From tasting delicacies in college canteens to exploring bookshops, classrooms and recreational activities, besides adorning trendy dresses, the first day at college for most freshers was filled with fun and relief from 12 years of school.
While a majority attended orientation programmes, organised by the colleges authorities to make first-year students well-versed with colleges rules and facilities and to welcome them, others were spotted checking out canteens and strolling in campus gardens.
Parents were seen accompanying children on Day One and guiding them, particularly hostel residents, at both postgraduate government colleges in Sector 11. Timetables were put up at most colleges today and students were spotted seen around notice boards to note down their respective schedules.
On being asked if there was any informal ragging, first-year students put up broad smiles and said, “With so much hype about ragging, even seniors are scared of it now. It was only an orientation day today and maybe we could expect some fun ragging in the coming days.”
“It is complete freedom here, free from wearing uniform all these years. Since not much activity is done on the first day, we are checking out all places on the campus,” said Anita and Savita, students of BA-I at PG Government College for Girls, Sector 11.
Most freshers were spotted walking in groups or with school buddies. “It is a nice feeling to explore college. We are just searching places to sit and hang out on the campus,” said Sarabjeet, a first-year student, who was accompanied by her friend Harpreet.
Certain others were receiving tips on how to behave from their parents. “My parents have come along on the first day since a lot of luggage has to be dropped for the hostel. They wanted to personally come and bid me adieu since I would put up in a hostel now,” said Neha, a BA-I student from Ferozepur, who was also accompanied by Arzoo and Jaskeerat.
At DAV College, Sector 10, students were spotted exploring places on the campus. “It is a fun-filled experience to enter college,” said Cheena Nirmal, a first-year arts student.
Yet another student Kritika added, “It was after coming to college that I discovered that many of my class XII batchmates had sought admission here. It was good to reunite in college.”
