It’s that time of the year again when the farewells have just ended and everyone is busy with exam preparation. It’s also that time of the year when students are eagerly waiting for the exams to end and the fucchas to arrive. Well, the fucchas -to- be, on the other hand, have nothing to do but sleep, eat, dream and repeat. Dream about making it to the college they’ve always wanted to be in and have a taste of the freedom that college life promises. And a lot among these young aspirants also dream of making it to North Campus.
Allow me, a former North Campus aspirant just like them, to bust all myths about this place.
1. Elite Colleges
When people talk about North Campus, the first thing they mention is the number and names of elite colleges it has. Hindu, Stephen’s, Miranda and the list goes on. What they forget to take note of is that some of the best and top colleges of Delhi University are either Off Campus or South Campus Colleges. (Heady hint: LSR, CBS, JMC)
2. Food Joints
Can college life ever be complete without eating joints? Nay! So, when people from North Campus come up to you to tell you about how North Campus (NC) has Hudson Lane and apart from the million other small eating joints, tell them about Satyaniketan which is home to almost all the cafes in NC or the proximity of Amar Colony from PGDAV College and drive home the point by mentioning the proximity of HKV, Shahpur Jat and Cyber Hub from South Campus.
3. Markets
Now, everyone knows how the North Campus walas have K-nags all to themselves but let’s not forget how South Campus has Lajpat Nagar, Khan Market and Sarojini Nagar nearby and the proximity of off campus colleges to the Paharganj Market. We’re not the only privileged one’s here!
4. Infrastructure
Yes, the infrastructure in many North Campus colleges is top notch but that let’s not underestimate the off campus colleges. In the past few years, a lot of off campus colleges from ARSD College to Deen Dayal Upadhyay College have shifted to better locations with better infrastructure facilities.
5. Courses
Off Campus colleges offer specialized courses which is not common in North Campus. Lady Irwin College and Institute of Home Economics, both of which are off campus colleges are the only colleges which offer courses in Home Science.
The next time someone from North Campus comes to you talking about the environment in North Campus ask them to think about the time of the elections in the campus and compare the crass cacophony of sloganeering with the peaceful environment in Off Campus Colleges!
Akshara Srivastava
Image Credits: http://churchak.org/
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South Campus is often looked upon as North Campus’ poor cousin; the cousin with few ‘cool’ colleges and not much to offer. But this is only a common misconception. There’s no doubting the fact that South can give North a run for its money any day. Not only does it have some of the best colleges but also some of the coolest hangout zones.
Satya Niketan is a shining example of exactly that. It’s South Campus’ answer to their Kamla Nagar, or KNags, as they prefer to call it. It is inarguably the most preferred hangout spot for the South Campus folks. There is nothing else that could possibly explain why students from Venky, JMC, DCAC, Maitreyi, RLA etc. flock to it every day.
Known for its hookah parlours, Satya Niketan is also famous for its amazing food. And the variety is mind boggling! 34 Chowringhee Lane needs absolutely no introduction for there is no greater sin for a South Campus student than missing out on their rolls, a sin that can never be atoned. Missing out on the mouth watering rolls which are a specialty of the market is just an added disadvantage.
The tandoori momos from QD’s, the yummy milk shakes and Maggi from Keventers, the burgers from Bake Day… the list of the delicious food available is endless. The folks here are also open to experimenting with different cuisines as is proven by the newly opened Naga eatery, Essence of the East. But for those who like to play it safe, there’s also Pizza Hut and CCD.
Another major attraction here is the string of pool parlours and gaming arcades. Not only does it prove to be a stress buster for most students, it also serves as a convenient place for them to hang out when they want to bunk classes but don’t know where to go.
The only drawback, the market has limited options for shopping. However, a few boutiques have recently opened up here but whether or not they get good business is something that only time will tell. And even if it doesn’t, Sarojini Nagar will always remain a stone’s throw away.
Surya Rajappan
