Hello and welcome!
Congratulations on your admission to IIIT Hyderabad!
You're at the beginning of an incredible journey that will undoubtedly transform you. It's a journey that is yours completely, but with the company of great friends you'll make along the way.
There is so much that will happen in college, it feels like a whirlwind more often than not. Time warps in really weird ways - days feel long (classes, sports, practice for cultural events, midnight birthday cakes, JC treats, workspace study sessions, late night walks: all stuffed together in 24 hours), weeks feel ridiculously short ("midsems next week? already?!"), semesters feel like they're over in the blink of an eye (inevitable judgement of your assignment 1 self, by your assignment 5 self), but the entire journey by the end of it, feels just right.
In the midst of all this, try to be aware of what all you are in control of and do your best, but simultaneously breathe and enjoy the ride!
If I had to give small bits of advice, they'd be these:
- Talk talk talk talk to people! Nearly everyone would be thrilled to chat with you!
- We're not monoliths, and aren't meant to be. So don't hesitate to dive into many different things in front of you. This is true for academics, for instance, you may have back-to-back lectures in orthogonal topics, so allow yourself the presence and opportunity to learn from all, and to make the interesting interconnections. Even outside the classroom, see what the campus, your classmates, and the city have to offer you!
- Sleep is important (but also any IIITian telling you this is probably a hypocrite)
The new few years are yours to seize, and we're all so excited for you :)
All the very best!
Hi Facchas :D
Welcome to IIIT! Wherever you're from, welcome to your new home for the next 4-5 years. Very soon you will be joining a place that carries memories of joy, laughter, late night fun and snacks, and a lot more.
Many of you may have heard that IIIT is hard. I use this letter to assure you that if you got here, you are made for this place, and all the challenges and fun that come with it. This place will test you and build you up. It will also leave you with stories of a lifetime; and I assure you, you are going to be just fine â if not amazing at the end of all of it :D.
I remember being a first year, in a new city, the initial newness of the hostel, campus, people, professors, syllabus and more. Novelty and newness can seem daunting, but it also comes with the freedom to explore all you possibly can be! If I had to give you any advice I'd say this â do things that you never thought you would do. Step out of your comfort zone, try sports you never thought you'd play, study things that seem completely unimportant, and participate in activities that younger you would be sooo confused by :D
Stay true to yourself here, be proactive and take action about all the things you care about. Build friendships, talk to your batch, your seniors, your professors, everyone. I promise, most people will welcome you with open arms. This is now home, and luckily a beautiful one.
And congratulations! Welcome to college, a time where you have tons of freedom and almost no responsibility :> I hope your college life is filled with a lot of crazy stories!
Best,
Vaishnavi
PS: Pls annoy your Apex Members, they are probably some of the nicest people ever :>
Hey buddy!!
First of all, congratulations and welcome to IIIT Hyderabad!🎉 You have been through lot of grind to make it here, so take a moment to celebrate; you have truly earned it. Your journey at IIIT is going to be different than the way you came to IIIT, but I promise that it will be unforgettable.
I remember when I first entered college at IIIT and thought it was going to be a long cycle of course work with deadlines from assignments, quizzes, exams, and eventually placements and so on… And yes, a lot of that is going to happen at IIIT (you will have a couple of weeks where deadlines all gang up on you at the same time). Somewhere along the way, I realized that the things I'll remember the most aren't the grades or deadlines, but the moments that quietly filled the gaps in between: late-night hostel chats, random chai breaks, events from various student clubs, unplanned trips, and a number of other little events that ultimately end up being amazing memories.
If I could give you just one piece of advice, it would be this: say yes to new experiences. Join a club even if you know absolutely nothing about it. Pick up a new hobby, play a sport, perform on stage, or simply strike up conversations with people you'd never have met otherwise. You don't have to be great at any of it—the only requirement is being curious enough to give it a shot..
At the same time, try not to compare yourself with everyone around you. It's easy to look at what everyone else has going on and think they have it all figured out. I can assure you that they don’t! Most people are just figuring their stuff out as they go along and just winging it with confidence.
You’ll figure this out pretty quickly, but most of the time things do not go as you expected (and trust me, that is totally fine). Many of the best experiences, and definitely some of the funniest stories, come from not being expectant.
If any of this sounds overwhelming at the moment, that is alright. Each year, hundreds of students walk into IIIT experiencing the exact same range of emotions: excited, shy, nervous, and unsure if they are really qualified for what lies in front of them. Two semesters later, those same students will find themselves giving advice to the newer students. Once again, you will find yourself in the same boat.
Over the next four-five years, fasten your seatbelts because these years will be filled with a variety of challenges, surprises, and frustrations, all of which are sure to contribute to your overall growth in ways that you have not yet contemplated. However, most importantly, you will be left with so many memories and friendships from this period of time that you will never be able to stop talking about them, regardless of how long ago you may have left IIITH.
Congratulations to you all for becoming part of the IIIT-H family and all my best wishes to each of you for this exciting journey that you have begun. I hope that you also enjoy this experience as much as I did!
Hi everyone!!
I'm Poorvi, a fifth-year CND student who is graduating (on time)!!! So, all those who said we couldn't **** ***. 5 years at IIIT went by so fast, yet painfully slow. College is basically a long sleepover with your friends. You start college with **sharing**, initially with rooms and finally with memories. On that note, Congratulations on getting into IIIT Hyderabad. It is a magical place if you truly take all that it offers in. I will not lie, this place challenges you academically, socially, and emotionally, but you come out stronger, more confident and ready to tackle anything life throws at you. Ultimately, that is the best lesson you can take away from any experience. I have a sister who's the same age as you guys, so my advice here reflects what I give her.
My first year was daunting, now that I reflect on it. We were just out of COVID, pushed into the real world, and my primary objective was to fit in. I forced myself to talk to people, even if it was uncomfortable at first. But then, eventually, it got easier. Considering our smaller cohort size and campus, bumping into peers was commonplace, which made our bonds stronger and soon, more than friends, we became family. My advice: engage with your cohort actively. Your cohort sees you grow and is your primary cheerleader and contact point throughout this experience.
Secondly, be kind. IIIT has a diverse crowd from all walks of life, celebrate your differences, and most importantly, "Listen like you are always wrong". I have learnt to look at life differently because of some very interesting people I've met and conversations I've had here.
Thirdly, remember why you are here. Be responsible with all that is offered to you, yet explorative. Make mistakes, but learn from them. Have fun, but know your limits.
Fourth, the magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding. I'd prolly be the last person to talk about procrastination, but if you'd like to live a stress-free life here, being at the top of your work is the best way.
Fifth, don't let success be defined by conventional metrics, the highest paying job, ICPC etc (while all are commendable goals, none of them are worth putting your life on hold). When your limits are tested, only then will you understand the boundaries of your tolerance. Never cross them for anybody or anything.
Sixth, be grateful. For the position you are in, for your family, friends, etc., and for the position IIIT puts you in when you leave. A lot of other institutes are a lot more unkind to their students.
Seventh, get out of your comfort zone. Participate, participate and participate. Even if it's something you are bad at. You never know what secret talents are buried within you.
IIIT has given me soo much. I will always cherish the midnight DLF runs, late-night music practices (RIP Srujana), felicity, Hyderabad at night, and most importantly Chai wale bhaiya. It's bittersweet, moving on from something that was such a big, transformative part of my life. But everything always ends. All that matters is what you take away from it. Make this experience truly your own; build your own playbook for navigating this phase. I truly hope your experience is just as or even more enriching than it was for me.
Congratulations again! And good luck.
Alumni are always here to help. USE THE NETWORK.
Carpe Diem!
Hello everyone!
First of all, congratulations on making it through one of the toughest phases of your life and finally making it here! The endless exams, entrance tests, and uncertainty are behind you. Take a moment to breathe—you've earned this place!!! Welcome to IIITH 🎉
Now begins a completely different journey.
You're now part of an amazing institute, but more importantly, you're at a place where you have the freedom to discover who you are. The next few aren't just about which company you go to, or what college you move to.. it's rather the time where you define who you are!!
If there's one thing these five years have taught me, it's this: you can be whoever you want to be. All it takes is the courage to take that first step and discover the unknown side of you.
Maybe you'll discover a love for basketball/badminton. Maybe you'll start a band, build a startup, dive into research, organize college fests, or find yourself leading a student body. Whatever it is, there's a place for you here. We may not always have the fanciest infrastructure, but we got people! Like Odin says "It's not a place, it's the people". We always got amazing people doing amazing things here.
And trust me when I say this—joining clubs, taking up responsibilities, and being part of student bodies will be some of the best times of your lives. Some of my best memories, closest friendships, and biggest lessons came from simply saying "yes" to opportunities I almost never looked at. And it changed my life.
More importantly, this college isn't just about lectures and grades. It's about the moments you make between these! It's about running to finish an assignment before midnight, having those 1 AM JC walks which never end until you look at a sunrise. It's about spontaneous plans that start with "Let's just go out for five minutes" and somehow end at DLF over late-night food, or a random midnight go-karting. Being in Gachibowli means there's always something amazing to do, and you can't say no for sure!!
So here's my only advice: GO FOR IT!!
Welcome to IIIT Hyderabad. I hope you guys make some amazing stories here and down the line become the core memories of your life. #MereCollegeKeTimePe
Heya!
Woohoo! Huge congratulations on surviving the brutal boss fight that is your entrance exams and making it to IIIT Hyderabad. Go ahead, give yourself a pat on the back - you’ve absolutely earned it!
Ah, freshman year! The hype is incredibly real. Excited? Awesome. Terrified? Also awesome. Don't worry, you're at IIIT-H now; you're stronger than you think. The best thing about college is that there is a niche, a corner, and a crowd for literally everyone. Scared to interact? Join a club! Got hidden talents? Flex them at events! If you’re still hyperventilating, remember this: tens of batches have graduated before you. If they survived the legendary assignment deadlines, you definitely will too.
Listen, it is totally okay if you don’t have it all figured out by Day 1. Nobody does, even if they walk around looking like the main character. Need more time to make friends? No rush! Woke up one day and the mere sight of a textbook makes you dizzy? Toss it aside, hit up the mall, and watch a random movie.
I hope I’m not fear-mongering! Honestly, you’re in for an incredible ride. Amazing opportunities await you, along with the goated canteen food, an entire city of cafe (date cough cough) spots to conquer, and finally, some time to revive those hobbies you sacrificed during your exam prep. But beyond the tangible stuff, what you’ll actually cherish for life are the memories, the 3 AM existential crisis buddies, the professors who randomly inspire you, and maybe even a partner :P.
So, don't let anything hold you back. You didn't come this far just to come this far! Do a lot of masti (safely, please), study hard, and most importantly, explore who you are. Bonus points if you help others debug their code along the way! Just don't forget the tiny detail that you are actually here to get a degree - there's no escaping academics. Explore freely, but figure out what works for you and what your priorities are.
Alright, that’s enough gyan from me. What I know for certain is that if you were smart enough to crack the exams to get here, you are smart enough to figure this place out.
Welcome to the IIIT-H family! Honestly, I’m incredibly jealous of you all - I would do anything to live the chaos all over again. If you ever need advice, help, or just someone to rant to, please do reach out
Hey Freshers!
Congratulations on getting the most amazing results and choosing IIITH to be your new home. I know your minds must be buzzing with questions, excitement and nerves all at the same time, but the main thing is, YOU DID IT!! You finished the grueling past few years to enter what I predict is going to be the most challenging yet unforgettable 4–5 years of your lives!
Some things will feel familiar, like asking "ye question ho gaya tera kya" or "syllabus kya hai". But your world will now also be full of late night JC runs (one too many xD), evening drives through the blinding lights of Gachibowli, movie screenings in the workspaces, DLF food adventures, jokes during boring lectures, and so much more that you'll discover. Some that even we may not have! You'll forge lifelong friendships, attend and organize countless events, have infinite tales to tell, and make many coding errors that will haunt you for life.
All I'd say is — do the things that scare you most. Go for that fest, that anchoring opportunity, that marathon you keep putting off. Talk to that person you're hesitating to. Explore Hyderabad, learn about the things that genuinely interest you, and don't stress about regrets, that's how you know you're living. Take a breath, relax, and find who you are, not who everyone expects you to be.
Now go enjoy every bit of it and make tons of memories. You've earned it!
Hi!
Congratulations on making it to IIITH! After all the hard work, it’s finally time to start your college life and trust me these years are going to be the ones you will surely miss. You will learn a lot of things, ofc academic but also things which will shape your personality. Do justice to all the opportunities that come your way. Explore; be it as simple as learning to play a new instrument, start painting or conquer your social anxiety, get out of your comfort zone, and give it a try.
IIIT will be intense, no doubt about it, but you will slowly learn to find time for your hobbies, friends, and the new things you want to explore. Some people might seem to manage their time flawlessly while some may struggle. It’s okay! It sometimes becomes overwhelming, but you should know that college is more about finding what 'you' like, what 'you' want to pursue and sometimes it takes time. But that's completely normal and you will some day find the path which you like.
Seek help! You will find super-helpful seniors around. Any doubt, confusion or just want to discuss things troubling you, seniors will never deny help.
Don’t constrain college life to only academics or research, participate in extracurricular activities. Join clubs which interest you, organise events, or at least take part in them. You will learn a lot of skills: people management, working in teams, how to manage your time and gain some leadership qualities.
Tl;dr: explore; get out of your comfort zone; try new things but at your own pace. Enjoy your college life. Take care of your health. All the best!
Hi There!
First off—huge congratulations on making it through the whirlwind of 11th and 12th grade! We know it was no cakewalk: exams, entrance stress, college seat drama, ranks—it's a lot. But guess what? You made it! And now, welcome to college life—a whole new chapter full of discovery and growth.
You're no longer in the race to get in. You are in. This is your time to breathe, explore, and discover what truly makes you you. IIIT Hyderabad isn't easy—it's intense, unpredictable, and pushes you out of your comfort zone. But like steel forged in fire, it's these very challenges that shape you into someone stronger, sharper, and ready to take on the world.
After spending 5 years here, if there's one thing I've learned, it's this: the people who flourish aren't the ones constantly comparing themselves to others—they're the ones who look inward, improve steadily, and carve out their unique path. Follow your curiosity and your decisions, not someone else's shadow.
And hey, join the madness! Whether or not you officially join a club, attend their events. Play a sport. Try that weird-but-fun-sounding game night. Dance like no one's watching (because seriously, no one is). Sing, code, build, act, paint, volunteer—whatever catches your eye. College is the one place where you get to try it all without fear or judgment. Don't waste that freedom.
I didn't just hit the books (though I did when it counted—my CG is proof). I stepped out of my comfort zone, met people from all walks of life, made amazing friends, and grew in ways I never imagined. I've come out of this journey more confident, more curious, and with a tribe I'll keep for life.
Feel free to connect with me on my socials—always happy to chat and guide.
Welcome to the beginning of your best story yet.
Hey awesome juniors!
Huge congrats on making it to IIIT! You've officially crossed that finish line from the JEE grind, and trust me, you're about to step into one of the most incredible chapters of your life. I totally get it if things feel a bit much right now, maybe even a little daunting – I was literally just there. My 4-year college 'package' just ended, but yours is just kicking off, so make sure you get every bit of value out of it!
These next four years are going to fly by so fast, but they'll seriously give you friends, lessons, and memories that will stick with you for life. This isn't just a place to study; it's your new comfort zone, a wide-open space to explore and discover who you really are.
Remember all those things you always wanted to try but never got around to, or felt too hesitant about in, like, a regular setting? Now's your moment! Dive into clubs, pick up a new skill, try a sport, build something cool, or just hang out with new people. This campus is the perfect place to experiment, learn from mistakes, and grow without judgment.
My biggest piece of advice? Always be open to learning new things, take time to reflect on yourself, and definitely be open to making new friends. Seriously, don't just stick to your room or your laptop. This community, even though it's pretty close-knit, is packed with some of the smartest and most diverse people you'll ever meet, and they'll become your biggest cheerleaders.
You'll soon realize IIIT doesn't just teach you academics; it shapes you into a more resilient, independent person ready for anything. So, make the most of every single moment – because these four years truly won't come back. Let's make them epic!
Welcome to this incredible journey!
From juggling integrals, chemical elements, and that one mechanics question no one ever understood… you've now walked into the wild world of semicolons, segfaults, and "why won't this code run?!" 😅
Firstly, hearty congratulations on making it into IIITH! It's no small thing you've cracked one of the toughest exams, and you're now part of something truly special.🩷
I know stepping in can feel overwhelming.... New place, new faces, and suddenly everyone around seems super smart. But trust me you'll find your flow🙃.The transition may look scary, but it's honestly smoother than you'd expect.... You'll slowly figure things out, and when you look back after a year, you'll be surprised at how far you've come.
If you ask me what IIITH has given me, I'd say everything. I've seen such a huge change in myself from someone unsure about the future to someone who found direction, confidence, and a bunch of crazy stories along the way. This place pushes you, yes, but it also helps you discover who you are beyond marks and ranks.
So my advice? Dive in... Join all the clubs that even slightly interest you whether it's dance, art, music, or something specific like Skateboarding. Talk to people, your batchmates, your seniors, everyone. The more you interact, the more you'll grow. Seniors especially are super chill and helpful, we've all been through the same confusion, and most of us are happy to help (some even love it a little too much 😛).
Academically, IIITH gives you tons of freedom. Don't rush. Take time to figure out what you enjoy whether it's research, development, or something else entirely. And while you're figuring it all out, one thing that almost every IIITian will scream from rooftops: start coding early. It's not just about being ahead it's about getting comfortable and confident in your basics(that doesn't mean u start right now you can start after your curriculum starts).
You'll also meet people from across the country literally, Jammu to Kanyakumari and from different walks of life. It's amazing how diverse the community is. You'll end up learning more from your peers than you expect.
And yeah, a wonderful body APEX is there for everything academics, mental health, help with profs or courses, or even just someone to talk to when you're panicking before a deadline. Don't hesitate to reach out them.
One more thing don't overthink or worry about being judged. Everyone's on their own path. No one has it all figured out, even if they look like they do. You belong here just as much as anyone else. So stop doubting, and start exploring.
Also… might as well start preparing for the unofficial IIITH lifestyle late nights, last-minute submissions, and bonding over broken code. You'll find yourself writing code at 2 AM while also arguing over random college mails. These random, chaotic moments are what make the best memories.
And in all of this, don't forget the most important part that is to have fun. Make great friends, build crazy things, fail fast, laugh harder, and enjoy this beautiful chaos. Clubs are one of the best ways to make those friendships so go all in.
So here's me, your slightly sleep-deprived senior, telling you: fly high. Don't hold back. Don't wait for the "right time." Try everything. This place has no ceilings only launchpads.
So enjoy your holidays while they last… your adventure is about to begin, and trust me it's gonna be wild, weird, and absolutely wonderful.
Nikhita🩷🩷
Hii!
Congratulations on making it here! Your JEE days are technically over (or so you'd think :D). This tiny campus, trust me, is going to feel massive in turns of the ups and downs, the all nighters, existential crisis, inside jokes, friendships and of course college crushes :D
From bullying ChatGPT for assignments to ranting about 'Machine Seekh hee ni rhi hai yaar', to calculating your future CGPA if you get an A in every subject, hope you meet some of the most important people in your lives, enjoy the hell out of some activities your parents definitely will not approve of, find a favourite food place in DLF street only to watch it being taken down one random day :P
In the next four (or five… or six… or how many ever) years of your life, do figure out what you like and what you don't, get involved in dancing, organising college fests, maybe try your hands on chess or some stand up comedy, explore the city, and maybe (just maybe) study or do some research while you're at it :D
If things ever feel overwhelming at times, never hesitate to reach out to friends and seniors, and make sure to enjoy the ride!
Hullo everyone, and congratulations on making it to IIIT Hyderabad! A bigger congratulations for getting through the last two years - which I feel are the most unnecessarily stressful two years a person can go through. You've made it and have no idea what's coming next? Honestly, same. So what can YOU do next?
The first thing I'll say is join clubs and meet all sorts of people. Basically, make friends. I remember participating in several clubs and trying out different things just because I felt bored. I met some of my closest friends through clubs and these events, and I honestly don't think I would have survived the last 5 years without them. From pulling all-nighters on some very annoying assignments to some crazy group trips, I am very sure you'll make some cherished memories.
I will admit that being in IIIT comes with its pros and cons. This is a fairly academically rigorous institution, and it comes with certain expectations. I also feel that traits like independence and curiosity are valued here. Don't worry, though - once you navigate through everything, I am sure you will find yourself more confident and ready than ever before. Some advice I'll give here - try to prioritise the things that make you happy.
When it comes to the myriad of opportunities IIIT has to offer, it still boggles my mind. You will find people who are interested in different things - from ICPC world finalists (don't worry, I still don't know its full form) to Chelsea fans (me). My degree is a great example of the unique kind of thinking that happens here. Having just memorised dates and names for my CBSE history, I honestly looked down at the social sciences in general. It was after coming here, I realised how tunnelled my vision was. Taking a sociological perspective on law using computational tools (whew!) was something I never thought I'd do in my wildest dreams. So I definitely recommend that you step outside your comfort zone and try out the most random things just in case you find your niche.
Having said all this, I must admit that I still feel like an impostor who's pretending to be smart amongst these super-brilliant people and waiting to be caught. But let me tell you the philosophy I'm following - fake it till you make it. And I think it's working out for me. So don't worry, you're not alone in this journey and just know - you deserve it! Welcome once again!
Hey there!
Congratulations on your admission into IIIT-H. I'm sure you all are excited and most probably nervous too. New beginnings deserve celebration, so cut yourself some slack and get out there, involve as much as possible in all the induction activities, meet new people, and take the beginning few months as an opportunity to come out of your nest and mingle and network, because at the end of this journey, you will have made a family away from home, here in this cozy community. Remember that it is always your friends, juniors, and especially seniors of this close-knit community who are going to be there at every step, helping you out and supporting you.
Here at IIIT, you get ample opportunities to explore, both academical and co-curricular. I still remember my first year where I wanted to be a part of as many clubs and councils as possible, which made me feel more inclusive and I made many connections within a short span of time. After a year, once I understood my interests and figured out how much co-curricular load I could take along with academics, I prioritized few clubs. Whether it was being the coordinator of the dance crew, a part of the felicity team, or a house captain, each post taught me life and social skills, responsibility and leadership, which only academics could never teach. I equipped loads of skills and made a ton of memories by participating in as many cultural events as possible. So, never refrain from getting out of your comfort zone and trying new things, because if not now, in this campus of extremely supportive people and amidst a bunch of opportunities, then you are going to miss out on a lot of stuff.
From late night dance practices, event organising, the little chai breaks at BBC, partying out and playing basketball with my gang, to pulling all-nighters together before exams and working on projects together in the workspaces/labs, every memory I made here is one to cherish forever. So, make as many memories as possible because at the end, when you go back into your memory lane, it is these moments that it will be flooded with.
Remember that along with hard work, smart work and time management is the key to handling everything smoothly while enjoying the amazing campus life IIIT has to offer.
A good balance of work and fun is what you need to survive and shine.
College will have its highs and lows, but it's all part of the ride. Live it fully, make every moment count, and don't forget to enjoy the little things along the way. Here's to new beginnings!
Best of luck!
Hi there!
(Hiiiiiii is probably too cringey, right?). So, yes, hi there.
First of all, since this is a welcoming letter, welcome. To IIIT, and to Hyderabad. It's a beautiful place, both the campus and the city, and hosts some of the loveliest people I've met.
Now, here's the bare truth - you've put in effort, heck a lot of effort, to get in here. You'll have to continue putting in effort if you are to survive. Scared yet? Good, but, here's the neat part - you'll breeze through it after a few months.
I hold the solemn belief (that some of my batchmates often degree with) that IIIT is perhaps one of the colleges where academics is not greatly an ultimate competition; there is no rat race. Surviving in IIIT entails juggling between academics, time for your friends and time for yourself (this is super important, do not ever forget this).
You will become perfectly comfortable with switching between things in an ad hoc manner that would be far from your (almost) rigid schedule before college. You will become perfectly adequate in terms of prioritising between things. And, you will become perfectly capable of deciding when enough is enough.
If I could end my prose with a promise, it would be that should you take time out for doing anything, literally anything, with others – fests, competitions, late night JC chats – you will be highly, highly rewarded.
Best,
Vineeth
P.S., did I like it? Yes, very, very much, and I'm sure you'll too :)
Hello and welcome to all new members of the IIIT family!
It is my pleasure to welcome you into this community, a family that, like any other, is far from perfect but is filled with opportunities, challenges, and experiences that shape each of us in different ways.
I won't attempt to define what lies ahead for you because your journey will be uniquely yours. Ask anyone about their experience, and you'll likely receive a different answer each time. IIIT isn't about a single path, it's about exploration, growth, and discovering what truly matters to you.
One piece of advice I'd like to offer: do not limit your definition of success to conventional metrics such as placements or grades. While these may hold value, success isn't just about ticking off predetermined boxes. After JEE, it's time to expand your perspective and to grow beyond that mindset. Time, during your next 4-5 years here, will be your most precious resource. Use it wisely.
Now, let me share what I cherish most about my journey at IIIT, it's the incredible people I had the privilege to meet. Some supported, some helped, some challenged, some taught, some learned, some cared, and some, at times, caused pain. Among them were friends, colleagues, seniors, juniors, professors, and even the friendly canines that roamed our campus, each playing a unique role in shaping my experience.
If I were to outline a blueprint for your journey ahead, it would be this:
Listen to everyone.
Ask questions—even the ones that seem trivial.
Try everything that sparks your curiosity.
Engage with those ahead of you—learn their paths, understand their struggles, and seek their insights.
Absorb all the advice you receive—and then, let it go.
Because, at the end of the day, there is no manual for success. It boils down to three variables—perseverance, effort, and, sometimes, luck.
And finally, I leave you with these three commandments:
Thou shall pursue what you've always wanted to explore.
Thou shall go all in—only then will you truly understand whether you love the idea, the end result, or the process itself.
Thou shall ignore all commandments, including mine - because every piece of advice is simply a reflection of what worked for someone else. There are countless paths and infinite possibilities waiting for you, if only you are willing to explore.
Welcome to the journey ahead!
Hey buddy! Congrats on being freed from the chains of hyperbola equations and long carbon chains. You must be anxious about joining a new place of study, living far from home. But soon you will be drowning with things to do, clubs to join, lectures to attend, opportunities to prove yourself at, problems that you need to solve (running at times also works).
Your life at this college is surely going to be an adventure. You’ll have lots of tales at the end. But for now, go dive into whatever you feel like exploring. From coding to skateboarding, from debates to dance, from escaping on trips with your friends to being a part-time researcher. I put myself into whatever I felt like trying; Felicity, Honors, Apex, OSDG, visiting other colleges and a lot more. While the academics at IIIT are infamous, you will later realise what they train you for. A good balance of fun and acads are needed to survive this college :p.
The only advice I have for you: Go be an extrovert. It’s a small community but contains great diverse set of people (all aces in their own way if you would take my advice). Make friends, don’t be stuck in your room or in front of your laptops, interact with your seniors (who are going to be your TAs :D). Now that I am writing this while being weeks away from my convocation, I will not change a thing about those 4 years. It really did change me as a person, had a lot of fun and learned a bunch of things along the way.
Welcome to this new world!
Welcome to IIIT Hyderabad!
I understand that many of you might feel as confused and overwhelmed as I did when I first joined this institution. For the past two years (or more), most of us had been aiming for an exam and chasing things like a “high package” without any idea on how we plan on achieving them. Your primary aim, however, much like mine was four years ago, is likely to make yourself and your parents proud and trust me, by the time you graduate from IIIT Hyderabad, you will have achieved that and much more.
The one advice that could help you make the most of your time here: TALK. Engage with as many people as you can – your batchmates, juniors, and especially your seniors. A great way to do that is to be a part of as many communities as you can, I got to interact with so many of my seniors and juniors by being part of Apex, The Dance Crew, Felicity or as a House captain. All these experiences contributed significantly to my journey.
Beyond the academic and career opportunities, you will create countless cherished memories, from your fresher’s night to your farewell. I will never forget the times I spent pulling all-nighters before quizzes, having maggi at BBC after labs, late-night dance practices and walks, and of course enjoying biryani with my friends. This college will give you so many opportunities to pave your own way and accomplish anything. Learn about the various career possibilities that are out there and discover what truly suits you.
Build memories, relations, a career and in that process, yourself.
Hey guys, Congrats on making it to IIIT! You are stepping into an exciting new chapter of your life :D When I first came to campus, everything felt new and overwhelming, even though I was already in my 2nd year at the time (consequences of covid). We had to do all the networking and interactions online, but you guys are incredibly lucky! To be able to meet and make new connections in person is an experience to cherish. It’s a vast arena of opportunities, so make the best of what’s available to you. Some of the bonds you make now last a lifetime, and I am grateful to IIIT for giving me my amazing friends.
One of my best decisions was to get involved in campus activities early on. Whether it’s joining clubs, sports teams, or student organizations, getting involved helps you meet new people and find your community. It’s the best way to interact with seniors and develop valuable new skills.
IIIT, in general, demands a high level of independence and self-discipline in academics. Hence, it’s crucial that you effectively manage your time. Don’t fret, though. It’s a good opportunity to evaluate your strengths and interests, so set your priorities accordingly.
While academics are important, remember to balance your studies with social activities and self-care. Make time for hobbies, exercise, and relaxation. I have so many fond memories of hanging out with my friends at the various canteens in IIIT, whether in the morning or late at night. These moments of relaxation and social interaction are just as important as your academic achievements.
This might sound cliché, but the entire 4 years just flew past in an instant. Looking back at it, there are so many moments I hold dear. Though my journey had its fair share of failures and setbacks, I am thankful for those experiences. They, along with the support I received, helped me become a more resilient and determined person.
As you embark on this incredible journey, remember to embrace every moment, both the highs and the lows. Each experience contributes to your personal growth and shapes your future. Take full advantage of the opportunities available to you, build lasting relationships, and strive to find a balance between academics and personal well-being.
Congratulations on securing a spot at IIIT-H! Your hard work and dedication have paid off, and you are about to embark on an exciting new journey. Just a few years ago, I was in your shoes, filled with curiosity and a touch of anxiety about what college life would hold.
I remember my first week vividly—being the first COVID batch, I was super scared and anxious about how I was going to interact with people and make friends. The uncertainty of virtual classes and the lack of physical presence seemed daunting. However, the warmth and support of my peers and mentors quickly bridged the gap. We connected through virtual study groups, online clubs, and social media, and despite the distance, I soon felt at home with a welcoming group.
Academics here can be demanding, but they're also incredibly rewarding. Approach your studies with discipline and diligence, and you'll soon realize that it maybe isn't so difficult. Beyond the classroom, IIIT-H offers a plethora of opportunities to explore your interests, be it through coding clubs, sports, cultural events, research projects, or entrepreneurial ventures. There's something for everyone, and you're encouraged to dive in and discover what excites you.
The transition from school to college is significant, and it's perfectly normal to feel a bit overwhelmed at first. But rest assured, this place has a special charm that will make you feel at home. You'll grow, learn, and create unforgettable memories.
Step out of your comfort zone and try new things. Go kick a football for the first time, string a guitar for the first time, or join a club that piques your interest. Embrace every opportunity to learn and grow, because college is the perfect place to discover new passions and create unforgettable memories. Take risks, make friends, and enjoy every moment of this amazing journey!
Hey buddy!
Congratulations on getting an admission into this college after all your hardwork and those painful exams. Entering from school to college is one of the biggest transitions we all make. Exactly one year ago, when I was looking at the same website, I was extremely curious and puzzled about what college had in store for me.
On the day of registration, I walked in with a myriad of questions in mind. But within a week, I stopped feeling lonely and had made so many friends on campus. This place where you're going to stay for the next couple of years has a charm of its own. So, for those of you who will be staying away from home for the first time, you can trust me when I say you'll find a new home here with a family of amazing peers and seniors.
Though academics might look stressful in the beginning, you'll fit in the groove as long as you're enthusiastic to learn. Explore different activities with an open mind. Finally, welcome to this place which will witness you improve and grow as a student and person.