First Day at IIT BHU Varanasi: An Unforgettable Journey

After years of hard work, my dream of joining IIT BHU Varanasi finally came true. In this article, I will share some insights, experiences, and pictures from my very first day at this prestigious institute.

Arrival in Varanasi

On August 6th, 2023, I landed at Banaras Station and was directly taken to Aryabhatta Hostel, which was assigned to all the male freshers. This was my first time in Varanasi, and my initial impression of the city wasn't very welcoming; the hostel was small, and I shared it with three roommates from different states of India - Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and Delhi NCR. We communicated in English, as none of them had a strong grasp of Hindi, which for me was a plus point.

Exploring the Campus and Temples

After completing the hostel registrations, I and my roommates headed to Kashi Vishwanath Temple, located outside the campus. Despite the heavy traffic and narrow roads, which made for a long 20-15 minute walk, the experience was enriching. The temple was magnificent, and the atmosphere was humbling. Here are some pictures from that memorable day.

Physical Verification and Orientation

The next day, August 7th, was the day of physical verification. After that, there was an orientation program for parents and students. It was a poignant moment when it was time to say goodbye to my parents. My mother was emotional, and so was I. We shared some touching moments before parting ways. The following day, August 8th, the real journey began as we started our introductory classes in subjects like biology, physics, and engineering thermodynamics. It was indeed a hectic day, packed with new faces and new learning.

Life in the Hostel

My hostel, Aryabhatta, is approximately 1.3 km from LT-1, the main teaching area. The campus is lush with greenery, which provides a soothing backdrop for our academic journey. The mess food isn't bad either; it rates a solid 8.5 out of 10. Despite being a ragging-free hostel, the seniors were great, making life easier for the freshmen like me.

There was a famous quote shared by a senior: 'Jeetna kha sakte ho utna khaao,' which loosely translates to 'If you are expecting to win, eat as much as you can.' This statement encapsulated the spirit of IIT BHU Varanasi: a place where intellectual growth and fun are cherished equally.

Classroom Experience

My first day of classes was a mix of excitement and exhaustion. I arrived at the campus on August 5th, exploring the campus with my parents, and couldn't wait to see the photograph I had envisioned for so long. Here's the moment I had always dreamed of:

In retrospect, these initial days were both hectic and enjoyable. The commute to my hostel, which required climbing three flights of stairs, was initially daunting, but the payoff was immense. The greenery within the campus and the mess food further enhanced the experience.