Why campus life at IIT Guwahati feels different from other colleges | Life in an IIT

Growing up, schooling, family support

I come from Thandla, a small town in Madhya Pradesh. I changed schools several times and spent most of my childhood in another small town, Manawar. A significant part of my schooling took place at Himalaya International School, where I was consistently an overachiever and an all-around performer. Later, my family moved back to my hometown, where I completed my Class 9 and 10. In my Class 10 CBSE board examinations, I secured 96.2 per cent and emerged as the district topper.

My family has played the most important role in my journey. My mother is a homemaker and my father is a chemist. My mother was previously a teacher, but she chose to leave her job so that our family could shift to Indore for my education. She stayed with me throughout my JEE preparation to ensure that I could focus entirely on my studies without worrying about daily tasks such as food, laundry, or managing my routine.

My father continued living alone in our hometown, away from my mother, my younger sister, and me, so that I could pursue my studies without any financial stress or distractions. My younger sister has always been one of my biggest supports. During my entire JEE journey, she constantly cheered me up, brought positivity into the stressful environment, and reminded me why I was working so hard. Everything I have achieved is because of my family’s sacrifices and unwavering support.

What I miss the most about my city is the warmth and familiarity of Indore, my family – especially my younger sister – and the comforting taste of my mother’s home-cooked food.

Preparing for JEE: Two intense years

I appeared for JEE Main and JEE Advanced in 2025. In my first attempt at JEE Main, I scored a 99.57 percentile, and in the April attempt, I secured 99.51 percentile. My JEE Advanced rank was 15,815.

I moved to Indore in Class 11 to prepare for JEE and joined a coaching institute. Those two years were truly a journey in themselves. I faced several challenges – there were moments when I felt like giving up, struggled with self-doubt, and questioned my own abilities. Despite these difficult phases, the sacrifices and constant support of my parents kept me going. I also received encouragement from my teachers, which helped me stay focused. There were tough days, but they always came with moments of growth and learning. Eventually, all of this led me to IIT –something that felt like a distant dream just a year ago.

Choosing my branch and reaching IIT Guwahati

To be honest, my primary goal was to secure admission into an IIT, so the branch was never my first priority. However, I have always enjoyed studying chemistry, which is why I chose Chemical Science and Technology. During JoSAA counselling, I also filled preferences such as Chemical Engineering, Mathematics and Computing, and Aerospace Engineering.

I joined IIT Guwahati in 2025, and it was my first time living away from home and staying independently.

Settling into campus life

Since it was my first time living away from home, I was quite excited. At the same time, I faced a few initial difficulties – there was no one to wake me up, and on some days I would wake up just 10 minutes before class and regret missing it. Food was never an issue, as the mess provides good meals and our hostel terrace has a very nice canteen.

When it came to making friends, I was cautious in the beginning. I interacted with everyone but avoided getting too involved too quickly. Over time, I found the right people, and now I have some good friends.

A typical day and finding balance

Life at IIT Guwahati follows an early routine – the sun rises around 5 am and sets by 5 pm, so the day naturally starts early. I try to attend all my classes in the morning, then have lunch. On lab days, I go for lab sessions, and on non-lab days, I usually take a short nap in the afternoon and then dedicate time to studying. I place a strong emphasis on academics, especially in my first year, even when many others may not.

I love reading and spend a large part of my free time with books. I also enjoy sketching, dancing, exploring new things, and playing chess, which I have been playing since Class 2. One of my favourite activities on campus is walking or cycling around. The campus is extremely beautiful, and whenever I feel stressed while studying, I step out, explore for a while, and return feeling refreshed and ready to study again.

Life in the IIT: Academics, activities, and mental pressure

I have been involved in several clubs and societies and volunteered in multiple events. One of the most meaningful experiences was volunteering for Muskaan, an initiative by the Student Welfare Board, where I spent Diwali with orphanage children on campus. Seeing their smiles and hearing them say, “We will miss you, didi,” made me feel genuinely proud.

I have also participated in events such as Garba Raas and Technothlon. Managing academics along with extracurricular activities has been possible because seniors and event heads are extremely supportive and understanding, especially during assignments and quizzes.

Being at IIT has transformed me. I have become more hardworking and confident, and I now believe I am capable of achieving much more. Being surrounded by talented peers constantly motivates me, but it also brings pressure. At times, stress builds up quietly through academic demands and self-expectations. For me, stepping out into the campus, cycling, or walking helps manage that stress and brings balance.

One important lesson I have learned at IIT is that you simply have to show up. Even if you are not confident about your skills or feel that you know very little, being present and willing to learn makes all the difference.

Teachers, campus and city life

The professors at IIT Guwahati are excellent and supportive. My chemistry professor is my favourite because of his interactive teaching style and equal attention to all students. The faculty advisor system is also very helpful – my advisor is always available and regularly guides me on academics and progress.

Life at IIT feels very different from other colleges. It feels like a world of its own, with a strong sense of community, freedom, safety, and encouragement to explore interests. Living in Guwahati has been a unique experience – the greenery, fresh air, Brahmaputra River, ferry rides, and even bus journeys feel special. The early sunset is something I am still adjusting to, especially as a girl.

Managing expenses has never been an issue for me, as my lifestyle is simple and my spending is mostly on food. My comfort foods on campus include Oreo shakes, cold coffee, and aloo paratha from the hostel canteen.

Looking ahead

After completing my BTech, I see myself securing a reputable job that reflects my hard work and dedication. I aspire to work at a leading company such as Google or Microsoft and hope to make myself and my parents proud. Ultimately, I want my journey and efforts to feel truly worthwhile.