- What to expect from college?

By DU Beat July 30, 2016

First of all, you made it. Congratulations. That’s bright enough! Second of all, Delhi University is going to be everything you imagined. Okay not everything, but it’s going to be nothing less than three maddening, crazy and heartening years for you! But before you stop reading and start texting with anticipation and excitement, let us (your humble seniors) clear some of your misconceptions.

What to look out for:

Jam Packed Social Calendar: Of the many things students will need to sacrifice this year, their social life is not one of them. With the new found freedom, the newbies can now go have a ball with their new found friends!
Better societies and awesomer fests: As ECA and sports activities are as important marks, fests and societies will get a boost and improve drastically. With the fucchas working even harder to prove their mettle, it’s safe to expect each college putting up a grand show!
College protests: As the hand of the ABVP and NSUI still looms large over DU, most freshers will be witness to their spectacularly conducted and overly dramatized protests. With political connections, there students will definitely try to bring the house down.

Busting Some Myths:

Ragging: Contrary to the common belief of – ‘Tu kyu kar rha hai? Fucche se karwa lenge!’ DU isn’t exactly a frame out of 3 idiots and you will definitely not have to perform crazy stunts or walk around pretending to be James Bond just because a senior told you to do so. With strict anti-ragging laws, your worst nightmare should be cranky teachers and definitely not your seniors!
The Ladies/ The Studs: For all those who stayed single to find their soul mates in DU, you’ll be waiting some more time. Contrary to popular beliefs, the girl’s colleges are not a pond of budding super models. And not all boys look like they were ripped off magazine covers. They too are humans, give them some credit for looking perfectly human and not like porcelain dolls.
Equality Among Colleges: Okay so you’ve probably been expecting this all the way, but suddenly your best friend from the other college will become ‘them’ and your newly found united college buddies will be ‘us’.
Completely Fudged up Timelines: If you had been cursing your friends, family, associates etc. for not being punctual all this time, you are about to experience a whole new level of procrastination. The University declares results exactly a month after its due date, if you’re lucky. Be glad that’s the only thing the university does. And if you have any other issues to sought with the administrative department, then god save you!

By Raghav Chopra ([email protected]) and Akriti Gupta ([email protected])

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Arts & Culture

How to deal with ‘I feel like a nobody in college’ syndrome

By Arushi Pathak July 28, 2016

Yes, it’s the first week of college. Yes, it’s nothing like you imagined. Yes, you do feel a little lost. Here’s a revelation: you’re not alone.

Typically, the first few months of college require loads of patience from your end. And every senior who looks well settled in her/his place right now has been in your shoes at one point of time. Everyone may seem like a ‘someone’ right now but no one walked in to college all popular and confident!

So while you’re still in your ‘figuring out’ phase and are getting depressed over the fact that you’re just one of the crowd, here’s how to deal with the ‘Nobody Panic Syndrome’:

Join a society: College will offer you a society for whatever suits you the most. As clichéd this advice may seem, you’ll bear the fruits eventually. By the time the first semester ends, you’ll realise that not only your teachers identify you as a member of that society but also your friends and peers from different departments.
Chisel those conversation skills: The first few months in college will bring you the friends that’ll stay with you for a lifetime. Talk about chicken, Big Bang Theory, Sky-diving, exploits in parking lots; whatever sails your boat! It’s easier than you think because everyone is as awkward and confused as you are.
Hanging out should be a priority: Go out with your peers, explore areas in and around college. This should be your top priority (side note: even more important than attending classes!). Not only do you get to know about the food you’ll survive on the next couple of years, you’ll bag loads of memories.
Associate yourself with activities outside college: You want to be a go-to and contacts person? Know your business outside college too. Capitalise on your skills and be open for new ventures. Join organisations that work outside the ambit of your course.
Most importantly, make your presence felt: Don’t want to feel like a nobody? Participate in fests, volunteer for department and college work. Keep up that enthusiasm; you are being slyly observed, you don’t know it!

Arushi Pathak
[email protected]

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DUB Speak

5 College lessons to learn at the start of your first year

By DU Beat July 23, 2016

College life initially feels like a slow brutal transition from a cushioned environment of importance to an equal platform and everyone’s ready to dive. It’s important that you know that everyone around you is feeling the same way, watching everyone else’s steps and calculating how they’re handling it.

Here are some lessons that you can probably learn before you take that first step into campus unlike a lot of other people who only had these epiphanies once they were done with their first year.

1. Can’t win ’em all, my friend:

School and College are too very different institutions of education (unless you went from a Christian girls school to a Christian girls college), so attacking exams is not going to be the same. About three months into college you’re going to be very confused about course structure and sadly the professors’ jaded monologue will not give you closure. If you were some inconceivably thorough kid in school, those days are over. Studying for exams in DU is concise and precise. The professors will scare you about an array of topics (do not lose sleep over it). When you find yourself fairly acquainted with the subject, search for past year papers, go through about three papers for the subject, pick the common four or five questions and target them as your syllabus (trust me, with all the chilling, you won’t even have time to reach out for the 6^th question).

FYI: A Delhi University paper usually offer you a lot of choice – attempting 4-6 out of 8-10 questions.

2. Present:

Most of the times we get so caught up keeping up with all the partying after school that we kind of carry it with us to college too. (Never a bad thing!) However, a lot of us take a bullet at the end of the year when we get our mark sheet and there is this beautiful column of loops under our attendance or well our internal exam marks. In colleges where attendance carries marks, it’s crucial to assert that 5 additional marks in each subject can really turn that frown upside down. Calculate what constitutes 85% in your college and then limit your weekly holidays accordingly. This way you don’t fall short and you also don’t compromise on those much needed holidays to just sleep in.

3. Compulsory what?:

There is this ominous period at the end of the year in college where literally every student runs around campus like there’s a clearance sale and their favourite Zara top is going for 200 bucks. This grief is brought by a college clearance slip that calls for signatures, approvals, a lot of pleading and it also really gets your creative juices flowing. At the beginning of the year, students are asked to pick a compulsory society (DO IT!). Go and register yourself with whichever society interests you or brings out the philanthropist in you because when the clouds are overhead and everyone’s begging for clearance, you want to be the one that gets a straight signature. Most of these societies involve NGOs and very modest work. Pick a day in the week, stay back for an extra hour and do the work. Bee very smart when you’re picking a society. Do not go for complicated societies which require you to work outside college and also require more than 10 hours per semester for clearance. At the end of the day, this is gratifying, feel-good work and you get a shiny certificate at the end of the semester.

FYI: Incase you don’t complete the requisite 10 hours you can make up for it next semester, if you’re a few hours up or actually more likely to be down, then be a likeable person so that society convenors do you some favours.

4. Societal Pressure:

When you first enter college, there are waves of students being swayed from one society’s auditions to another. It’s great to try out all your options but if you’re actually looking to join an additional society to showcase your talents, make sure it’s really what you want to do. Society Members tend to attract quite a lot of grief from professors (Don’t fight back). Your professors are looking out for you because you’re going to be missing a whole load of classes. Just make sure it’s worth it. If you choose well, it can be one of the most enterprising decisions you make in college and can really shape your growth but entering societies or external organizations because you think you can get to higher levels in a shorter time is not worth the effort. All societies have wacky culture, you have to make sure you keep your personality separate from it and not merge the two. You don’t want to try and fit in; you need the society or organisation to fit you.

5. Communicate and Elucidate:

One very important aspect of college is the part where you actually build a database for life. Make yourself open to conversation if you aren’t because these people that you associate with are the ones you want to keep in a lifelong contact book. Our generation tends to find people with common interests and form interest groups that have issue or topic related discussions and we have a separate group of friends for our affectionate rendezvous’. This is a great quality to have because people with the same interests will help each reach greater heights within their field. Always keep one eye on their endeavours and seek to be inspired by the people around you. A lot of people were stars in school but everyone you meet in college worked just as hard as you, so toss that ‘know it all’ attitude and seek to be inspired. Fellow students might be involved in projects you never knew existed. It’s a two-way street so surge to inspire as well, help people grow and don’t be afraid of giving other people opportunities that you might have turned down. It definitely makes you look pretty damn good!

Feature Image credits: Vibhana Kanwar for DU Beat ([email protected])

Baani Kashyap
[email protected]

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DUB Speak

Busted: The truth about life in college

By Arushi Pathak June 14, 2016

As rosy as the picture may seem, college life isn’t all about bunking, sleeping or partying. For all 12^th grade graduates who are looking forward to this enthralling college life, here’s something to burst your bubble. Movies have painted a very misguiding image about college life where it seems to be just about hanging out in canteens, going out with friends or sleeping if there’s nothing better to do. And since we believe that you have the right to know what it actually is like, we bring to you the truth about the much-hyped and much talked about life in college:

1. Studies don’t matter a bit!

This. Is. Not. True. There’s no more or no less to add to it. Whether you’ve enrolled yourself in an arts or science course, studies do need to stand in your priority list. Sadly, the fact is that competition doesn’t cease to exist in college either. So one does need to be in the game to sail through. Though whether you do these studies throughout the semester or towards the end is another issue (and choice) all together.

2. Bunk college, nobody is going to care.

Well, guess what, you’re going to care immensely when you’re required to sign a monetary bond in case of your attendance being short. Certain colleges are no less strict than schools when it comes to attendance. So, the next time you plan to bunk college to catch a movie or go out to your favourite restaurant with your friends, think about the money you’ll have to let go of towards the end of the semester.

3. Girls’ colleges and the stigmas attached

Okay, let’s get it straight. Girls’ colleges are no unending Lakmé Fashion Weeks. No, girls don’t dress up to colleges; no, there are no cat-fights and no, they definitely are no boring places with gossiping girls all around. Quite honestly, girls’ colleges are as fun as co-educational ones; with equal opportunities and avenues. One can witness girls in all sorts of apparels- from pyjamas to dresses. (Get over this myth, please!)

4. You’re all grown up and have it all figured out.

Apart from all the fun college has to offer, there certainly are times wherein you miss being younger. Taking decisions independently, working out your finances on your own (there are going to be lots of debts) and the idea of living alone does intimidate one. It’s natural to mess up a bit in the beginning but one does figure it all out eventually. You do grow up through the course of college.

5. The crowd college has to offer

It’s very easy to adjust; given that everyone is new, everyone is in the same boat as you are. You’re likely to meet multiple people before you belong yourself to that one group. With this, college has a very vibrant and dynamic cultural life to offer wherein you meet people from all across the country. So no, there are no snobs. People are quite friendly on the other hand! Also, since everyone is trying to fit in, there’s a rare chance for you to find that ‘someone’ within a few months of joining college. Try to not look, in fact. You’re likely to have better chances then!

No matter what anyone says, college life is genuinely the best time of one’s life. Explore your possibilities and opportunities. You’ll go places. And even though it may seem than college has no rules at all, there certainly are a few which one should adhere too. Also, things might go a little rough on your pockets at times, but friends are the best debtors after all, aren’t they?

Feature image: campus.ie

Arushi Pathak

[email protected]

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DUB Speak

The 7 Cardinal Sins of Applying to DU

By Kriti Sharma June 13, 2016

So here you are, Little Fresher. A bundle of happy and excited nerves as you wait for your dream colleges to declare their first cut-off list on the 27th of June. You’ve done yourself and your family proud by clearing your board examinations with flying colours and securing an enviable percentage. So far, so good. However, if you think that the worst is over and the biggest hurdle (of getting stupendous marks) has been conquered, you are sadly mistaken. You’ve only just begun on your struggle to get admission into the country’s premium university. The journey ahead will not be an easy one, and you must tread with caution, pragmatism and confidence.

The thing is, Little One, that applying to college is like a capital budgeting decision. It requires an investment of a huge chunk of your time and effort. Also, it decides and seals the coming three years of your life. In most cases, it is irreversible, except at a huge cost. Therefore, when you apply to colleges, you must be careful not to commit, what we call ‘The 7 Cardinal Sins of Applying to DU’.

Let me lift the cloud of naivety and walk you through these deadly mistakes that you’re likely to commit out of your haste, ignorance and prejudices:

SIN #1: Choosing ‘College over Course’

It’s appalling to see people settling for courses which are not of their choice in colleges of their choice. A rational human being will tell you that at the end of the day, it is your skill and knowledge set, acquired vis-à-vis your course that will make your career, not the name of your college. And for all those who continue to live in the abyss of oblivion, let me tell you, the brand name that you so desperately hanker for won’t even matter once you graduate. What will, however, is your course degree. So choose wisely.

SIN #2: Preferring campus colleges to off-campus ones

Aah, the lure of campus! The winding lanes that connect colleges, the street vendors and their carts of yummy food, street shopping, fests, and just the convenience of being able to hop out of one college and get into the other. All these things might sound like such a treat to the unaware outsider. But believe me, campus is not the paradise that people make it out to be. Sure, it has its pros. But it also has its cons (eg: traffic, election ruckus, etc). So don’t let your specious perceptions colour your mind. In fact, by preempting off-campus colleges, you might miss out on some wonderful institutes of learning.

SIN #3: The Herd Mentality

You had a great gang of friends in school, whom you love to the moon and back. But does that mean you’re going to follow them into any college they may choose for themselves? No sir! Grow up, for God’s sake! What is good for you may not be good for others and vice-versa. So make sure you put your needs and priorities ahead of everything else and pick a college that best meets your goals, not those of others.

SIN #4: Ruling out all-girls colleges

We’ve all heard things like, “Co-ed institutions offer a more natural environment” and “All-girls colleges stifle overall development”. It’s absolute bunkum! An all-girls college gives you the same, if not better, college experience and exposure: a liberating environment, a nurturing and sensitive attitude, a spectacular education and add to that, some great placements (since most companies today prefer women workers). If you’ve never studied in such an ambience before and are scared of having adjustment issues, then you’re simply a victim of your own bias. DU has some brilliant all-girls colleges and not applying to them because of what you’ve been told by detractors is foolish.

SIN #5: Taking advice from every Tom, Dick and Harry

Too many cooks spoil the broth, and the broth is an absolute disaster if the cooks aren’t even trained to make it! When you apply to colleges, you’ll attract advice from all quarters. Make sure to filter out the opinions of those who are actually knowledgeable on the subject. If you listen to too many people, you’ll get extremely muddled and that will just complicate your life even further. So considering the advice of your teacher may be a better idea than letting your ‘Ludhiana-wale door ke rishtedaar’ tell you where to go and why!

SIN #6: Failing to account for specialized faculty

Certain colleges in DU are known for their reputed faculty for a particular course. So it’s possible that in overall rankings, a college may not feature high on top, but has great professors for the course you wish to pursue. This criteria is important if you wish to actually learn something from college and not just waste away yourself at first parties and then at tuition centres just weeks before your exam.

SIN #7: Lack of holistic evaluation

Finally, it’s important to make a list of all the evaluation criterias that suit your needs, prioritize among different factors and then apply them to your evaluation. Your evaluation must ideally be a holistic one, based on not just a few superficial factors like brand value and placements, but also factors like course timings, societies, faculty etc.

Hopefully, Nino, you’ve been adequately enlightened.
Here’s wishing you all the luck for a successful admission. See you at DU!

Feature image credits: Aditya Rathore

Kriti Sharma
[email protected]

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DUB Speak

Freshers, it’s time to pop the bubble!

By DU Beat August 1, 2015

Congratulations to you, freshers! You’re now officially a student of Delhi University in spite of its skyscraper like cut-offs. And by now I am guessing you must have had a taste of the LONG metro rides, the dreaded Rajiv Chowk crowd, lectures at 8:45AM or the trouble to manage the limited pocket money because let’s be honest, there are way too many places to eat and shop and very little money. But there are many more important and grave changes that you’ll experience in your first year at college which your school didn’t really prepare you for.

The diversity at DU

Everyone is aware of the fact that because of Delhi University’s reputation as one of the premier educational institutes, it caters to a large variety of students from all over the country. This sort of diversity may or may not have been present in schools. And, because of the usual habit to stay in our comfort-zones, we often don’t expand our social circle to include these out-station kids.

But, trust me, take a chance. Talk to them and make them feel comfortable. They are not only dealing with the anxiety of stepping into a new college but also the anxiety of living in a completely new place often without the warmth of family and homely-cooked food. Thus, don’t just reduce them to stereotypes but rather rise above them. Try to know more about them and their culture. You can make them experience the ever so famous “Dilli-life” which can range from trying golgappe and chaats to exploring and visiting different places and monuments.

Just scoring marks isn’t the motto anymore

You’ve given your boards and got a percentage which is soaked in your sweat, blood and the numerous cups of coffee that helped you burn the midnight oil. But, it is time to make peace with the fact that you’ll hardly ever see your college mark sheet with a percentage above ninety percent. In the next three years you’ll see people participating in innumerable events, building a CV or more importantly, building a personality. And a personality is something which will set you apart from the crowd. Thus, PARTICIPATE. Audition for the various different societies at your college, participate in college or departmental elections or join a not-for-profit student run organisation. Make use of the fact that college is a place where no one knows your history and you literally have a clean slate which makes it the ideal time to explore aspects and fields you never knew you’ll develop an interest in.

Adopting an open-minded approach

With time you’ll realise that the classmate you started hanging out with has a starkly different set of opinions and moral code than yours. Or you might start comparing this newly formed bond with the bond you share with your school friends, who are now spread all over the country in different colleges, which gives rise to expectations which may or may not be met. It is okay. Everyone is different and handles situations differently. Accept this subjectivity. We might have gotten used to our circle which makes it sometimes difficult to understand the other person’s perspective but learn to agree to disagree and still maintain the friendship. It is a part of growing up to be more open-minded and non-judgemental. And adopting a broader perspective to look at and handle things is something that college teaches you most definitely.

All in all, you have the agency to carve this phase in any way you like. So, get out of that comfort zone, take chances, make proper use of your freedom and welcome the change with open arms!

Nishita Agarwal

[email protected]

Image credits: www.pgm-blog.com

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Admissions 2015

Survival Recipe for an Outstation Student

By Arushi Pathak June 3, 2015

Now that the Board exams are done, have you already started day-dreaming about your dream college in India’s top university? At the same time, are you apprehensive about moving to a new city altogether? Here’s a little something for all would-be outstation students wishing to be a part of the University of Delhi in the upcoming academic year- a survival recipe exclusively for outstation students, by an outstation student.

(Author’s note: ‘survival’ is just used for a dramatic effect; you’ll sail through college here!)

All about Delhi

First things first- Delhi is NOT the rape capital of India. It’s as safe and as unsafe as any other city in the country. There are people on the road that will help you; there are shopkeepers and auto-waalas who won’t rob you of your money, so clear your head of all these clichés about Delhi.

The plus points? Easy access to all landmarks across the vast city via the city’s lifeline- the Delhi Metro. Delhi-ites swear by the efficiency of Delhi’s metro system. Other than this, exceptional food joints with as much variety as you wish to have on your plate along with being a shopper’s paradise, an art-lover’s heaven and an observer’s utopia., just when you start thinking you’ve got to know it all, the city throws something majestic at you to ponder upon!

Essentials for an outstation kid

Find good accommodation

Finding good accommodation is one of the most essential aspects you need to focus on once you get into the college of your choice. Many colleges across DU don’t have adequate hostel seats and hence alternative accommodations such as flats and PG (Paying Guest) accommodations are popular. Confused about what to choose? Here’s something to make your life a little easier-

Hostel– While many colleges have inadequate hostel seats, it’s still considered the first choice for most outstation students. The safety of the accommodation and lesser rent in comparison to flats and PGs are the main benefits hostels have to offer.

With this, hostels do come with certain guidelines and regulations to comply with. These maybe in the form of curfew deadlines and leave regulations. Food is also an issue in certain cases since all of us spoiled, in-love-with-home-made-food kids might find it a little difficult to adjust to the hostel mess’ food. It is a myth though that hostels are all about regulations. The mid-night parties, studying and staying together, sharing food (the list goes on till where your wishes can take you) will bring you a lifetime of friendships and irreplaceable memories.

PG Accommodation– One of the fastest growing businesses in Delhi (it’s not IT!) is of the Paying Guest Accommodations. You will have hundreds of PGs to choose from as per your own preferences. PGs in Delhi come with both rigid and flexible curfew deadlines. The food issue one might face in hostels is a rarity in cases of PGs given that you have the option of demanding the food of your own choice.

However, higher rent, difficulty in adjustment with fellow PG-mates (yes, that’s a term!), curfew deadline issues and safety concerns at times are a few negatives tagging along.

Flats – As rosy as the thought of owning your own flat may sound, it’s a mammoth task. Unless you’re willing to bargain with the subzi-waalas and relying on the wishes of a maid to turn up and get you some food, flats is not a good idea.

But, you surely cannot ignore the benefits of having a house party or calling your friends over whenever you wish to. Your parents will certainly have a lesser control over your activities since there’s no deadline issue and they’re often cheaper than PG accommodations.

The only advice is to think thoroughly before choosing your accommodation and consider all pros, cons and worst case scenarios for all options. Ultimately, your comfort (and survival!) overrules all other factors.

Wish you could be home…

Homesickness is something every outstation kid feels at some point of time. We understand how close you are to home but always think of the time you were earnestly waiting to get out of your home and explore. Well, the independence a new city gives you is your perfect chance to live your dreams. While doing all your work yourself might seem to be a burden initially, it’ll eventually become something you’ll be thankful for and proud of.

There are ways to get over the feeling of homesickness, of course! Take an early morning walk, go on a shopping spree, explore historical places in and around the city with your new found friends- the more you try to get your mind off the thought of home, the more at-home you’ll feel!

Adjustment issues often crop up when you come across unfamiliar people. The key is to see this unfamiliarity as a part and parcel of growing up and becoming your own person. It’s also important to understand that every kid in your hostel/PG is in the same boat as you are, and is facing similar issues.

The best part about Delhi is the fact that you will never run out of ‘things to do’. With its historical and cultural importance, the city in itself has a lot to offer. You might feel a little lost initially but embrace the change with open arms. Within no time, you’d be a part of this cross-cultural hub making a mark of your own. (Too much philosophy? Well, you’re getting the first hand experience of an outstation kid!)

Feature Image Credits: thedisneyden.com

Arushi Pathak
[email protected]

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Top Picks

Reflections: 10 things I learnt about college in my first year

By Kriti Sharma May 24, 2015

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
[email protected]

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Admissions 2015

Freshers’ Orientation: Top 5 Sources of information for DU aspirants

By DU Beat May 4, 2015

As the time for the admission season draws nearer, DU aspirants can often be seen in various stages of distress, a lot of which can be blamed on lack of proper information from reliable sources. If you find yourself or someone close to you in a similar position, we’ve got you covered!

School Seniors

This one is a no brainer. The perks of knowing and hanging out with seniors in school isn’t limited to just getting insider info and adding to your cool quotient. Your seniors, a lot of whom find themselves in DU, can also be very helpful during the admission period, given that they went through the same process themselves the previous year. There are some things that no official guide can cover but your seniors will be able to tell you about, including random but important things like all the supplies and documents to carry on the day you visit colleges for applications and the best mode of transportation to get there.

If you’re confused about the pros of one college over the other, catch hold of a senior who will be able to dish on things beyond what will be included in anything you’ll find on the college websites or other guides- the kind of faculty, societies, food in the canteen and other opportunities available. Since most DU freshers make it a point to visit other colleges, either during festivals or otherwise, and also usually have friends in other colleges as well, their information isn’t limited to just their colleges either. Other than this, they will also be able to calm your frazzled nerves in case you find yourself freaking out about admissions.

It would be great to maintain a database of your seniors and their colleges so that you know whom to contact.

Teachers/ Professors

If you know someone who teaches at Delhi University or works behind the scenes in the administrative department, you have hit the jackpot in terms of the kind of information they will be able to give to you. From the tentative release of the application forms to faculties in different colleges and what is going on behind the scenes of the latest move by the Delhi University administration, you can possibly know it all.

They will also be able to ease things a little in case of fee refunds or acquiring documents back from the administrative office in case of a withdrawal of admission by guiding you through the procedure and giving you insider tid-bits about whom to contact.

Delhi University’s Official Website

The most obvious go-to for any information about DU should definitely be its official website. Though a little slow to load sometimes and tardy about updating, you will find all the latest notices and announcements related to cut-offs, attendance, various criteria etc. here. Even after your admission, DU’s website will be your saviour in terms of official notices, course content and examination datesheets. It also has a lot of information about the various initiatives taken by the university, alumni and other amenities if you are excited to learn more about your prospective place of studying.

Individual College Websites

While DU’s website will more or less cover any official university notices you should be aware about, it is a good idea to check out the websites of colleges you’re the most interested in. Most college websites post information about different departments and may even list their faculty members and their qualifications. They also include the latest initiatives taken up by the college, notable achievements by their students, faculty and alumni, and other updates on the amenities offered by them.

Again, the website of the college you get into will become an important sources of information to you as colleges often post about the orientation schedule and their official list of holidays.

DU Beat

Not to sound too full of ourselves, but DU Beat has been around since 2007 as an independent student newspapers that covers almost everything of importance that happens in the wildly happening Delhi University. With DUB correspondents present in a lot of DU colleges and covering festivals, events and protests, you can rest assured that you’ll be on top of everything major that’s going on.

The print edition is circulated weekly in a lot of colleges and the online edition (available at dubeat.com) is updated daily and overcomes some distribution barriers, along with our Facebook and Instagram pages (@du_beat) and Twitter account (@du_beat).

A team of incredibly cool people works tirelessly to live upto DU Beat’s name- the ‘beat’ of DU. DUB also covers important issues that need attention, gives you first-hand experience at the best food places for college students and basically talks about everything that will be relevant to you during your college life.

Shubham Kaushik

[email protected]

picture credits: thenextweb.com

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