freshers Archives - DU Beat - Delhi University's Independent Student Newspaper

The Reality of College Life: Fresher’s Edition

By DU Beat August 22, 2019

Somewhere between metro rides, attending lectures half-asleep and making innumerable plans to meet at the nearest chai tapri each day, college life for the most recent batch has kick-started. And it is exultingly unexpected and exhausting at the same time. High school puts most of us in a sheltered and protective delusion where one is far away from the finer nuances and greater responsibilities of adulting.

My initial experience of college life at the North Campus of the University of Delhi (DU) has been liberating and eye-opening. The diverse spectrum of students, the dynamics of an all-girls institution and the ever-lasting juggle between academics and co-curricular activities forms the entire experience of college which continues to teach me something new every day.

The college has become a stepping-stone of unlearning for me. The judgments, opinions, norms, realities, and conditions that I was exposed to earlier, have all been rethought. The political protests, opinionated teachers, vocal classmates, and active media on campus have exposed me to broader perspectives, new ways of thinking and encouraged me to look at things through a fresh lens.

Satviki Sanjay, a first-year student of B.A (Honours) Philosophy from Miranda House says, “Despite popular belief, going to college in DU is so much more than just “chilling”. It gives you the much-needed space to work on your interests and your area of study, which was not possible in school. Being at the University gives you freedom but at the same time, it teaches you the idea of being responsible for yourself. For me, the most enriching experience so far has been meeting different people in numerous societies and being exposed to varying opinions.”

The diverse and democratic environment of the University has exposed me to its rich legacy and heritage. It has already pushed me to put my best foot forward, push myself, make the most of the opportunities at hand and get out of my comfort zone. Like me, many first-years are looking forward to the next three years of college and live by the motto – “Sleep more than you study, study more than you party, party as much as you can!”

Feature Image Credits: DU Beat

Bhavya Pandey

[email protected]

Keep Reading

DUB Speak

The Reality of College Life: Fresher's Edition

By DU Beat August 22, 2019

After the initial week of jitters and anxiety finishes, faces start to become familiar and the freshers’ no longer need to ask three people for directions to their classrooms. Here’s looking at college life, through the eyes of a fresher. Somewhere between metro rides, attending lectures half-asleep and making innumerable plans to meet at the nearest chai tapri each day, college life for the most recent batch has kick-started. And it is exultingly unexpected and exhausting at the same time. High school puts most of us in a sheltered and protective delusion where one is far away from the finer nuances and greater responsibilities of adulting. My initial experience of college life at the North Campus of the University of Delhi (DU) has been liberating and eye-opening. The diverse spectrum of students, the dynamics of an all-girls institution and the ever-lasting juggle between academics and co-curricular activities forms the entire experience of college which continues to teach me something new every day. The college has become a stepping-stone of unlearning for me. The judgments, opinions, norms, realities, and conditions that I was exposed to earlier, have all been rethought. The political protests, opinionated teachers, vocal classmates, and active media on campus have exposed me to broader perspectives, new ways of thinking and encouraged me to look at things through a fresh lens. Satviki Sanjay, a first-year student of B.A (Honours) Philosophy from Miranda House says, “Despite popular belief, going to college in DU is so much more than just “chilling”. It gives you the much-needed space to work on your interests and your area of study, which was not possible in school. Being at the University gives you freedom but at the same time, it teaches you the idea of being responsible for yourself. For me, the most enriching experience so far has been meeting different people in numerous societies and being exposed to varying opinions.” The diverse and democratic environment of the University has exposed me to its rich legacy and heritage. It has already pushed me to put my best foot forward, push myself, make the most of the opportunities at hand and get out of my comfort zone. Like me, many first-years are looking forward to the next three years of college and live by the motto – “Sleep more than you study, study more than you party, party as much as you can!” Feature Image Credits: DU Beat Bhavya Pandey [email protected]]]>

Keep Reading

Uncategorized

Expectations Versus Reality: A Fresher’s Perspective

By Anoushka Sharma August 10, 2019

A look at the expectations of a fresher in the University of Delhi (DU) and the reality which sets in half a month into college.

After the mad scramble of getting a seat after the cut-offs came out settled, and there were a few weeks left until the beginning of life in college. Everyone began cultivating certain expectations from college, how they will fit in, how the culture would be different , how life would change after we got into DU. Two weeks into DU, have these expectations held or did reality turn out to be different?

DU is known nationwide for its academics, and everyone had expectation of a different level of education regardless of where they came from. Jason Patrick Gomes, a resident of West Bengal, and a first-year student at Kirori Mal College says “In Bengal, there is a big hype about the University and it is considered one of the best universities in India. However, expectations are different from the reality, so when I entered the college, the ambience and the crowd was good. After a while, the reality set in. The fans were not working and sometimes we couldn’t even hear teachers. But it’s still good, it’s okay.”

Sehaj Singh, another first-year student from Kirori Mal College expected college to be similar to school. He said, “Unlike schools, there are no compulsions about attending classes, and there is more freedom, you don’t have to attend classes. It’s your choice, you set your own priorities, whether its classes, societies, or maybe just sitting in the library, or working.”

In the university space, there is an air of diversity but also acceptance of everyone. While DU has not met all our expectations, it has thrown some surprises, some pleasant and some not so pleasant one’s.

Feature Image Credits: DU Beat

Prabhanu Kumar Das

[email protected]

Keep Reading

Uncategorized

Social Anxiety Disorder: A Fresher’s Perspective

By Anoushka Sharma August 10, 2019

The excitement of meeting new people, making friends, and knowing more about university life is what is on the minds of freshers. But it is not the same for people with Social Anxiety Disorder.

Social Anxiety Disorder or SAD, more commonly known as social phobia is one of the most common anxiety disorders. People suffering from this disorder tend to excuse themselves from attending social gatherings, parties, and often find it difficult to meet new people, initiate a conversation and make friends. Socialising is really difficult for them. A lot of times, they come across as shy or even arrogant. In simple words, they might be called an introvert but suffering from SAD is different from being an introvert. The constant worry that is on their mind, the panic attacks that they might get even on the thought of attending a social event is what describes a socially phobic person.

Leaving school and joining college is a big turning point in our lives. However, this brings excitement to some while fear to others. For people suffering from SAD, the fear of coming out of the cocoon of school life and stepping in the big wide world of college is very high. In this new and bigger world, the fear that people face is that they will have to talk to new people, make friends and adjust themselves among a completely new set of people.

On the first day of college, they find themselves in a big pool full of unknown faces. Not knowing whom to talk to, what to say, how to start a conversation is very common. You might find people who are very bubbly and try talking to everyone, as well as those who are introverts and prefers not speaking much. But you should not let this affect you. All you need to know is that it is completely fine to be feeling the way you are feeling and it will get better with time.

A second-year student of Gargi College shared her experience of being a socially phobic fresher. She said, “Before the first day of college, I had thoughts that I would end up feeling isolated. This would freak me out. The fear of talking to new people was constantly on my mind. But I realised that it was not just me. However, one year into college I have a group of five friends, and they are the people I can fall back upon. You need to know that everyone is sailing in the same boat and all your other classmates are also just out of school. It is not easy to step out of your comfort zone but with the right people by your side, it becomes much better. You might not find your set of ‘right people’ on the first day but you will soon find them.”

Finding your best friend on the first day of college is not really possible. Finding your gang takes time. It is very common to feel lonely and not have anyone to talk to. But this does not mean that you will not make friends throughout your college life. You will surely meet people who might turn out to be your friends for life. But do not rush into anything.

Do not feel pressurized and don’t let the situation become a source of worry and panic for you. You might also see some ‘newly become friends’ going out and chilling while you might be sitting in some corner alone trying to avoid social gatherings. Don’t let such things make you feel worried. Get over the thoughts that you will have to be alone forever. Because that is not true and you will find people in whose company you will feel comfortable.

A student of Kamala Nehru College shared her experience and said, “I have always felt petrified in meeting new people. In school, I had a bunch of friends who made me feel comfortable but when I entered college, I was struggling to make friends while I saw some people go out every day with their new friends. This made me anxious. So, I joined them. I did not enjoy but I did this just to make an image in front of some people. But today, when I look back at it, I realise how stupid I was. Today, I have a group of people who make me feel much better. It took me one whole year to find them. Wait for the right time and things will eventually fall in place. You are not as lonely as you think you are.”

It might be difficult for you but you need to realise that social phobia doesn’t have to control you. Be comfortable. Get over the thoughts of embarrassing yourself. Stop thinking about what everyone else thinks and have fun in college.

Feature Image Credits: FTI Portfolios

Priya Chauhan

[email protected]

Keep Reading

Campus Central

Editorial: Dear Freshers, Welcome to the Real World

By Anoushka Sharma July 28, 2019

Here is a note from our Editor summing up the next three years of your life-the rollercoaster ride.

Every year around 55,000 students take admission to the prestigious University of Delhi. Many leave the comfort of their home to pursue their academic goals and become the best version of themselves. Undoubtedly, the University is a breeding ground for personal growth. It is one place which gives you an experience of a lifetime- be it friendships, fun, extracurricular activities, or academics.

Every day you are going to meet a number of people who have different ideas and opinions, who differ from your political and societal views. You might be hesitant in the starting, but as months pass by, you will witness a change within yourself, a change which will make you realise how important inclusivity is. You will gradually empathise with the boy from North-east and his conditions back at home, and also understand the struggles of the girl from Kashmir.

It probably feels great to know that you are no more a child who has to wake up at 6 a.m. every morning, wear that boring school uniform, and go to school. The thought of having the freedom to walk in the college anytime without anyone to question or the freedom to attend classes, party with friends, and shop makes everyone excited. However, one must also realise that this image created by Bollywood will soon be busted. Not always will you have the freedom to walk in, sometimes you will have to reach as early as 8 a.m. for that one important lecture, or will have to sacrifice a get-together plan because you are too broke. All the NCERT books, guides, model test papers, and reference books will soon be replaced with a number of readings, heaps of xeroxed notes, neverending assignments, and ten-year books to study two days before the exam.

The people who you are friends with, or the groups you are a part of, will play a huge part in shaping your personality and character. In the coming months, you will pick and choose many people who you think will stay with you forever, with whom you will have all the fun. But let’s burst this balloon. This is not going to be the case. There will be happy days when all of you will chill and have fun in the cafes of Hudson Lane or Satya Niketan. But not all days bring sunshine, there will be gloomy days also; how you handle it will truly shape you as a person.

There will be situations where your college life will appear to be harsh and unwelcoming. You will experience situations where you will end up feeling that you don’t fit in the cultural space. Trust me, when I joined college, I felt the same. Most people feel the same. You might feel left out. But it is important to understand that every transition brings its own ups and downs. It is slow, gradual, and definitely challenging. And when we talk about the transition which can probably shape your entire career and personality, it is not going to be easy. You might leave the University with a completely transformed version of yourself, but I am sure that version would be a more refinied, responsible, and experienced one.

My advice to each one of you will be to simply invest in yourselves, join societies, question everything, apply for internships, meet new people from different cultural backgrounds, plan night stays and road trips, explore the night life, explore Delhi, and most importantly explore yourself. Choose your friends wisely and you will find your chosen family who will stick by you during the most adventurous and exciting years of your life

Christian D. Larson said, “Believe in yourself and all that you are. know that there is something greater inside you that is greater inside you that is greater than any obstacle.

So, fasten your seatbelts as you embark on the journey of a lifetime!

Anoushka Sharma

[email protected]

Keep Reading

auburn umbrella

Auburn Umbrella: Essential Pieces in Every College-goer’s Wardrobe

By DU Beat July 25, 2019

With the cut-offs frenzy and admission formalities done for, it’s finally time to start college and settle in with some new fashion statements in your wardrobe!

Starting college is an overwhelming change and can be hard to adjust to. Now that all the craziness of securing a place for yourself in the University of Delhi (DU) has finally ended, some questions might be plaguing you – what to wear and how to prepare? Some of the essentials for your college wardrobe are simple fashion classics, but there are necessities outside of those classics that will help you get through your college years.

Sturdy Denim Shorts, Skirts, and Jeans:

This one is a no-brainer. Classic denim that is comfortable, stylish, and goes with pretty much everything, is going to be your savior for mornings where you have a total of 15 minutes to get ready and reach college. Increase or decrease the length of the leg to suit your needs.

Street-side Jewelry:

Be it Sarojini Nagar, Kamla Nagar, or any other street shopping place that is near your college, street buys often make for statement pieces that can light up a boring outfit. For the days you don’t know what to wear, put on a white t-shirt and faded blue jeans, and the jewelry pieces that will add that much-needed oomph.

Basic Tees:

These are great to stock-up on since basic tees can be paired with anything and you can create new looks with different combinations. They are the go-to for when you have no new ideas for outfits, and can be styled in infinite ways.

Graphic Tees:

Aside from being great conversation starters, graphic tees give you an outlet for expression. Be it your favorite comedian, book-series, or TV show, you can let the world know your choices just by donning these comfortable and foolproof garments.

A Good Pair of Sneakers:

Be it a last-minute errand before class, or a sprint to catch the metro on time, a comfortable and robust pair of sneakers will do you a great service. Go for a solid color and stay simple, or experiment with patterns and prints to suit your style.

Flannel Shirts:

Practical, useful, and basically college-wear by default, flannel shirts are a timeless clothing essential. You can wear them unbuttoned over a shirt, or buttoned-up and tucked-in – the possibilities are endless.

So, get out there and make the most of your three years! Roam, look, learn, and grow.

Feature Image Credits: P.V. Purnima for DU Beat

Bhavya Pandey

[email protected]

Keep Reading

Admissions

Live! DU Releases Fifth Cut-off List

By Kartik Chauhan July 19, 2019

The University of Delhi has released the fifth cut-off list today on the official website.

The admission under the DU 4th cut-off list ended ended on June 17th. The DU 5th cut-off list will be all about filling the seats in the reserved category in most colleges.

So far, the University has filled 67,419 seats out of the total 62,000. After the release of DU 5th cut-off, the admissions will take place from July 20, which will also be the first day for those who have already completed the admission process.

The candidates should note that this year, the university will notify just five cut-off lists.

Check this space for the latest updates on the fifth cut-off.

Click here to check the fifth cut-off list P.G.D.A.V. (E) College.

Click here to check the fifth cut-off list for Gargi College.

Click here to check the fifth cut-off list for Satyawati College.

Click here to check the fifth cut-off list for Shyam Lal College.

Click below to check the comprehensive fifth cut-off lists:

Arts & Commerce

Science

B.A. Programme

Keep Reading

Uncategorized

Monsoon Blues in DU: A New Semester

By DU Beat July 14, 2019

With the start of a new semester for some a new exciting college life for others, the University of Delhi (DU) session begins during monsoon.

The energy is generally high and full of high hopes and expectations. The students can be seen milling around trying out auditions for various societies, attending classes with a new-found vigour, and doing their best to make most out of the day.

However, all this energy still cannot dispel the little low you feel at the prospect of another year and all the challenges it will bring forth. It is a little daunting task for freshers coming from various parts of the country and finding their whole world turned upside down. It is hard to find your niche, your group of people, and a place in which you feel safe and most comfortable to be in. When you finally do, the rest of the journey is far more easier and smooth.

Speaking from experience, a student elaborates, “My first year was rough. My society took considerable amount of my time and in the beginning I was scared about managing both my classes and society. The most tough part was that I was not able to connect with my classmates as I was able to do with my society people.”

At such point of time, classes become boring and you don’t even feel like attending lectures without any friendly faces in it.

In girls’ colleges, the whole experience is different. If you are coming from co-ed schools, the whole environment feels alien. You have doubts about settling in and whether you will be able to survive the three years. However, trust me on this- no other college is as empowering and as enriching in experience as girls’ colleges turns out to be.

A student from Kamala Nehru College says, “Initially, I was scared to be in this city. It was huge and fast. I thought people would be way smarter than me. I underestimated my own self and worth. With time, my confidence grew and I felt comfortable to such an extent that I was no longer intimidated by anyone. I realized my potential and all my initial fears and misconceptions disappeared.”

There are also some very confusion-filled days when you feel like migrating. You are still confused about your course or college. The best way to cope with it would be to analyse what you want best thoroughly before making any long-term decision. The journey makes the destination more beautiful. So, have complete faith in your journey.

The dreary weather can feel a little overbearing when combined with the feeling of not belonging but every dark cloud will dispel to let the sunshine pour forth. With time, you will create the best memories. Your initial fear will seem inconsequential and, with each passing day, your fears will abate.

Apparently, monsoon in Delhi brings bouts of self-doubt and also a lot of mosquitoes. Don’t let the moody weather pull you under and also don’t let these mosquitoes bite. Both of them are not exactly recommended for a happy disposition required to make most of your days in DU!

Feature Image Source: Facebook

Antriksha Pathania
[email protected]

Keep Reading

DUB Speak

Expectations of Freshers on College Festivals

By Anoushka Sharma December 29, 2018

With many new things that one gets to experience in their college life is cultural festivals. While it obviously generates excitement amongst all students, it does hold a special charm for first years by virtue of it being a novel experience for them. They harbour certain expectations and have certain ideas about festivals. Some of them are met some aren’t.

Good Food
This expectation of yours is sure to be met no matter how high the bar you set. With sponsorship teams working throughout the year to bring in the best Delhi has to offer. There’s a mind blowing variety of food, stalls and chained to chose from. From high end chains like Brown Sugar to street food legends from old Delhi like Karims, a fest has it all. It would be a good idea to save and work on your budgets because food during the fest season sometimes does stress your pocket.

Performance societies
It is hard to understand in colleges why no one from the dance societies or drama societies attends classes or what are they in general up to. All of it makes sense ultimately on the fest day. Watching performance societies from your college perform their act puts you in awe of them and makes you proud to be from your college. You truly understand and value the sweat, hard work and, time they invest. You also feel sorry to have harboured the belief that they just fool around. The first time one watches their college perform is truly a memorable day for every fresher and the start of you harbouring respect for these societies.

Star Night or Concerts
Another highlight of every fest that catches the imagination of every fresher is the star night. While one expects to have a great time with friends while grooving to the beats of your favourite stars. It’s not as pretty as you might think it to be especially if you are a person who can’t tolerate crowded places. With the dancing and fun, one really can’t turn a blind eye to all the sweating, grinding, lack of space, lack of air to breathe and, the suffocation around. While it has a charm of its own there are certain downsides and a need to be vary and cautious of your surroundings.

Dressing up
It’s so easy to spot a fresher in the crowd of a fest, because the poor chap is extremely overdressed compared to his seniors who have stopped caring. For every fresher a fest is a huge party with all eyes on him and therefore the need to dress well often makes him or her the extra person in the crowd. On the flip side, because of your amazing outfit you might get the real deal since you stand out and all eyes would be on you.

Finding Love
Expectation : Blame it on popular culture! We have all seen infinite number of movies and serials where love starts and blossoms at college parties, gatherings and fests. The innocent fresher harbours similar sort of expectation. Girl meets boy , boy meets girl, boy meets boy, girl meets girl and a lifetime of romance blossoms . As beautiful and fairylike it sounds, we are sorry to break your bubble- it’s not really happening .
With all the commotion, activities and, hustle, you’ll barely be able to tread your way across the fest let alone find love . In fact it just might be easier to pick up a fight on a fest which is on the opposite end of your imagination spectrum. But, there is nothing wrong with keeping up the hope!

Feature Image Credits: DU Beat

Bhavika Behal

[email protected]

Keep Reading

The Auburn Umbrella

5 Places to Shop From For Your College Freshers

By Bhavya Banerjee August 15, 2018

With expansive themes ranging from Hawaiian to Hippie, preparing for college freshers parties can be stressful. The best of us feel burdened by the pressure of mastering a specific theme, choosing the right attire and picking the right pair of shoes. To help you wriggle out of the conflicting thoughts and perplexing choices, here are 5 places that will win you ‘Best Dressed’, on a budget!

Kamla Nagar Market

The proximity of this market to the North Campus of the University of Delhi (DU) gives it an edge over the other markets. Buy cool summer dresses and graphic tees here at reasonable rates. While you will find utmost delight in Bungalow Road, your pangs of hunger will also be addressed with eateries looming everywhere!

How to Reach: Metro, Vishwavidyalaya or G.T.B. Nagar Station

Timings: 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., closed on Mondays.

Janpath Market

Famed for offering a rich variety of apparels, Janpath provides a fertile ground for the resolute haggler.With the right words, you can win yourself an amazing outfit all for INR 500 or less!

An underground treasure, Palika Bazaar near Janpath offers

the coolest tees, dresses, and shades at jaw-dropping prices!

How to Reach: Metro, Janpath or Rajiv Chowk Station

Timings: 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Lajpat Nagar Market

Adjoining the South Campus of DU, Lajpat Nagar Market is a fashion hub for students. You can buy unrivalled footwear, accessories, and stylish bags from here.

How to Reach: Metro, Lajpat Nagar Station.
Timings: 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., except for Mondays.

Karol Bagh Market

Better known as a merchandising paradise for traditional wear, the highlights of this market are Ajmal Khan Road and Ghaffar Market. For the best footwear at throwaway prices, visit here; boots starting from INR 600 only!
How to Reach: Metro, Karol Bagh Station
Timings: 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Sarojini Nagar Market

Foremost in the ‘street-cred’, you can find dresses being sold at INR 10 here. Known for offering rejects from H&M, VeroModa, and Forever21, you must check for defects before you carry out any financial transaction here.
How to Reach: Metro, INA Station
Timings: 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., except for Mondays.

So beat the heat this season and make sure you do not fret. As long as you are confident, you will captivate the party and charm all those attending.

Feature Image Credits: P.V Purnima for DU Beat.

Kartik Chauhan

[email protected]

Keep Reading