Embracing New Beginnings at IISc Bangalore: My First Impression

As a newcomer at the renowned Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore, my first day was as exciting as it was informative. Unlike my peers at IIT Kharagpur, who are just getting their feet wet on campus, I had an opportunity to immerse myself in the culture and routines of IISc. Here are some insights and experiences that marked the beginning of an incredible journey.

Day 1: Navigating the Campus and Making a Good Impression

The morning routine began with a simple yet rejuvenating ritual: brushing, bathing, and using the cutting-edge facilities in the dormitory. The modern bathrooms with motion-sensors made for a smooth and convenient experience. After a quick breakfast at BR Ambedkar Hall, I proceeded to manage my laundry—thanks to the availability of washing machines, I felt almost at home already.

The Induction Program and Campus Explorations

The day was filled with mandatory induction programs which, to be honest, were quite dull. However, this was a rite of passage that prepared us for the rigorous academic and social life ahead. A highlight of my day was the campus tour, which involved cycling around TechM and its neighboring areas. This not only gave me a chance to explore but also to meet fellow freshmen and seniors.

A Memorable Encounter

One incident on that first day stands out in my mind. It wasn’t just a regular breakfast or a simple question; it was an encounter that inspired me and set the tone for my future years at IISc. On August 1, 2014, I entered the C-mess, a well-known dining hall for its South-Indian non-veg breakfast, soon after waking up. Following a couple of idlis, I approached a senior whom my parents had befriended the previous day.

The conversation was casual yet intriguing:

Cebatta (Aravind): Hi, chetta! Senior S: Hai! First day of class, right? Excited? Cebatta: Nah, bro. Honestly, I am tired. And a little scared. Senior S: Oh, don’t be scared. You went through a tough entrance exam to get here, right? Which exams did you guys take? Cebatta: Hehe, yeah. I entered via KVPY, after eleventh class. Senior S: See, you will do fine! (He mentioned the allure of Masters and Ph.D. programs and the high demand for GATE and NET toppers)

Sr. S: So are you a Ph.D. student?
Cebatta: Yeah. I did my B. Tech from CET Trivandrum. Masters here from the ECE department. 2011–13. Then joined straightaway for Ph.D.

Cebatta: Wow! So did you have to give another test for Ph.D. admission?
Senior S: No, it’s quite easy if you have already done your Masters from IISc.

Cebatta: Okay, so you would have written GATE
Senior S: Yeah. What was your rank, Cebatta?

Cebatta (in hindsight): Oh, I was rank 1.

Back then, I couldn’t have imagined meeting such an inspirational figure who had accomplished so much. Sr. S went on to become a renowned assistant professor at IIT Bhubaneswar, but his advice and encouragement have stayed with me. He is Anoop Thomas, a shining example of success and dedication.

A Life at IISc: Cool and Unexpected

Life at IISc is different from what I imagined. The vibrant campus, friendly seniors, and academic challenges were far from my expectations. There is a strong sense of camaraderie among students, and the ragging culture is long gone. I am excited to explore what the future holds, knowing that seniors are always ready to help.

From my experience, I can confidently say that witnessing the first day of a new student on your campus adds a layer of maturity and perspective. It’s a moment to inspire, support, and guide the next generation of thinkers and innovators.