What is the first day feeling of any student who joined IIT Bombay?

Joining IIT Bombay for my B.Tech in Civil Engineering was an unforgettable experience right from day one. I felt a rush of emotions, from excitement to a bit of anxiety about fitting in. The orientation introduced us to the curriculum and explained the various opportunities available, including internships and placements, which were quite impressive.

The faculty seemed very approachable, and I liked that they emphasized real-world applications of what we would learn. I was also amazed by the vibrant campus life; I could already feel the energy from the upcoming fests like Mood Indigo and Techfest. It was just the beginning, and I was already looking forward to the adventures ahead.

My dad and I caught a train from Hyderabad to Mumbai, arriving at IIT around 4:30 in the morning. The campus was mostly quiet at that hour. We made our way to hostel 6, designated for MTech civil students. In the TV room, the television was on, and someone was always watching it. I managed to catch a quick nap and woke up by 6:30 AM. After getting ready, I had breakfast at hostel 6, which offered a surprising variety.

Later, we headed to the convocation hall for a brief introduction about IIT. They asked some questions about IIT, and those who answered correctly got some goodies. Parents couldn't enter the hall, but there was a big screen outside for them to watch.

Next, I went to Canara Bank to pay the hostel fees and submitted the receipt at my hostel. Lunch was again at hostel 6. Afterward, we explored different hostels, the gymkhana, and other spots on campus. We had an introduction session for civil students and listened to some motivational talks. Back at the hostel, I got my room assigned. It wasn't in great shape—very old, with outdated furniture and no shelves or racks for books.

In the evening, I grabbed some snacks and went to hostel 7's stationery shop to buy an internet cable. I spent some time on YouTube before calling it a day after dinner. Seeing IITB was thrilling, but the condition of my room was quite disappointing.

Starting my journey in Chemical Engineering at IIT Bombay was surreal. I remember feeling a bit lost on the first day because the campus is extensive, and I was surrounded by so many brilliant minds. The initial meetings focused on the curriculum and what to expect, which made me both excited and anxious.

The professors seemed really knowledgeable, and I could tell they genuinely wanted us to succeed. I also got to interact with some seniors who were really helpful in guiding us about the courses and internships. Overall, it was a day filled with new beginnings, and I was eager to dive into this challenging yet rewarding journey.

IIT Bombay's campus is massive, at least from my perspective. When I went for my interview, I expected the buildings to be right near the entrance, but I was mistaken. It was a sunny day, and I ended up walking about a kilometer before I finally found the Civil Engineering building with a bit of guidance.

I grabbed some Pav Bhaji and coffee at Gulmohar Restaurant. The number of trees on campus was impressive, and I loved the No Horn rule. I stayed in Hostel 13, which offered an incredible view. In my opinion, the view from Hostel 13 is the best you can find on any campus in India. The lake view from there is just stunning.

• Heavy rain everywhere.
• Making new friends.
• Orientation sessions.
• More and more rain.
• Getting to know your mentor.
• Shopping for essentials like a SIM card, mattress, bucket, soap, and umbrella.
• Still more rain.
• Locating your hostel.
• Eating not-so-great food in the mess and wondering why you passed JEE.
• Even more rain.
• Exploring the campus.
• Taking lots of photos.