What does it feel like to be studying in IIT BHU?

I'm in my second year at IIT BHU, so I think I can give you a good idea of what it's like here. Getting into a top engineering college is a dream for many, and being in an IIT is just amazing. I've been here for about a year, and it's been like a dream. If you're eager to learn, IIT offers tons of opportunities in various fields that you might miss during JEE prep. From academics to extracurriculars, there's so much to explore, and I'm excited to chase my dreams and achieve something awesome in the future.

Hostel Life
In our first year, three of us shared a room, and in the following years, it's two per room. Old hostels have big, open spaces with green gardens, while new ones have larger rooms. Each hostel has its own mess and at least one canteen, with regular maintenance and daily cleaning of washrooms. Living in the hostel makes you appreciate family, especially your mom, as you handle daily tasks like cooking, doing laundry, and keeping your room tidy. It's my first time living away from home, and while it was an adjustment, I've gotten used to it. I've picked up some local slang like GPL, GAMCHA, and LC (Limbdi Corner). These 12 months have been incredible, filled with things I couldn't do while prepping for JEE. Late-night badminton with friends is a highlight, though mess food isn't great. You learn to compromise when you realize you'll be here for 5 years. Chatting with friends, watching movies, and playing PUBG are common pastimes, and you often find students hanging out in the hostel corridors even at 2 am.

Academics
Before IIT, my study schedule was pretty set, but here, once you leave for morning lectures, you're out until dinner. We think 1–2 hours of study is enough. Seniors often say "Sab Lite Hai" (everything is chill). You don't have to study daily; just start a couple of weeks before exams and finish assignments on time to do well. Professors are generally very knowledgeable, but some can be a bit dull, leading many students to use their phones or nap during lectures. Procrastinating assignments is common, with the phrase "Kl kar lenge yaar" (I'll do it tomorrow) being said often, but rarely followed through. There's usually one student in each branch who finishes assignments and notes on time, which we then photocopy for exams.

Campus Life
Overall, campus life has exceeded my expectations. The main campus spans 1300 acres, which is huge. There are 5 councils, each with 5-6 clubs, showing that life here goes beyond just Physics, Chemistry, and Math. There are loads of opportunities to explore new interests. We have three main fests—Technex, KashiYatra, and Spardha—with exciting pro nights featuring big celebrities, creating unforgettable memories. Our college recently marked 100 years, an inspiring milestone for our alumni who have greatly contributed to our institution. Success here requires hard work and dedication. Recently, IIT BHU achieved something amazing with the inauguration of the 'Param Shivay' Supercomputer by the Prime Minister. A commemorative postal stamp was also unveiled for our centennial celebration. Thanks for reading, cheers!

With JOSSA Counseling happening, I'm getting lots of questions from hopeful juniors like, "Hey, I want to join IIT BHU, but I've heard it's in an ancient city without much fun. Will I enjoy my life there?" It made me wonder if this is really how people view the life we lead here. Definitely not, it's a big misconception.

Just claiming life here is great won't cut it. That's just words, and debaters know better. Our campus sits within the massive BHU campus, spreading over 1300 acres of lush greenery. It's not just a few trees here and there; it's truly green. If you get a chance to see a drone view, maybe by joining the film or aero club, you'll see how soothing it is. It feels even better with a friend by your side (says my single self).

Some say the open campus isn't appealing, but that's what gives you the real taste of Varanasi. People are out and about, living their lives and discovering their purpose. You'll meet some of the most interesting folks on these roads and corners.

Every Saturday night is a blast. Half of the college heads to the ghats to release all that college and assignment stress. Even after visiting many times, you never skip a chance to go again. Sitting by the river, with a cup of tea, chatting about life—it’s irreplaceable. Assi ghat has truly become "assi," meaning "us" in Punjabi.

If you’re hunting for fancy hotels, Varanasi might just seem like a regular city. But explore the streets, and you'll find a whole different world. It's called the city of streets for a reason. When someone says Delhi's street food can't be beaten, I'm like, "Have you even been to Varanasi?"

I wouldn’t be shocked if I stumbled upon the PM searching for something in these streets one day.

About the college itself, the clubs and activities are buzzing. You won't have a dull weekend unless you really want one. I love playing basketball with the BHU team; they teach us a lot. The fests and starry nights mean three nights without sleep.

VT is great (many couples start there under divine watch). Don’t know what VT is? It's Vishwanathan Temple. Learn the lingo; you'll need it here. Many find peace at VT, though I only go when my mom drags me. But the food stalls around VT? Delicious. I'm a regular there.

The sports facilities are fantastic. There are football-sized grounds every 500 meters. Just lots of open space.

Some complain about potholes, but when I’m with friends, road conditions don't matter. I'm with people I love, enjoying life. It’s a high that doesn’t care about the world around. I’m not kidding. Hanging out with friends is about chilling, not worrying about potholes.

The connections and learning from BHU folks are unmatched. There are plenty of hangout spots, that's for sure.

The best part of college life? Friends. The clubs, sports teams, and seniors ensure you have plenty of them. Loads of them. (And now I'm a senior too!)

One of the beauties of this place is finding peace in chaos, order in disorder, and something fresh in the old. The pandemic has made me miss college so much. I’m worried I might do something drastic just to get back.

To wrap it up, as cliched as it sounds, it's not Varanasi; it's Benaras. Visit IIT BHU sometime (but stay for four years, not just as a guest).

Here's a wonderful description someone shared about life at IIT BHU:

A senior once described their college experience like diving into a captivating novel. Every day offered fresh experiences or new takes on familiar ones. This journey was not just about academics but also self-discovery, peeling back layers of who they were. They entered IIT BHU as a young student, and each day taught them lessons—some sharp and challenging, others sweet and rewarding. Through this, they transformed from a boy into a man.

After passing JEE, a boy arrived at Varanasi station, only to be greeted by what seemed like chaos. The city appeared rural to him, and he feared what IIT BHU might be like. But upon reaching Lanka, he was pleasantly surprised to find that the campus resembled a grand castle, complete with a noble statue. He learned never to judge too quickly and realized beauty can emerge from unexpected places.

Settling into his small hostel room with a roommate from Bihar, he discovered the importance of making the most of what you have. The room seemed more spacious as they adapted together. He learned adaptability.

Making friends came next. He was blown away by their intelligence, realizing that the true value lay not in the room's size but in the people within it. His roommate defied stereotypes, teaching him not to judge others quickly.

Invited to a senior's hostel, he met mentors who were like father figures, offering guidance, books, and even engineering sets. For the first time since JEE, he learned the value of respect.

On a rough day, forgetting essentials like toothpaste and shampoo, he simply borrowed from a neighbor, learning the importance of sharing.

An emotional moment led him to confess feelings to a classmate, only to be firmly rejected. His roommate kept the secret, teaching him about trust.

The first exams were tough. Scoring zero in Engineering Mechanics was a shock for a JEE passer, but he learned the value of failure.

Determined, he worked hard. Friends taught him engineering concepts and coding, and he discovered the depth of true friendship. Despite not being a top scorer anymore, he learned to appreciate the achievements of others.

Back home, he often had to explain his college's name and how he got there through IIT-JEE. Initially frustrating, this taught him patience.

Participating in events like Kashiyatra and Technex, he juggled studies, workshops, and events, mastering time management.

On his birthday, he discovered more about human anatomy. Events like El-classico and Spardha taught him to cheer passionately and navigate the politics of sports.

Securing an internship at a Fortune 500 company through a senior's help taught him networking skills.

He broadened his horizons with US TV shows, EPL, hard rock, and various regional foods. He learned to find positives in diverse experiences.

Landing a job at a top multinational showed him the true worth of hard work. He also learned to share a samosa among friends, to rush to class, and that the ghats could be more comforting than any mall.

Through all these experiences, the boy grew into a man, realizing those college years were the best of his life. Whether you're a boy or a girl, this story resonates with many of us! Proud.