Navigating New Beginnings: A Fresher's Tale at IIT Guwahati
Life at the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati unfolds as a vibrant tapestry of academic rigor, personal discovery, and unforgettable moments. For Nisarg Thakar, a first-year undergraduate in Chemical Engineering, each day commences at 7 am, setting the tone for a schedule packed with lectures, laboratory sessions, assignments, and shared meals in the hostel mess. Amidst the hustle of rushing to classes and completing reports, the sprawling campus gradually transforms into a comforting home. As dusk descends, the weight of studies lightens, making way for cherished friendships and leisurely pursuits. Evenings are often spent bonding with peers in hostel common rooms, enjoying music, engaging in games, or embarking on serene walks across the picturesque grounds. These simple rituals—collaborative study sessions, laughter-filled late-night chats, and explorations on foot or bicycle—epitomize the essence of student life at this premier institution.
Early Life and Academic Foundation
Hailing from Nagpur, Maharashtra, Nisarg embarked on his IIT journey in 2025, marking his first experience of living independently away from home. His educational roots trace back to Narayana Vidyalayam in Nagpur, where he excelled academically while actively participating in extracurriculars like dancing, football, and anchoring, fostering confidence and versatility. Until Class 10, he relied solely on school guidance before enrolling at Patil's Classes, which propelled him to achieve an impressive 97.6% in his board exams. His family—his father running a branding agency and his mother an interior designer—provided unwavering support, their belief serving as a cornerstone throughout his formative years. Nostalgia often draws him back to memories of homemade meals and carefree moments with loved ones in Nagpur.
The JEE Odyssey and Branch Selection
Nisarg's passion for building and experimenting, coupled with a fondness for mathematics and science since Class 9, steered him toward the science stream and ultimately engineering. After dropping biology due to memorization challenges, he focused on JEE preparation at Kalptaru institute in Nagpur. His journey was transformative yet demanding, with initial setbacks in JEE Main attempts leading to moments of despair. However, parental sacrifices and teacher guidance fueled his resilience, culminating in a 99.30 percentile in JEE Main and a rank of 5,794 in JEE Advanced. During JoSAA counselling, his priority was securing a seat in a legacy IIT, with branch choice secondary. Driven by interests in physics and chemistry, he opted for Chemical Engineering, though he also considered fields like Mechanical Engineering and Computer Science.
Settling into Campus Life
The initial days presented hurdles, such as adapting to early wake-ups and occasionally skipping breakfast to reach classes on time. Yet, food was never a concern, thanks to decent mess offerings and a reliable hostel canteen. A sociable nature helped Nisarg quickly form a close-knit friend group, easing his adjustment to the rigorous schedule. This environment has fostered discipline, resilience, and confidence, with talented peers constantly inspiring him to elevate his standards. He emphasizes that participation in clubs and events hinges on interest rather than expertise, supported by helpful seniors and faculty.
Extracurricular Engagement and Campus Culture
Nisarg immersed himself in campus activities, joining the Dance Club (Cadence) and Football Club, while volunteering for events like Garba Raas, Independence Day parades, SIH'25, and Spirit'25. As a Gujarati, he particularly relished Navratri celebrations, where workshops enabled newcomers to learn Garba. Balancing academics with these pursuits required late-night study sessions and understanding from event heads, teaching him to juggle studies, extracurriculars, and social life. To manage stress, he finds solace in cycling or walking along scenic campus paths with friends.
Social Life and Local Explorations
The campus boasts numerous hangout spots, including the Student Activity Centre, Serpentine Lake, and various canteens, where friends gather for movies, billiards, or table tennis. Off-campus, trips to City Centre Mall for bowling and dining, or excursions to Meghalaya—a breathtaking destination a few hours away—add to the adventure. Initially, managing expenses posed a challenge, but Nisarg adapted, spending primarily on food, city outings, and occasional clothing shopping. His leisure time features binge-watching series like 'Stranger Things', playing games, or enjoying horror movies with peers.
Academic Insights and Future Aspirations
Professors at IIT Guwahati are noted for their knowledge, approachability, and emphasis on conceptual learning over rote memorization. Nisarg recalls a touching moment when a professor, V S Moholkar, expressed emotional attachment to his batch at semester's end. Looking ahead, he aims to secure a reputable role post-BTech, targeting organizations like Google or Amazon, and ultimately seeks to provide a peaceful life for his parents and himself, making them proud through his dedication and hard work.
