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Social Anxiety Disorder: A Fresher’s Perspective

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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]

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Campus Central

Editorial: Dear Freshers, Welcome to the Real World

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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]

 

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auburn umbrella

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

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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.

  1. 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.  

  1. 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. 

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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]

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Admissions

Live! DU Releases Fifth Cut-off List

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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

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Uncategorized

Monsoon Blues in DU: A New Semester

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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
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DUB Speak

Expectations of Freshers on College Festivals

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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

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The Auburn Umbrella

5 Places to Shop From For Your College Freshers

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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

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Campus Central

Sophie’s Choice: Freshers’ Edition

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Modern-day college students experience an insane amount of confusion and pressure over the activities they must take up in a new college. But is every choice you make worth the plunge? Read on to find out.

  • Confusion and Stress

There is a great deal of difference between school stardom and college glory. This is why students feel overwhelmed with the numerous groups and messages that invade their cellphones and personal lives as well. In an attempt to get a taste of everything, they find themselves keeping track of too many activities, societies, and commitments at once. The hack is to prioritise desires and necessities at once. If one doesn’t know when to stop chasing, then nothing will ever be reached.

Vishal Ranka, a second-year BMM student at Usha Pravin Gandhi College, Mumbai, has a piece of advice for all those who find themselves frowning and panicking throughout the day. He says, “Don’t get stressed due to the confusion of too many things happening at the college. Things would eventually ease up. You must wisely choose to invest in a skill that would contribute to your personal and/or career growth.”

  • Time Management

Carpe diem is significant to make the most out of life, but no human must push herself to do 86, 400 different things a day. When you are rushing from the drama rehearsal to an NGO in another corner of the city, and then work for five internships at home, then its only natural to reach a breaking point. It is practically impossible to expect yourself to invest quality time in everything that catches your eye.

A third-year student of Bachelor of Design at the National Institute of Fashion Technology in Mumbai, Akansha Motwani, has a take on how poor investment in the things you don’t like can create a negative atmosphere. She is of the following view, “College is all about backlog causing a backlog and there is no escape. It is funny how Sunday evenings have become more frightening than Monday mornings.”

  • Diluted Experiences

This one cannot be emphasised upon enough, because many believe that the greatest fall is to fail. Freshers put a variety of tasks on their plate, but gradually forget the value of all. While preparing a dance performance, if you fret over covering the protest at the college then you will not gain the best of what you signed up for.

Ishani Pant, a second-year student of B.A. (Honours) English at Lady Shri Ram College, believes that there is essentially a quantity versus quality dynamic associated with the choices you make in your first year. She emphasises the fact that over-burdening yourself with mediocre work that you don’t enjoy would lead to a disillusionment about the worth of things. “In reality, everything you do has a great potential to be truly riveting. Unfortunately, as 21st-century freshers, we often fail to discern the difference between worthwhile and tempting WhatsApp messages about some great addition to your CV, and the like,” she asserts.  In all honesty, the approach of experimentation may easily backfire when your superiors see your lack of motivation and quality.

Every person has a drive that guides his/her actions in life. It may not be sudden. It may not even seem to exist inside of you. But your passions are not god-gifted treasures. Studies have revealed that developing and committing to the right kind of interests will eventually create a passion for the work. It is true that exploration and failure are bound to stick with you on this path you have ventured upon. More often than not, taking the time to find what you like doing can change the most arduous decisions of your life.

Feature Image Credits: Girlboss

Anushree Joshi

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Fashion

Rock Your Everyday College Look Inspired by 90’s Fashion

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Fashion is dynamically subjective. Here are a few 90’s inspired outfits that will make a glamourous kick-start to your college.

 

The Denim Effect

One of the most iconic clothing revolutions and a must have in every closet, are denims. A nice pair of boyfriend jeans or wide trousers adds a lot of character to your outfit with little effort. Try incorporating turtle neck tops or graphic vintage t-shirts with cat-eye sunglasses to up your game along with denim skirts and jackets.

A light denim jacket ripped jeans, denim shorts, or cargo pants, maybe even accessorised with a denim wrist band for guys ensures comfort with style. The 90’s are famed for experimental fluorescents, neon, and stripes. With bold messages speaking your presence, or the classic Polos, you can never go wrong!

auburn image 2

 

Plaids

A pair of plaid of leggings over a solid top, or a flannel shirt over an LBD, with easy going sneakers perk up your outfit and provide the perfect comfort. A plaid shirt over a simple basic white tee is the perfect way to spice up an outfit for any guy. Or if you’re going for a monochrome outfit, be bold with your accessories and add a plaid patterned snapback.

 

Accessorise

If there is anything to be ever more grateful for are the exquisite style of sunglasses and boho rings from the 90’s which make your outfit perfect.

Try to incorporate oval sunnies or cat-eye frames or chunky hoops into your outfits.

To breathe chill in this heat, go for white sneakers. The other way around, go for solid combat boots.

Aviators: If Tom Cruise sets impossible missions to follow, this is not one. Add a chic pair of aviators in your outfits and ace your looks.

 

Slip dresses, pinafores and dungarees

Feeling a bit plain wearing simple jeans and a top? Revamp it. A black slip dress along with chunky hoops and a pair of comfortable flats, or a pinafore give the perfect boho-chic look to float through the day.

Dungarees add the carefree, effortless look on your outfits and make you look like a million bucks.

So roll that pant leg up and bridle yourself to beat this heat with comfort and glamor. Do not presume awkwardness, the best thing you have to wear is your confidence.
auburn image 1

Feature Image Credits: brackety-ack

Avnika Chhikara

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Kartik Chauhan

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Bazinga

Bazinga: Shahrukh Khan and Amitabh Bachchan to Perform at DU’s ‘Official Freshers Party’

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The Vice Chancellor (VC) of the University of Delhi (DU) has announced an ‘Official Freshers Party’ (OFP) to welcome the freshers who have been admitted to DU in the academic year 2018-19. The freshers has been slated for the 3rd of August 2018, and the Faculty of Arts in North Campus has been finalised as the venue. The VC of the varsity, made this announcement during a press conference held in his office, on Friday.

Details

Answering queries from members of the press, the professor mentioned that Bollywood celebrities who have graduated from the university, including Shahrukh Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, Sidharth Malhotra, and Anurag Kashyap, have consented to be part of the celebrations. He also disclosed that a 12-member Planning Committee, consisting of DU’s Professors (4), former students (4) and members of the DU Students’ Union (4), has been given the responsibility of organising the freshers party.

A string of events has been planned for the occasion. The opening ceremony will be held at 10 a.m., in an open auditorium which has a seating capacity of 800 people. The events lined up for the 2nd include competitions such as ‘Treasure Hunt’ and ‘Couple Dance’. The latter will be judged by Director Anurag Kashyap, an alumnus of Hansraj College, along with Mallika Sherawat, an alumna of Miranda House. The line-up for the evening is star-studded. Sources have revealed that Shahrukh Khan will take to the stage at 7 p.m. and will be performing to the tunes of Bollywood hits such as ‘Baazigar’, ‘Chaiiya Chaiiya’, and ‘Chakde! India’. At 8 p.m., Shaheed Bhagat Singh College alumnus Sidharth Malhotra is expected to perform on the 2016 hit ‘Just Nacho’.

Significantly, the entry to the freshers party would be limited and will be based on a system of manual ticket entry, with each ticket costing INR 1000. The freshers party would be able to accommodate only 800 students. The tickets would be sold on first-come, first-serve basis and the window for the same is expected to open on the 28th of July. Further, the dress code for the party has been established as black for boys and blue for girls.

An official circular has been sent to different college administration departments, instructing them to observe a holiday on the designated day. Notably, some colleges, including St. Stephen’s College and Kamla Nehru College, have reverted back to this circular, seeking permission to hold classes for the 2nd and 3rd year students on the same day. DU Beat would be updating further details of the same shortly.

 

Disclaimer: Bazinga is our weekly column of almost believable fake news. It is only to be appreciated and not accepted!

Feature Image Credits: Warwicks
Vaibhavi Sharma Pathak

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