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You’d do well to remember that smoking is banned on any campus and ragging is a punishable offence. For the rest, read up our survival guide for some of the city colleges. And just so you know: being jittery on your big day in college is okay. Enjoy the ride for the next few years and make a hell of a lot of friends!
ST. XAVIER’S COLLEGE
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ID card: Without the ID card you are never going to get in. Ever. Set a reminder on your phone so that you don’t leave it at home.
Dress code: Round-neck tees (for guys), sleeveless tops, capris and anything that is equal to or less than knee-length (skirts and shorts) is not allowed. You can be sent home for violating the rule.
Phone-safe zones: Use of cell phones (to text, WhatsApp, call) is strictly prohibited in class, corridor and even the canteen. Watch the seniors to figure out the “phone-safe zones”.
Adda zone: In between classes or during the break, you can head for the Green Benches, the canteen, the staircase outside the auditorium, or the quadrangle. But remember you are not allowed to loiter in the corridors. The back gate will be your best friend for a quick hop-out or even a quick bite.
No-books time: It’s compulsory to have at least five non-academic co-curricular credits and one social credit. There are also various societies that you could sign up for. And then there is Xavotsav!
No politics please: Those afraid of getting involved in campus politics can breathe easy. Xavier’s is completely apolitical. There is a student body with no political colour.
GOENKA COLLEGE OF COMMERCE AND BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
ID card: Carry your ID card without fail and maintain 75 per cent attendance — these are the two cardinal rules of life at Goenka.
Dress code: Shorts and caps are a complete no-no. You won’t be allowed to enter the college in them and that would mean losing attendance. Not an option.
Sporting fun: Cricket and table tennis matches are held every day and anyone can participate.
SHRI SHIKSHAYATAN COLLEGE
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Know the go-to man: Introduce yourself to college official ‘Anupam sir’. He is the go-to man for anything and everything.
Present please: Attendance for first-year students is an absolute 75 per cent, failing which means a world of trouble. So think thrice before bunking classes. On the bright side, ID cards are not compulsory. So, yay!
No-phone zones: The use of cell phones in corridors and during class is prohibited. Your chic accessory will be confiscated if caught.
Hang-out: There’s a swimming pool! You now know where to go when you want to hang out.
Veggie ways: The campus is vegetarian and that includes the CCD outlet. Non-vegetarians, man up and walk down to Lee Road for the momos.
ASUTOSH COLLEGE
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ID card: It will be your best friend for the next three years and your ticket around campus. So, better remember to carry it.
Dress code: Girls, there is no official dress code. Guys, stay away from shorts; it’s usually a fast track to the principal’s office.
PRESIDENCY UNIVERSITY
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Adda zone: Almost any place is adda place on the Presi campus, from unused classrooms to stairways, canteens and corridors. Then there is Promod-da’s canteen, Derozio Hall, the stairs to Baker Building, the quadrangle, the tank and even the field.
Safe-keeping: Mind your library card. Getting a new one is difficult.
Senior saviours: Make friends with your seniors. They are your precious source of gossip, notes, more notes and any possible advice.
Clubs rule: There are many societies, from photography and theatre to dance, cricket, quiz, chess.... Sign up!
HERAMBA CHANDRA COLLEGE (SOUTH CITY, DAY)
Dress code: Short skirts, shorts and sleeveless outfits are strictly forbidden. Trust us, you don’t want to ignore the code.
Present please: The college is very strict with attendance, so 75 per cent is a must. And don’t miss the roll call even if you are busy trying to catch the eye of that pretty girl on the third row.
Sip & bite: Gol Park is a foodie’s paradise and you’d be far better off eating there than at the college canteen.
BIDHANNAGAR COLLEGE
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ID card: Forgetting books, pen and paper is still okay, but definitely not your ID card.
Present please: Attendance is compulsory. Don’t even think about bunking lectures.
Sip & bite: Carry salt, pepper and maybe ketchup if you plan to eat at the canteen. Bland and boring.
LORETO COLLEGE
Time it: Make sure your watch is set to the college clock. It doesn’t matter what the clock at home says. P for punctuality.
Love thy canteen: Learn to love your canteen. You will be spending a lot of time there as hopping in and out of campus is easier said than done.
No cop out: Now swallow the bitter pill — fever, headache, cough and cold will not be entertained as reasons for absence from classes without proper certificates.
JADAVPUR UNIVERSITY
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Faculty of engineering
Adda zone: From getting drenched during a football match to spending hours with your friends, a JU engineering student’s life is incomplete without the ‘engineering-er math’. You will make some very precious memories there.
Hostel life: Peaceful life in the boys’ hostel is a myth. A new surprise awaits each day; come prepared.
Faculty of arts
Politics ticks: Be ready to experience the exhilarating — and exasperating — world of campus politics. Everything, from friendships to fests, tends to be coloured by politics here.
Dress code: What’s that?!
Puppy love: Learn to warm up to dogs. They are many on the campus and some are very friendly.
Ledge-n-dary: The “ledge” in the UG arts building is popular but avoid it in the evening if you don’t want to run into “busy” couples.
Faculty of science
Present please: Don’t be fooled by the arts faculty students, attendance in the science faculty is very strict. You have no choice but to attend classes.
Sporting fun: The science faculty is known for its sporting prowess. If you’ve been itching to put your football boots back on, now is the time. Go shoot!
SCOTTISH CHURCH COLLEGE
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Thumb rules: Carry your ID card and do not wear shorts, capris or sleeveless tops.
Present please: You are okay as long as you keep bunking classes to a minimum, unless of course you want to be kept from the midterm exams.
Ear-plugged: Keep your earphones in your pockets. Confiscation is fast and recovery rare.
LADY BRABOURNE COLLEGE
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Dress it up: There is no dress code but senior girls say it is “better” to give “daring” dresses a miss.
Phone zone: There is no stipulated rule against using phones on the campus but to be on the safe side, try not to get caught using them in the corridors.
Sip & bite: Check out the canteens when you want a bite. The smaller, makeshift canteen offers more variety but runs out of stock fast. Try and make it before 1pm.
Adda zone: The stairs in front of the principal’s office (yes, you read that right) is the favourite adda spot. But do pipe down when you see teachers. You can also go to the Park Circus Maidan across the road.
