DIARY OF AN AVERAGE IIT(M)
IAN :
AN ABRIDGED VERSION
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I
semester
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The fresher feels that IITM is indeed a worthy reward for all that
slogging for JEE. Everything good anyone said about IIT seems to be
true if not better. He makes a vow to try for a branch change, i.e.,
if he's not already in his dream branch (usually, CS or ME). The near
absence of the fairer sex disconcerts him. So do the exhausting drills
at the Workshop and NCC. |
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II
semester
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In the hols when he meets his friends, he realises that hostel life
at IITM sucks compared to other IITs. "We don’t even have basic amenities
like CABLE TV !" Back in the insti, he learns that his identity in
IITM consists of the 3 digit number called CGPA. On the plus side,
the grandeur of SAARANG (IITM culfest) overwhelms him. He gets to
see the other (better?) half of humanity from B'lore/ B'bay etc. during
GFKR (Baski tourney) and Saarang. |
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III
semester
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He makes the critical decision regarding which of the 4 fields - academic/
literary/ sports/ organization (co-ordinators/secretaries)- he will
concentrate on. (An above average IITian excels in 2 or more fields.)
He also begins to explore the world outside the four walls that enclose
the IIT campus. He discovers the magic of Taram’s Sp Tea. (Tarams
is a village outside IIT backgate.) |
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IV
semester
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He becomes a full time member of his branch. The sem is marked by
a surge in hostel spirit. He learns the importance of the ultimate
PR exercise called 'licking' or 'soaping'. Hostel elections are around
the corner. |
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V
semester
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He makes important career decisions; the options being GRE, CAT or
S/W job, preferred in that order. For the first time, he finds academic
freedom in the selection of electives. The disillusionment with the
entire wretched IIT system begins to build up. |
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VI
semester
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A really hectic period with GRE and Insti elections dominating the
show. He shows hajaar enthu in classes because (1) it is his last
chance to boost his CGPA before apping/job interview etc., and (2)
he has to get the prof's reco letter next semester. |
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VII
semester
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The placement circus takes place, where the toppers get hep jobs they
are never going to take up and bottomers dont get even the ordinary
jobs they so desperately want. (The companies end up being the clowns,
as they get nothing.) CAT and apping are the main activities of the
sem. Ennui begins to set in. |
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VIII
semester
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The grand old man puts fundaes on everything under the sun to his
juniors, whether they want it or not. Most guys loaf about having
nothing to do, while a few try to clear the backlog so that they can
get out in four years. The last three weeks are spent on the project
on which he is supposed to have worked the whole semester. |