Bhubaneswar, Aug. 27: The election season has finally set in at Utkal and other varsities across the state. With campuses bustling with new faces, aspiring student leaders are busy trying to make an impact and establish their foothold.

The campus elections for Utkal varsity are slated to take place in October and the student leaders are trying to strike a chord with the fresh batch of students and gaining their confidence.

Aspiring leaders have been interacting with the freshers since the very first day they joined the varsity and giving them an idea of campus life.

Amit Jena, a student of the history department, is contesting for the presidential post this year. He is working hard and dedicating a fair amount of time to meet the newcomers.

"I am telling the new students about the things that I intend to do for the university. My priority would be to set up Wi-Fi on the campus and provide the students with coaching facilities," said Amit.

What adds to Amit's candidature is the fact that he has ample support from Rajeshraj Swain, the current president of the varsity, who is helping him with the campaign agenda.

"I am telling Amit about the probable areas where he can work upon. The key to creating a rapport with the students is to be friendly with them and that is what I am asking the candidates to do," Rajeshraj said.

Subrat Dash, a student of the public administration department, who is also keen to contest for the post of the president said: "I am trying to reinstate the fact that the first impression is what matters. I am assuring the students of extending my assistance and providing them with notes. I am also trying to make them feel safe by making sure they are not bullied."

Students like Subrat, who are willing to climb high in the political ladder in the future, see this as a great opportunity to brush their communication skills. Displays inviting freshers on the campus were spotted at Rajdhani and Rama Devi Women's College.

Megha Kanungo, a student of Rama Devi who is contesting for the presidential post, also plans to meet each students individually, especially the boarders and seeking their support. She is also campaigning through the social networking sites.

"I will make use of technology by sending emails and displaying my poll promises on Facebook," said Megha.

With polls cancelled at the BJB College last year owing to violence, the aspiring leaders as well as former student leaders are trying their best to maintain peace and harmony on campus.

"I have asked the juniors to ensure there is no intervention of outsiders. Students' union bodies are necessary for educational institutions and it is the duty of the upcoming leaders to ensure the polls are not cancelled," said Hrushikesh Mishra, former general secretary of the BJB College.