What is the life like at IISER? Do students have a lot of freedom to do things that they like?

Being at IISER is kind of like hiking up a steep hill with some great buddies. It's challenging, but having good friends makes it a bit more enjoyable. The place doesn't guide you on how to climb; instead, it sorts people out. When you finally reach the summit, you're pushed off (that's what they call graduation) and expected to soar. Some folks will have wings, like plans for a PhD or a job, and they'll head off in a new direction. Others might just drift along, unsure of their next move.

I'm currently a second-year student at IISER Kolkata, and just like you, I was all over the internet searching for answers about life here before I joined. When I arrived, the first thing that caught my eye was the lush greenery, with the modern glass buildings looking a bit out of place. Getting familiar with the large campus and adjusting to hostel life was a bit of a journey. The people here are generally pretty chill, except when exam stress kicks in, which happens more often than I’d prefer. The professors are really knowledgeable and are willing to help if you reach out to them.

You'll meet people who are super passionate about academics, more than you might have thought possible. You'll make friends during late-night gaming sessions; you'll eventually stop trying to explain what IISER is to your relatives; you'll email countless professors hoping for an internship; you'll learn to sign your roommate's name on the attendance sheet. You'll also enjoy late-night birthday celebrations, have a muddy Janmashtami, and occasionally stress about your future. Amidst all this, time will fly by faster than you’d expect.

Regarding the facilities, the hostel rooms are shared by two or three students, which takes some getting used to. There are fields for football and cricket, courts for badminton, volleyball, and basketball, table tennis tables, self-defense classes, and much more. A large library and computer center are nearly complete, and there's even a swimming pool being built.

Here are some of my thoughts from my time at IISER-Trivandrum:

• Facing challenges when you start is pretty normal and even necessary. Later on, you'll look back and understand what worked and what didn't, making you wiser to help others. This realization hit me in my first year when I saw new students having similar experiences.
• Once you get past those early bumps, you start to really enjoy what you do. You might notice you've missed some small joys along the way, but it's never too late to appreciate them. Even as life gets busy, try to enjoy those little moments. I realized this in my second semester, and surprisingly, my grades got better too.
• Join teams, not just one but many. Being a team player is crucial because eventually, you'll face challenges you can't tackle alone. If you can't accept help when needed, it could be a big setback. My experiences with clubs like Anvesha and Ishya taught me this.
• Don't get distracted by everyone else's opinions. As Churchill wisely said, "You won't reach your destination if you stop to throw stones at every barking dog."
• Life involves juggling different roles, but it's important to stay grounded and keep everything moving. I learned this by managing multiple responsibilities and watching my peers do the same.
• Take the lead and strive for excellence. Many people are waiting for guidance, and you might be the leader they need. Holding back doesn't help anyone.
• Things can change drastically in different circumstances, as I learned in my math class on multivariable calculus.
• Respect works both ways. It's essential for any meaningful endeavor. While some people give respect without expecting anything back, it's unrealistic to expect that from everyone. Reflect on whether you deserve the respect you seek.
• Focusing on tasks often requires sacrifices. It might be tough at first, but it's necessary for success. Plans might change, and others might not understand, but prioritize wisely. Sacrifices are part of life at IISER, but make sure you don't regret choosing temporary gains over lasting fulfillment.

There's a lot more I could share, but I think I've given you a good glimpse into life at IISER.