Hows the life of a non Bengali student in colleges of Kolkata like Asutosh College or Scottish Church College? Do you regret leaving your hometown and studying at KolkATA?

Studying at Scottish Church College as a non-Bengali has been a mixed bag. The Bachelor of Science [B.Sc] {Hons.} (Physics) curriculum is challenging and the faculty consists of Ph.D. holders who really know their stuff. I appreciate the supportive environment among students, but sometimes I feel like an outsider, especially during cultural events. The examination structure can be quite strict, and I had to adjust to the workload.

Despite the initial struggles with adaptation, I believe the academic exposure here is worth it, and I don't regret my choice of coming to Kolkata.

Life as a non-Bengali in Asutosh College has been quite an adventure! Enrolled in Bachelor of Science [B.Sc] {Hons.} (Geography), I found the faculty very supportive, and the curriculum is designed to give us practical insights into the subject. The college organizes various events and the library is well-stocked.

While I initially felt out of place, my peers have been welcoming, and I've enjoyed participating in activities like the winter carnival. The fees are reasonable, making it easier for me to manage finances. I honestly don't regret leaving my hometown; this college has broadened my horizons significantly.

Honestly, there's not much difference. You can simply request the professors to teach in English if they're not comfortable with Hindi. In my college days, I had several friends who weren't Bengali, and they fit right in with everyone else. People just mix well together.

As for missing my hometown, sometimes I did feel that way, but not all the time. Coming from Assam, I'm used to a quieter, more laid-back lifestyle, so city life was exciting but often tiring. The University of Calcutta's tough and unpredictable syllabus and grading system added to the challenge. Still, I created some great memories and met amazing people. No matter where you study, there might be moments when you miss home. Good luck!

Thanks for asking, Anita!

I grew up and went to school in Calcutta, now known as Kolkata, but I've been in Delhi for over 30 years now. Back in the mid-eighties, when I was in college in Calcutta, there were plenty of students who weren't Bengali. They were super friendly, easy to get along with, and most could speak Bengali really well.

What really helped me was that some of my non-Bengali friends from college and university days taught me how to navigate life in a mostly Hindi-speaking area. This training was invaluable when I moved to Delhi for a Central Government job. Thanks to them, I've been able to manage just fine here.

In Calcutta, there are even some colleges where non-Bengali students outnumber Bengali ones. Ashutosh College in the south and Scottish Church College in the central part of the city are quite diverse. There's a good mix of non-Bengali students, although they're not the majority. Professors mostly teach in English, and non-Bengali students usually get along well with their Bengali peers.

No matter where you go in Kolkata, you won't feel left out because of your background.

As a non-Bengali student in Asutosh College, I found the experience quite enriching, though it came with its challenges. The curriculum for my course, Bachelor of Science [B.Sc] {Hons.} (Statistics), is rigorous, and the faculty is mostly well-qualified. The environment is friendly, and I've made a lot of friends from various backgrounds. The college hosts events like Udaan, which adds fun to campus life.

However, sometimes I feel a bit lost in the cultural nuances, but overall, I don't regret leaving my hometown for this opportunity. The exams are tough, but if you study well, you can manage to pass.