It’s that time of the year again when starry-eyed high school students flock to the capital to secure seats in one of the top colleges in Delhi. And in the rush of admissions and choosing colleges and looking for a girls’ hostel in Delhi University, you might miss out on some important elements of the admission process. And that’s why we’re here to help. If you’re planning to move to Delhi for college, we have some important tips for you to know before you secure admission to an institution.
Read up on the syllabus and campus activities
If you’re moving to a new city to complete your higher education, you definitely want it to be the best that you can get. So, do your research into the college life that you should expect from different institutions. The main criteria you should keep an eye out for are the syllabus and faculty of the college, the academic rigour and course requirements, as well as different campus activities, societies, and other opportunities that your college offers. This will give you a picture of the kind of holistic growth you can expect during your college years.
Look up some accommodation options
If your college offers campus accommodation, you might not even consider looking at other options, but we highly recommend that you do a bit of research and shortlist some different accommodations. Most colleges have limited campus housing, so you should be ready with a backup. Plus, there’s always a chance that you don’t like the food or the facilities available and want to move. Luckily, in a city like Delhi that’s sprawling with hostels and PGs, you won’t have difficulties finding alternative accommodation. Talk to some seniors or ex-students to find out the popular places near your college or check out some professionally managed residences like Stanza Living for the best bet.
Plan your finances
If this is going to be your first time living away from home and managing money, plan your finances in advance. You’ll have a lot to handle – from college fees to buying textbooks to paying your hostel rent to entertainment. So, ensure that you have a budget in place. In the first few months, it could be a good idea to keep track of your spending using an expense tracker or an app so that you know exactly how much you’re spending where. If you’re taking a loan or a scholarship for your time in college, figure out the process for securing the money as well as the frequency.
Look up student benefits
There are a lot of advantages to being a student in Delhi, and you should definitely capitalise on them. Get student passes for public transport or use coupons to reduce your travel costs in Ola and Uber. Libraries, museums, galleries and even some entertainment spots will all provide your free or subsidized entry if you’re able to show a valid student ID. And places like the India Habitat Centre have film clubs and discussion groups that you can join for a discounted fee too.
Explore Delhi beyond the campus
Sure, you’re coming to Delhi to study but there’s more to life than your college campus. So, you should do your research into the city and shortlist some places to visit. There are plenty of fun things to do in Delhi, so don’t be afraid to go out there and explore with your new friends. Areas like Satya Niketan and Hauz Khas are hotspots for students in the city, and we’re sure you’re going to want to check them out too. From food to shopping to music to adventure and other youth centric events, you’ll be spoiled for choice in the city.
With these tips, you should be able to make an informed decision about applying to colleges in Delhi. No matter where you come from and what you plan to do, living in the capital city is an experience that you won’t ever forget.
