Friday, 22 August 2025

My First Day of College – A Whole New Chapter



College. Such a new change—not just in terms of, what do we say, being in a university, but it feels like a whole damn lifestyle shift. Suddenly, no more uniforms. You can wear whatever you want, apply whatever nail paint color you feel like, do your hair however you want, basically just… do whatever you want. Bunk classes? Attend them? Roam around? Totally up to you. But then again—DU hit me with the whole “75% attendance” thing, which is still my so-called life goal, though honestly… I don’t think I’ll ever achieve it.


Now, technically my college life started on 2nd September, but the whole anticipation and excitement had been building since the day I finished boards. I was constantly thinking: Oh my god, college is going to start, will I even get into one? Honestly, as a general category student, I didn’t even expect to land in DU. I always thought my marks weren’t that great. But then—it happened. I got into a DU college, that too in the first round, and into a college I actually wanted. I was so happy. And since I had way too much free time, I ended up watching a gazillion YouTube videos about college—what to wear, how to present myself, people’s advice, their stories—basically hyping myself up and preparing for this brand new phase.


Then came the actual day. The imaginations vanished and nerves kicked in. What if I ruined it with my awkwardness? Because see, I’ve always been a very shy kid. Shy as in… literal social anxiety while talking to people. And I kept telling myself: I cannot carry this forward into college life. If I stay the same, these 3 years will be ruined. No way am I letting that happen. Of course, I wasn’t expecting a Student of the Year type glamorous campus life, but I definitely hoped for at least a good group of friends and a chance to step out of my comfort zone.


So, there I was, traveling two whole hours on the blue line metro to reach college (thankfully I don’t travel that route anymore). I got off and saw it—Maharaja Agrasen College. Standing outside, I thought: This is it. New chapter of my life begins.


My first class was around 10:30 or 11:30. Room 307. It was supposed to be taken by the HOD. And honestly? I wasn’t even there to learn anything on that day—I was there for the experience. But when I entered, it didn’t exactly scream “fancy campus” like I had in my head. DU campuses are not five-star hotels, obviously. Still, the vibe was different.


I was early—20 minutes early, in fact (and now, I laugh because these days I’m usually 20 minutes late). A senior was sitting there, so I asked him if the class was happening there. He said yes, but I didn’t have the courage to continue talking.


Then another guy walked in, and that little voice in my head went: Radhika, you need to do this. You need to talk to someone. So I turned around and said a simple “hi.” He replied “hi,” and I was like okay, not rude. Then I introduced myself—“I’m Radhika”—and he shared his name. I found out he was from Journalism, and we started chatting. That’s when I learned that my college had actually started on 1st September, but I showed up on the 2nd because I had no idea. Anyway, he added me to a WhatsApp group, and suddenly I wasn’t as lost anymore.


The HOD came in and ranted for an hour straight. I even took notes (which is wild to me now, because who takes notes on their first day?!). Then the attendance moment came—oh my god, attendance on my first day, the most DU-core feeling ever. Meanwhile, a few more people walked in, and this guy happened to know them. He introduced me, and suddenly I was talking to 10 new people. Instagram exchanges, smiles, small conversations—I was doing it. And honestly? I couldn’t believe it. Where did shy, socially anxious Radhika go? She vanished that day. I felt like I absolutely rocked my first day.


Sure, now after a year, I know half the people I thought were “real friends” back then aren’t really friends. But that day? That moment? I was proud of myself. Because it took so much courage to even start a single conversation, and I had done it.


We all went to the canteen, grabbed something to eat, I got introduced to more faces, and then I left. I didn’t stay long—just about an hour and a half—because I had to travel all the way back through the blue line. But it didn’t matter. That short day meant the world to me.


It wasn’t like the long days I have now, where I reach college around 10 or 10:30 and return at 8. But that day was amazing because it went exactly how I had imagined. And more than anything, I was proud of myself for coming out of my comfort zone and talking to people.


Now that a year has passed, looking back at that first day feels surreal. From joining societies, to attending classes, to managing everything in between—I’ve shaken hands with new people, let go of old fears, and stepped into experiences I never thought I could handle. My first year has been amazing. And honestly? I can’t wait for what’s next.


The chapter of my life called - "College"

My first day at maharaja Agrasen college was mix of excitement and happiness. As I entered the campus I was amazed by it's atmosphere and infrastructure .The classrooms, library, and open spaces made me feel that I was starting a new chapter of my life .


Although I never really dreamed of studying at Delhi University, but when I was allotted a college there, I somehow felt happy and excited to meet my classmates and teachers. On the very first day, I met amazing people who have been there for me ever since. 


By the end of the day I am glad to be here in - "My College " 
and I look forward to making more memories in the coming years. 

Thursday, 21 August 2025

Thirteen Days Late to the Party

 It feels like yesterday that I was in first year, and now in the blink of an eye I’m stepping into my second. The memory of that very first day in college is still sharp, almost like it just happened.

This wasn’t the plan, though. I was supposed to be in Mumbai at the college I had actually gotten into, but life had other ideas and I ended up in Delhi instead. Since I hadn’t imagined myself here, I didn’t come with big expectations. What I did come with was a mix of nervousness and worry—new city, new campus, and on top of that I was joining thirteen days late. The thought that everyone might have already formed their circles only made it heavier.

When the day finally came, I reached the college gate only to be stopped by the guards. Apparently, a printout of the fee slip was required to enter. I stood there confused until I noticed a few other first years in the same situation. That’s when I struck up a conversation with a girl next to me, and together we figured things out.

Ironically, the day I was supposed to attend my very first lecture, every class got cancelled because of a conference. Still, I was determined to at least find where I belonged. With my timetable in hand, I made my way to classroom 307. Inside, two boys were sitting quietly. I spoke to them, and within minutes we clicked over the fact that all three of us were first-timers trying to find our way. We even ended up exploring the campus together before heading back.

Back in the classroom, I noticed a girl sitting silently in one corner. I decided to push myself a little and start a conversation. To my surprise, we connected instantly and discovered so much in common. Today, she’s one of my closest friends. By the time the day ended, I had exchanged numbers with these new faces, knowing we’d be figuring out college life together from here on.

Looking back, there was nothing dramatic or grand about that first day. No big events, no life-changing moments. But it gave me something that means a lot—one amazing friend who’s still by my side, and the comfort of knowing that sometimes the simplest conversations can lead to the strongest bonds.

My First Day of College : AWKWARDLY ENROLLED

 Everyone tells you that college is a “new beginning,” but you only realise what that really means when you actually step inside on your very first day. For me, that day came when I walked into Maharaja Agrasen College, New Delhi—a little nervous, a little excited, and very unsure of what to expect.

The moment I entered, I felt those classic first-day jitters. New faces everywhere, unfamiliar classrooms, and the sudden switch from school to college life—it all hit me at once. Luckily, I met a girl from the B.Com course right at the start. She was sweet, started talking casually, and for a moment, the tension eased. Sometimes even a small conversation can make you feel like you belong.

But then, of course, came the classic “oops” moment—I accidentally walked into the wrong classroom, only to realise it was full of seniors. Embarrassed but amused, I rushed out and finally found my actual class: Room 307. There I was, surrounded by strangers, and the nervousness came back. Slowly, I introduced myself to two people, and by the end of that session, we were already laughing together. It’s funny how friendships can begin with just a few words.

The day picked up when we went to the media lab for Sudhir Sir’s class(our Hod).He asked us where we were from and why we chose this course. When my turn came, I blurted out honestly that I ended up here by mistake—I had actually wanted Political Science. Instead of feeling awkward, I laughed, and so did everyone else. It strangely felt liberating to admit it, and maybe that’s why the class didn’t feel so intimidating anymore.

A quick coffee break gave me some comfort before our next session with Shruti Ma’am. She was warm, approachable, and made the class feel easy and welcoming. By then, the heavy nervousness of the morning had melted away. I even chatted with more classmates, some of whom already felt like friends in the making.

By the end of the day, I realized college isn’t just about classes—it’s about people, little moments, and the courage to step out of your comfort zone. My first day wasn’t perfect—I got lost, made mistakes, and felt nervous—but it was real. And honestly, it turned out to be a pretty good start to this new chapter.


By- Pragati Singh

First day of college : A journey beings

 Posted by princy Kashyap. 


The first day of college was an important milestone in my life. For me, this day was full of excitement, nervousness and expectations. Getting admission in Delhi University after school was no less than getting admission in any Oxford or Harvard University for me. Before coming to college, I had seen thousands of dreams while living within the walls of the school that after going to college I will be free, I can roam wherever I want, I can bunk classes whenever I want, I can wear whatever I want and I was most happy about the fact that I will make new friends in college with whom I will roam every street of Delhi. The college life which was full of glamour, fun and frolic which I saw in films, now I felt that life would be exactly like that. With thousands of dreams in my eyes, I came to a city far away from my small village which was totally unknown to me. When I stepped into the campus, I felt that I am not just entering this college but now I have set out on a journey which will bring my future.


The morning rush:


The morning of the first day was full of anxiety for me. I was very worried about getting lost in the campus, meeting new people, or adjusting to the education system but as soon as I reached the college, I was welcomed by the lively atmosphere of students, teachers and staff. It seemed as if all of them were very excited to welcome the freshers to the college.


Meeting new people:


The most important aspect of the first day was meeting new people. When I was in class, some students had left the class and some were talking to each other in the class. When I talked to them, I came to know that the class had ended, which means I was late on the very first day of college. I met new people in the class who were from different states of India. Everyone talked very nicely and told each other about themselves and also got to know about each other.


Exploring the Campus:


On the first day I was very excited to see the campus. I got to see the new buildings, library, and facilities which became my second home.

My first day at college -A journey of mixed feelings

 My First Day at College – A Journey of Mixed Feelings


Starting college is a big step, and for me, it was a mix of fear and excitement. I am a social introvert, so the thought of meeting unfamiliar people and stepping out of my comfort zone made me a little nervous. But at the same time, I was excited to begin a new chapter of my life, meet different people, and explore new things in a diverse country like India.


On my first day, my sister dropped me off in front of the college gate. As I stood there feeling unsure, two students from the Northeast – who were from the same batch and course as me – came to pick me up. I felt an instant sense of comfort. Together, we went to the media lab where our first class was taken by Mr. Sudhir, our Head of Department (HOD).


One of the biggest challenges I faced that day was the language barrier. Many teachers used Hindi in their classes, and I couldn’t understand much of it. But I didn’t hesitate to tell my friends and teachers about it. They were very supportive, and my friends explained everything to me in English whenever I had trouble.


After the class, I visited the Northeast room where I met my seniors. They welcomed us warmly, which made me feel at home. I attended other classes and slowly began to settle into this new environment.


Looking back, my first day was a good experience. It taught me to be brave, open to learning, and ready to adapt. Now, as a second-year student, I can say I am slowly learning Hindi and adjusting to college life. That first day gave me the courage to believe in myself and enjoy this new journey.


REMEMBERING MY FIRST DAY AT COLLEGE

The end of the Senior Secondary School Examinations was followed by a beginning of my rigorous CUET preparation. Days blurred into nights, and time gradually passed away...

I remember, it was May 13, 2024, a much-awaited date as it marked the declaration of CBSE Senior Secondary Examination Results. That day was a special day for me as I reflected upon my success emerging out as a District Topper with my name in the Top 10 list. I was profoundly overwhelmed having reaped rich dividends. However, it also marked the end of my school journey and lit up the dream of joining a prestigious Central University of India. 

15th, 17th and 19th were the days when we, freshly passed out students, went out searching for our examination centres in the scorching heat of May for writing our CUET Papers. Well, the end of yet another period of examinations was followed by months of anticipation, dilemmas and a long time hoping out for a strong result (a consolidated score, large enough to qualify as a prospective student in any one of the central universities of India.

And so, the process of applying to these cental universities of repute also passed by. Those were the days filled with silent calculations of scores and aspirations.  

It was August 20th, 2024, I was awaiting, pouring eyes onto the screen on Samarth Portal, somewhere around five in the evening...

The Time Came Closer and ...

Congratulations! Dear Candidate, you've secured a seat in CSAS Round One of CSAS Allocation.    

The line flashed across the screen, and I was profoundly excited to have found that my destiny brought me here at Maharaja Agrasen College, University of Delhi. 

September 17, 2024, marked the first day of college. Stepping in, were Sudhir Sir along with other faculty members, standing on a red carpet stretched out in welcome of guests from Georgia.

Room No. 212 was the first room; I visited inside the College as the Department of Journalism organized an international symposium on Transformation and Effects of Fake News: Manipulation on Propaganda, welcoming Prof. Liana Markariani from Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University as the keynote speaker for the conference, as part of the Indo-Georgian Cultural Event being organized in the college.

Felt privileged to become a student of a Prestigious Department of one of the sprawling campuses of the University of Delhi. The day was marked by great learning experiences.  And the journey continues to go on ...

सुनहरे कल की ओर...
                                                                                                   

The Ride to Independence, The Lesson of Responsibility

When most people talk about their first day of college, they remember the classrooms, the professors, or the crowd. For me, that day is reme...