“GO TAKE ON THAT CHALLENGE, AND CLAIM THAT SENSE OF AGENCY YOU’RE BOUND TO BE ENTHUSED WITH FROM THE VERY FIRST DAY. IF YOU FEEL LOST, JUST REMEMBER YOU HAVE THOUSANDS OF OTHERS JUST LIKE YOU WHO’RE LEARNING”
So you’ve gone through the Boards (boy, did that seem endless?), and you’ve now had your share of obsessing over admission-related news and articles. And if you’re reading this, you’ve probably spent a good amount of time in smug self-satisfaction after getting into DU- talk about cut-offs higher than Wiz Khalifa. Congratulations, kid.
The transition from school to college can be fairly overwhelming, but immensely empowering at the same time. It’s that time of the year when you can think and act on your own terms and move with a crowd that you choose as an informed adult. The myriad of experiences you find in college can hardly be compared to many others. Discovering a new city and a new life, new people around you, and a new you. University life is a roller-coaster ride, and while it will make you re-think everything you’ve held dear in school (read fixed timetables, uniforms, and any general sense of order actually) will be up for a toss. But the novelty of the deal probably makes it what it really is. Plus you get to wear cute outfits, so that’s usually a one-up.
College is all about carving out that niche for yourself in a world that may seem mammoth, but really small simultaneously. Extra-curricular activities are generally the best respite from when classes might begin to seem worse than an hour with the Kardashians (or those kids from Jersey Shore). Striking a balance between academics and very demanding, but equally rewarding, societies may seem like a behemoth task, but college gives you plenty of training to learn the (not-so-manageable) art of time management. Additionally, you might begin to question any sense of time and probably will start believing with abject conviction that it’s just a social construct, but well, that issue is probably best reserved for later. You’ll probably understand this when exams strike though. Remember, you read it here first.
But the best part about this sea of change is undoubtedly exploring a new locale. Delhi is one of the most vibrant cities of India and offers a host of places to visit and food to eat. Visit North campus for some great street food (Uncle Tom’s, DSE canteen, Rico’s etc.), or visit QD’s in both North and South for some great Oriental food. You’ll thank us for it later. However, a slight precaution to the neophytes in the city, do not try to pack it all in the first month like enthu- cutlets. Delhi will never break your will, but it certainly will make you break a whole lot of sweat. Delhi weather is pernicious, and it’s the one thing that can probably make you feel the need to take anger-management courses mentally.
But we kid you, of course, Go, Take on that challenge, and claim that sense of agency you’re bound to be enthused with from the very first day. If you feel lost, just remember you have thousands of others just like you, who’re learning. Getting into the groove of things takes some time and effort, and breaking out of the moulds, but college provides the best space to endeavour towards the same.
Welcome home.
