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10 Secrets of the most successful students
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CAMPUSCRUNCH By Students For Students
MIX OF SOCIETY MANIA
ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SUMMER SCHOOLS
COLLEGE BEHAVIOUS BASICS THE ESSENTIALS OF AN INTERNSHIP
DIFFERENT SPECIES OF FRESHERS EXTRACURRICULAR VS ACADEMICS
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REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD HAVE LINKED IN PROFILE
Freshmen Survival Guide
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August 2013 | Campus Crunch Magazine 1
CAMPUSHANGOUTS
Photo by Saad Faruque on flicker 2 Campus Crunch Magazine | August 2013
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AUGUST2013
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CAMPUS CRUNCH DIFFERENT SPECIES OF FRESHERS Locate your category! Nerd like Sheldon Cooper, Richie rich like Bruce Wayne, Notes maker like Hermoine Grenjor Or just a chilled one. By Sanjana Vaid
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FRESHER’S PARTY THE ULTIMATE FUN Its party Time! Live it Up, Drink it Down, Party hard! By Akshita Singh
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DEALING WITH STRESS DURING COLLEGE Life is too short to stress yourself. It is like an ice-cream So enjoy it before it melts. By Jenny Sivanthan
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COLLEGE BEHAVIOUR BASICS Free from the stringent rules and regulations of school, In the relaxed environment, all calm and cool, Intending to meet new people and forge friendships, Over bottles of cold drinks and a packet of chips…. By Priyanka Iyer
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August 2013 | Campus Crunch Magazine 3
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CAMPUS CRUNCH MIX OF SOCIETY MANIA Ever wished to do something different beyond your books? But were not quite sure how to get involved? Join college societies of your interest... By Anisha Shrivastav
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LINK WITH LINKED IN The Importance of a Professional Online Presence in this social media era. By Jenny Sivanthan
EXTRACURRICULAR VS ACADEMICS Whether employers are more concerned with an applicant’s grades in school or with their extracurricular activities? Should one focus solely on academics or extracurricular or what’s the midway approach! By Shweta Khotari
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SUMMER SCHOOL What do you aspire to learn, and what type of summer program will provide you with the best experience? Get started and utilize your summer to the fullest. By Prapti Verma
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GAME OF LOVE Do college relationships always excite you? Know the pros and cons of love. By Juhi Aggarwal and Sanjana Vaid
WAYS TO EARN SOME MONEY Going to college in your own car, flaunting those newly purchased shoes, denims, shirts, tops, eating at the college cafeteria, treating your friends at KFC/dominoes/ Pizza hut or wherever the demand flies. Whoosh! Back to reality! By Shruti Slaria
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MONSOON DIARIES A change of season calls for a change of wardrobe, and as the monsoon spell plays on fresh and colorful vibes, make your clothes evoke the hot look in this wet season! By Sudiksha Pandey
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BE POSITIVE
Story of two IITians who have taken an initiative to tackle the problem of blood shortage.
August 2013 | Campus Crunch Magazine
OUR CREW THIS ISSUE Contributors Akshita Singh Jesus and Marry College, Delhi University
Jenny Sivanthan SRK Engineering College, Chennai
Meghna Mittal Shivaji College, Delhi University
Prapti Verma SGTB Khalsa College, Delhi University
Priyali Prakash Hansraj College, Delhi University
Priyanka Iyer Graduate from Panjab University, Chandigarh
Shruti Slaria Lady Shri Ram College, Delhi University
Shweta Khotari Maharaja Agarsen College, Delhi University
Juhi Aggarwal Lady Shri Ram College, Delhi University
CAMPUS CRUNCH MAGAZINE
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THE
H
ello! With so much sincere happiness I welcome readers to our pages. After more than half year of exciting deliberation filled with countless brainstorming sessions, creative idea conversations and a lot of discussion, it thrills me that we finally have something to show you. We promise to bring you informative, thought provoking content in each of our monthly issue. Our content purely comes from college students as you. We are a group of students who work together as a team to create each issue and we seriously feel silly calling ourselves directors, managers, editors or chief of anything.
FROM
EDITOR
How many of you ever come across with many problems in your daily college life, immediately tried to get your problem resolved, but ended up frustrated when the problem was nowhere solved! We know the feeling; we have also gone through the same phase so we’re here to help you. We have no staff members or any artists. We purely depend upon the college students for their first hand submission from their own college experiences, thus resulting in articles that contain real feel expressions and resources. When you enter college probably the biggest dilemma is of extracurricular or academics, which one should be given more importance. We have covered a story on extracurricular vs academics in this issue. The article on love titled “Game of Love” is really awesome; no one would surely want to miss that. The Campus Crunch publishing team tackled India’s first and only college resources magazine to bring our readers the most up-to-date information and listings. At this time, I would like to take a moment to thank our entire staff/team for their hard work and dedication. I would especially like to thank the editorial department, in which our hardworking interns Prapti Verma, Priyanka Iyer, Akshita Singh and the list goes on spent several months to ensure that you get quality content. Please feel free to contact me with any topic suggestion that we may feature in further issue. Continue to thrive and see you next month!
Vishnu Kumawat Shri Ram College of Commerce
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF COLLEGE
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here is a time in everybody’s life when they end a chapter of their schooling and enter the whole new world of the college. Excited, anxious and nervous, when they enter their college world, a lot of memories are made. Here, we share some of the cherished memories of your seniors once being a freshman! Everything happens for a first time. The one, who is a senior now, once was wearing your shoes and experiencing the same change that you would have been. Freshmen are generally raw. They have no clue of how they would be treated upon after getting out of their well. The whole new world of people waits for them. Most of them have many expectations with it. They feel it more of a celebration.
Shruti Slaria Lady Shri Ram
“The truth is we come from a much protected environment in schools. Most of the teachers know us. They know our potential. They encourage us to participate in various activities because they know that we are good at them. College gives you a whole new dimension, where you can explore life.”
“The first time I entered my college, I walked with heavy steps. I did not know what was waiting for me and how would I be treated. After all, I have had always watched how ragging was done in the movies. But trust me, the real and reel life is different. Everyone was so cosy and welcomed us with such warmth. I still remember my seniors sharing their experiences with us. So now, how could I leave this opportunity to transfer it to you guys? I would advise to live your college life without any fear and enjoy to the most.”
Anisha Srivastava
Shivani Yadav SRCC
“It was a fresh start in a new city with new people. I did not know a single soul around me and yet I believed so firmly that at this absolutely new place with all these strangers, my life was going to take a swift turn and I am going to have the best three years of my life. I had built my own circle and my own array of colours. College was just how it was supposed to be. Freedom and Fun!”
SRCC
8 Campus Crunch Magazine | August 2013
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“With tummies filled with butterflies and as excitement choke the throat I stepped into another world with lot of dreams and desires. Though the sickness of leaving school roof struck me up the fresh vast surrounding spelled its magic on me. Apart from curriculum we had lot of refreshing activities to be carried out. The lab hours with doctor coats made everyone feel like research scientist and purposely wandered the campus with our coats on. Library, a treat to our senses but still turned us to silent mode. The aroma of our mess food stirred our hunger.”
Rohit Rupani
SGTB Khalsa College
Meghna
IIT kharagpur
“I would like to share an Anti-Ragging experience of mine. When I got into the college for the first time, I was warned of some seniors as they had ragging intentions. I would have easily stayed quiet and had let them do it. But no, why should I? Why should anyone? I contacted the police anti-ragging van being placed outside the college. All I want to say is speak for yourself and don’t let anyone mistreat you. Enjoy your college life; you have been paying the same as your seniors. It is your college too.”
“I cherish my college for giving me such amazing friends and seniors. Though, there was no ragging done but there was just some healthy fun done by the seniors on us; some pranks. Then we all got along together to the canteen and had fun. I really want to pass this onto me juniors as well.”
Shivaji College
Harshit Srivastava
Sarthak
Karori Mal College
“When I was in my first year, I got ragged from one of my senior but that was not disappointed moment for me and thus I did not lose any hope or changed my state of thinking. I still tried my best to introduce myself to the whole class at that time and I used to hang out with people of my class so as to have more and more friends and contacts from the college.”
These are just some of the experiences that people shared with us. Choosing just them had a motive behind. They all give you some lesson or the other while telling you the positive and the negative of the college life. These are some totally diverse experiences from each other for you freshmen to understand that everybody has gone through the same stage. You do not have to be worried about anything. If someone is mistreating you, you have all the anti-ragging campaigns and the police vans outside your college. College life diversifies from studying, hanging out with friends, gelling up with the seniors, getting your love and finding your idols in your teachers! You all are there to survive, so better to survive together! IF LIFE IS A WASTE OF TIME AND TIME IS A WASTE FOR LIFE , THEN LETS GET WASTED AND HAVE A TIME OF OUR LIVES!! www.campuscrunch.in
August 2013 | Campus Crunch Magazine 9
CAMPUSHANGOUTS FRESHMENSURVIVALGUIDE
THE DIFFERENT SPECIES OF FRESHERS I
‘The nerds’- Nerds are present almost everywhere. They believe that the college library is their God gift and their professors the God themselves. They are always spotted around their teachers gaining more knowledge on every possible topic, even if it is not necessary/. But, a small tincture of enjoyment won’t harm! Would it? ‘I am the society king’- These are students who would probably try to enter every society the college has. They would audition for every and would never be seen in their classrooms.
s it August! The colleges are re-opening. The new semesters are taking a new flight. And the seniors ‘The notes maker’- You would definitely have have the oh so nervous species to be handled called that one classmate whose notepad is never available their- ‘new juniors’. free not even to himself, as it is always been circulated Fresh out of the school life, when a student enters the in the class for notes being copied!
college, they are RAW. They are intending to enter a ‘The quiet one’- It is very much true that every world that is totally new and different from that of their classroom also has a student who are so misleading school world. that you do not even know that whether they have a After an observation deeply done, we are proud to voice or not. They would come, attend the classes from announce you the different facets of the freshersthe front row and disappear!
The ‘oh so popularity gainers’- They are the ‘The chilled outs’- Opposite to the listed above students who with their first day of the college have you would find the ones who are so chilled out that the motive of being popular. They would perform any possible act that would attract limelight and recognition. nothing really ,matters to them. For such students, their assignments are excuses, attendance is medical certificates and tests are cheating! They just have fun The ‘ragging is fun’- There would definitely be such facets that would demand themselves to be ragged and get away with it! in any possible way. For them, ragging is the symbol of ‘The Half-College attenders’- These are the first day of the college being attended in an entertaining typical students who are not morning people. They way. never attend their morning classes as they can never My senior is my God’ students - These are the get enough of their sleep. For them, college is always typical kinds that think they can only be known if the a half day! roam around with their seniors as this is the shortcut to popularity. From my personal experience I have ‘The politicians’- These are the students encountered a girl who was very much ready to gift her who have just one interest; shaping their future Raga watch to a senior just because she complimented in politics! All they do is work with the union and her watch. ultimate aim is to be Student Union’s president in An advice to such seekers their third year. GROWS UP AND DIG YOUR INDIVIDUALITY!
‘I am the richest attitude’- It’s not new to encounter freshers who are already in their parent’s rich So, these are the categories of freshers you would spot shell and limelight. They would roam around as if there roaming here and there in the college! There is one is no one more elite than them. A suggestion for them more group- the people who are just NORMAL! Locate your category and have fun with yourself ! is ego always leads to being aloof ! 10 Campus Crunch Magazine | August 2013
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YOUR CAMPUS ! YOUR HOME ! YOUR LIFE !
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AMPUS, the word that excites everyone. The change in life people wait for. Rather the most fun and frolic change. It’s the point where you can either make it or break it. You get a new chance to explore your abilities at every stage in college life. Be it studies, extra- curricular, sports, politics or even dramatics, college provides you a whole big platform to show it, enhance it and make a career out of it!
There are co-curricular activities that are needed to be considered but not at the stake of your academics.
Another important thing which would help you to cope up with your college life well is to be open minded. College is a change in your life, thus, it is bound to bring you to people of different religions, backgrounds and tastes. You would likely have problems gelling up with them. So being broad-minded would help you Being a student, you take part in different competitions, solve and tackle the situations in a better manner. tournaments and educational trips. During this period, one learns and educates. You get a chance to go out with “College is not only a place to learn and get friends on trips and fun while exploring new places. educated, but also to solve your problems
in an adult manner. When dealing with your problematic situations, always have an open mind towards the society. Be “Bunking might seem to be fun, but at the respectful and understanding to the views end of the day you can buy a college but the other person holds” A professor of Ramjus college not the time of a class! Enjoy your classes! After all, it’s your time, once in a lifetime.” If you live in you college hostel, you are bound to get But is college JUST fun? Is it just a place to be free and enjoy? Will it likely be according to your assumptions?
homesick. But do give your campus a chance to show you what it holds. Don’t be pessimistic. Yes, your Well, many students make expectations even before college might not be as good as your home, it might getting into the college. These expectations are often not have your family and your high school friends or influenced by movies, television programmes or your favourite restaraunt down the street, but it surely preconceived notions. The chances of college meeting can make you explore more opportunities and can these expectations are low! After all, there is certainly a inculcate a sense of independent living inside you. And of course, always remember, your home is just a phone difference between real life and reel life! call or text away! Moreover, not every student immediately adjusts during the initial stage of the college. If you find You are always protected in your CAMPUS. Treat it difficulties to adjust, you surely need to give yourself as your own home. Study, have fun, feel the freedom, a little bit of more time and understand that changes explore new things, make new friends, be friends with your professors, just get a dip into the college life! It’s occur to make you better. all about peeping into a whole new world of excitement You are certainly an in charge of your own time! For and frolic. It’s a roller coaster, but then who does not many students, college just means freedom. But along love it?! Enjoy to the core; follow your dreams and your with this new fold freedom, responsibility follows. ambitions, who knows your hobbies would lead you to Being responsible means managing your time equally. a good career option. Ms Babli Moitra Saraf ; Principal of IP College for Women
Feel the freedom and joy. After all, it is and always be YOURS! www.campuscrunch.in
August 2013 | Campus Crunch Magazine 11
FRESHMENSURVIVALGUIDE
COLLEGE BEHAVIOUR BASICS
A piece of advice for freshers! photo by Eneas de troya on flickr
Free from the stringent rules and regulations of school, In the relaxed environment, all calm and cool, Intending to meet new people and forge friendships, Over bottles of cold drinks and a packet of chips, When we meet them however, should we be cool, Or should we be friendly, lest we be labeled as some fool? How do we begin a new relation? How can we create the right impression? Things are different; we got to know the latest fashion, Life may not be that easy, as we struggle to understand our own passion!
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ife in college is often perceived as a casual and easy phase of life where we polish our talents and emerge out to become responsible and sensible adults. The society unknowingly, burdens our fragile young shoulders with another set of expectations- the responsibility to grow up by ourselves. Isn’t it strangely amusing how we are left in a wild crowd of like and unlike-minded bunch of people and expected to fend for our own selves? This is soon followed up by an exchange of excellent conversations and mutually inclusive growth, where a number of skipped classes, mass bunks and many number of strange events lead to something or the other! Soon
within a couple of years, we graduate with our professional and notso-professional degrees in hand. These set of events are a great collection of memories, but how does it begin? The problem with most of us is that we start over-expecting right at the start! This later leads to disappointment and we end up feeling miserable about our own college life. Unfortunately, it happens on a regular basis, and with most young college-goers who start disliking this golden period of their lives, right from the start. If you’re one of these young Millennials, it’s high time I give you a piece of my own mind (which I’m afraid may not be much)! First day in college: Huge expectations If you’ve been watching a number of those chick flicks or High School dramas or those wild college stories, I can totally understand how dramatic you expect your very first day to be! The problem however, is that our imaginative and over-optimistic minds fail to connive the real practical first day college situations. We all have different expectations from our first day at college, and our experiences also differ greatly. Some of them find their soul mates right at the start and others return back home dejected and irritated of their latest classmates, some of whom end up becoming best buddies later. These vacillating responses and emotions often force us to think again… How should we ideally behave?
it comes to college life heroes. Some want to be academic goal-setters (read nerds), others wish to stand out in the crowd with a flamboyant attitude, while some others simply wish to be the protagonists of the latest tragic love sagas. Above all, we are all there to prove something to our own self and something more to the society too. It is however, good to put up a friendly appearance. Flaunting attitude may not work well for everyone. If you’re looking to avoid crowds, then showing attitude could be a good idea, but otherwise cordial people are always loved by all. Consider utilising this time to learn from others and to accrete by taking advantage of dissimilarities and bonding over similarities. It is best to stay away from trouble, but never fret when it comes to taking a stand for yourself or for people whom you love (or start loving). Discover your own strengths and talents, but never get carried away with the ever-changing volatile college life. You can have an accommodating approach, but be firm when your sweetness is taken advantage of. Along with these aspects, you always have some indispensable tools to guide you through stormy waters. Some of these tools include:
pabilities. You may need to flaunt attitude sometimes, and sometimes perhaps just behave submissively. Use common sense to figure out at a precise moment, to avoid unnecessary discord. Sense of humour: Those of whom who think they don’t have any need not despair. If you have the wit and requisite sense of humour, you can win any arguments without fights or without flaunting attitude, pierce hearts of any and many people without Cupid’s bows or arrows. If however, sense of humour isn’t really your forte, do not despair and please do not try cultivate it at the expense of others! It could have negative implications too, if you don’t know where to draw the line. Principles: No matter where you go, and no matter what you do, principles and your family values will always be your biggest strength. People with principles may not forge friendships easily, but when they finally do, these friendships remain forever. You need not appease others at the cost of your own values or principles!
Discipline: In the fast-paced college life, we give little or no importance to this imperative tool of our life. It is advisable never to give up on your discipline. It would be wise to know where to draw a line and Common sense: Ironically, quot- stay in limits. ed as the ‘common sense’, though College life is a fully loaded palit isn’t much common any more, ette of beautiful colours that you this tool can be your own personal can use to colour your lives. Make brahmastra! It can help you deal sure however, to choose the colours with any situation, and you need you want to colour your life with, so What is the ideal college behav- to utilise it to your own advantage. that your collage of college memoCommon sense involves your disiour? ries looks beautiful and remains We have our different ideals when cerning powers and judgement ca- beautiful! www.campuscrunch.in
August 2013 | Campus Crunch Magazine 13
FRESHMENSURVIVALGUIDE
ANTI - RAGGING�
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agging! What is it? From the small fun-making leg pulling of the freshers, it became a horrifying torture for some. The question that arises here is, WHY ragging? The freshers are neither any culprits nor any thieves that they need to perform the activities demanded by the seniors because the seniors as well are not the judiciary! The juniors are there to stay and the seniors are also there to stay! So why not to stay TOGETHER!? Ragging is considered to be fun by many students. But harassing or playing with someone’s emotions can never be fun. Can it? Ragging is now considered an offence and is illegal to be committed. Apart from it being banned, it is not even morally accepted to exploit humans. Always remember that once you were also a junior so always put yourself into the situation before you ask someone else to carry it! The colleges keep orientations these days so that the juniors and the seniors interact with each other. Also, so that the new students who are admitted into the college get a chance to know their faculty, college rules and regulations and get familiar with its working. The seniors should always hold a healthy and a good conversation with their juniors. They should know the juniors for what they are as a person rather than humiliating them and having fun. For the freshers, it is your right to complaint to your teachers and the offices concerned if you are being harassed. There are many anti-ragging campaigns that are there to protect you against the illegal act of ragging. You need to voice yourself, stand against and fight for your rights and your respect. You can even file a charge against the person who has tried to harass you or exploit you to the police station. There are many anti-ragging help lines also that would be at immediate rescue if you are in some problem. More than the exploiter, it is the exploited person who would be at fault if he/she does not voice his/her opinion against their own exploitation. Being quite would never help. It would rather give the exploiter more confidence of continuing it. Ragging is an offence and it is illegal to be performed. Exploitation can never ever fun. You all are there to stay happily together. Above then being a junior or a senior, you all are humans first and you should behave as one! Respect every individual.
Say NO to ragging ! 14 Campus Crunch Magazine | August 2013
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A STITCH IN TIME, SAVES NINE Energy cannot be created nor destroyed, it can only be converted. Similarly, time cannot be created nor destroyed, it can only be managed!
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hile students today face a daunting task to fulfil the expectations of their mentors, teachers, parents and their own dreams and desires, managing time has become a troublesome job. Here are some tips to manage your time effectively. The oldest yet the thumb rule is, ”Be early to bed and early to rise”. »» Be punctual to daily classes. »» Schedule your tasks effectively according to the dif ficulty level, time required and the returns. »» It’s always better to finish the tough tasks first and then proceed to the easily accomplished ones. »» Set alarms and reminders for important chores. »» Mark a prior deadline to the actual date of submis sion to prevent any last minute troubles. »» Tomorrow never comes. Today is uncertain. Finish it off now. »» Facebook has become the hot spot to hang out for hours. There is a difference in using social network ing sites and being addicted to it. Wake up! You have things ahead to do and avoid spending hours and hours in vain. »» Spending hours on cell phone has become a trend these days. Limit your usage to priority things. No, we are not saying to stop using your phones, but manage your time well and balance it accordingly for friends and studies. »» Not everybody has their own vehicle. If you are using a public transport, well manage your time and be prepared with extra time slots for reaching your college. »» Just as your teachers demand studies, your brain demands rejuvenation! Take some time off for recreational activities, it would boost up your energy and you would be back upon your next day activities with full charge. www.campuscrunch.in
»» You might get a hell lot of distractions while study ing. Stop wasting time for unwanted impulsions, stay up aware and during your class sessions. The class won’t go on forever, you have all the time after it to enjoy. Involve yourself in soft skill development programs during free hours. »» Engage yourself in club activities and take responsibilities thereby you don’t find yourself idle. »» Bunking may be pleasurable but then you have to spend double the time to work out for pending and on time tasks. Next time think before you jump off the wall. »» We understand that you need time off your classes to enjoy your campus life too. But do not get too invlolved in just roaming. Sometimes, the library also deserves your attention! »» Preplan how to answer your exam question paper. You know the pattern in which you would be questioned. Allot time for the questions you know first, so that you could permanent those marks. Then go onto the questions you are less sure of. Do attempt the asked number of questions. Never leave. You might get a few marks for even trying attempting. Manage your time accordingly. »» During vacations enrol yourself for industrial training, internships, and summer camps to gain knowledge and not to waste your time sitting idle. »» Don’t overdo your work during lunch time as good health is essential for efficient functioning of mind and body. »» Last but not the least plan group activities and spend time with your friends and families to save some moments to cherish at the end of the day. Value your time. Time is a part of life which can never be earned back. Use it wisely. August 2013 | Campus Crunch Magazine 15
FRESHMENSURVIVALGUIDE
IT IS YOUR LIFE
that they should maintain friendly notions with their children. After a particular age, the mother-fatherchild relation must get converted into just friendship. This transformation mentally grows the child and emotionally makes him more strong and close to the parents. Having open conversations about issues regarding his/her life is very important to build the bond. The plant grows into a tree and bears fruit only es, it is your college and definitely your college but when it is watered every day and is given adequate you and everything you have is connected to the attention. Similarly, nourish your friendship with your two major reasons of you having it. Whenever, you feel children. Grow it. you are sinking, you know you have two of the best “Mrs Poonam Sharma, a mother, said, “Personally, ‘lifejackets’ of the world; your PARENTS!
BUT SO DO YOUR
PARENTS Y
my daughter and I, are best friends. We have a unique bond where she shares everything with me and I listen to her as a friend but guide as a mother. We have friendly terms and this has enhanced my way of looking into her problems and solving accordingly. If mother would not understand their Though you are now in college and would be children and let them to the right path, then no one experiencing many new things. You would be living would.” Very well said and explained by her! Whatever you are, whatever you will be and wherever you would reach in your life, the sole reason would be your parents and certainly no one else! Nothing can even replace them, then why do some children replace themselves for them.
and coordinating new bonds and relationships, but you can never stop paying your attention to your parents. College is a place which has the capacity to drive you crazy as there is freedom you always wanted. But remember that with freedom comes responsibility. Responsibility of being responsible!
Third type is of those who even after getting family support and guidance, drift away themselves due to bad influence. Your group and friends’ circle has a lot more to give you than just fun. The company you are into is very important to determine your future. Booze, hookah and smoking would initially look attractive but Though your college could provide you the three best they would destroy you lately. years of your lifetime, but never forget that their have been 18 with your parents and is still many more. Your You know that your parents would support and protect friends might be the people who know your secrets but you with the low and high tides of problems in your life your parents know the real you. They would support you or whatsoever deep shit you would be in. But why to even if your friends stab you because for your parents, bring them to a stage where they would have to rethink of supporting you? They have done everything for you what matters are you being happy and content. There are students who start drifting from their parents to lead a happy and self-confident life then could you when they reach the college stage. It is been more afford to lose the sole reason of having it? seen in those students who are either under excessive pressure or restrictions by their parents or by those who have a generation and communication gap between them.
“Mr K.P. Rawat, a father, said, “Students, that are put under high supervision by their parents tend to let lose themselves at the college stage as they get the freedom from all the do’s and don’ts and get freedom they have always longed for.” It is very important for the parents also to understand 16 Campus Crunch Magazine | August 2013
The answer is certainly, no! You could definitely manage to lose a certain enjoyment at the cost of losing the parents who gave you the reason of enjoying. Respect them for what they do for you to reach heights. Every sacrifice of theirs is an unfortunate gain for you. It is upon you to make it fortunate for your parents in the future. Don’t make them regret what they did for you, because as they say, “Losing one of your parent is a misfortune but losing both of them is sheer carelessness.” www.campuscrunch.in
ule it properly. Yes, college is fun and freedom. You might bunk some make sure that you don’t bunk too many. Your A NEW STUDENT'S GUIDE but teacher won’t have a loss anyway. It would be just you CAMPUS is the word that excites everyone. The who would be suffering. Here are some tips for the change in life people wait for. Rather the most fun freshers to be followed: and frolic change. It’s the point where you can either Always be calculative: Keep a record of your make it or break it. You get a new chance to explore •• your abilities at every stage in college life. Be it stud- own attendance. This would make you careful regardies, extra- curricular, sports, politics or even dramatics, ing your attendance and would also help you to attain college provides you a whole big platform to show it, the margin required. enhance it and make a career out of it! •• Be in a good company: The friends you make Being a student, you take part in different competi- play a very vital role in your college life and also in the tions, tournaments and educational trips. During this class. Always be in a company that is good for you. period, one learns and educates. You get a chance to go Be in touch with people who are worthy enough. This out with friends on trips and fun while exploring new would make you enjoy your classes and study, thus having a good result. places.
COLLEGE CLASSES
Balance everything: Balancing is very imporBut is college JUST fun? Is it just a place to be free and •• tant for you to live your college life. Excessive of bunkenjoy? Will it likely be according to your assumptions? ing won’t help, so never make it a habit. Balance your Well, many students make expectations even before fun, studies and extra-curricular activities. getting into the college. These expectations are often influenced by movies, television programmes or preconceived notions. The chances of college meeting these expectations are low! After all, there is certainly a difference between real life and reel life!
•• Hold a good repo with your teacher: There are students who find it cool to disturb a teacher in between he/she is teaching. Trust me, it is NOT! Always try and establish a good relationship with your teachers. It would help you in your internal assessment Moreover, not every student immediately adjusts dur- marks. Moreover, they are not school teachers. They ing the initial stage of the college. If you find difficul- know what fun is! ties to adjust, you surely need to give yourself a little Do not get too involved in college societies: bit of more time and understand that changes occur to •• There are universities that provide blind hours to the make you better. students on their special contribution to the reputation For many students, college just means freedom. But and the goodwill of the college. Be the exception of along with this new fold freedom, responsibility fol- your college and make it proud but never get too much lows. Being responsible means managing your time involved into the societies that you stop attending your equally. There are co-curricular activities that are need- classes. You might get the cultural leave but you won’t ed to be considered but not at the stake of your aca- get back the class time and the knowledge shared. demics. With the do’s, comes the don’ts of behaving in a class. This is exactly where the point lies. The first thing you The most important thing you again need to note is would have to manage is your time! Do you really want to be aware of your surroundings. Again, BALANCE to run from here and there for notes? Do you want to everything. Excess of everything is harmful. You need be in the detainees’ list because of short attendance? to be a mixture of sugar and spice together to be on the Certainly, no one would ever want that to happen. For top. Follow the tips and make it happen easily. all of this you need to understand your time and schedwww.campuscrunch.in
August 2013 | Campus Crunch Magazine 17
FRESHMENSURVIVALGUIDE
photo by Topgold on flickr
DEALING WITH STRESS DURING COLLEGE
18 Campus Crunch Magazine | August 2013
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STRESS HAS BEEN CALLED “THE SILENT KILLER” AND CAN LEAD TO HEART DISEASE, HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE, CHEST PAIN, AND AN IRREGULAR HEARTBEAT.
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andling stress is one of the challenges that students face during their time in college. From classes and bad professors to relationships and time management, from present work burden to future worries, from making friends to ending some old relations, stress in college life looms over each one in its own ominous way. It has become a part of our daily routine. However, it is not something which cannot be driven away or handled. Stress reflects one’s mental state and if proper care is given, it can be easily taken care of. It should be considered now before it influences your later part of life. Here are some ways to drive the stress away:
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CAUSE 1: ADAPTABILITY, What if you wake up one day in a strange island and end up spending the rest of the day there? This is the same case for a new student in college. Stress developes when we are learning to survive in a new enviroment. STRESS BUSTER: Be an outgoing kid, by this way you would be able make friends earlier and keep yourself and the surroundings cheerful. CAUSE 2: HOMESICKNESS, Home is the place where your soul lies. All of a sudden moving away from a place where we were nurtured, creates an immence pain in our hearts. STRESS BUSTER: You are no more a chick to dwell under the arms of a chicken. Grow up, expose yourself to the outside world and unleash your hidden potentials. CAUSE 3: BULLYING, The fear to face senior’s treatment is one of the hard nuts to crack for a fresher. STRESS BUSTER: Seniors are just people ahead of you in terms of experience. Stop being serious. Enjoy with them and learn as much as possible from the wise men! CAUSE 4: CRUSHES, Most teenagers fall prey to their age temptations and are left to tackle heart breaks and restlessness. STRESS BUSTER: Don’t narrow your options to a small world, there are so many out there! It takes real patience and time to find a true relationship. CAUSE 5: EXPECTATION, Parents want their son/daughter to excel in academics. Staff builds pressure on students to give their maximum output. Even we thrive to prove ourselves. Now an outstanding pressure exists to fulfil all these expectations. STRESS BUSTER: Expectation leads to disappointments. So just put your efforts and wait for the results. Hard work pays! CAUSE 6: DRESS CODE, Most colleges make it mandatory to wear dresses as per their rules. Not all would feel confident and be able to get accustomed to a new way of dressing. STRESS BUSTER: Design those outfits as per your taste and make a unique statement. CAUSE 7: DEALING WITH ENGLISH, For students who bloomed out of Tamil or Hindi medium in their pre university education English becomes a threat. STRESS BUSTER: Learn ten to twenty new words daily and read newspaper. This in turn boosts your English skill to the required level. CAUSE 8: EXAM & ASSIGNMENTS, These have almost become a deadly nightmare for students because of the punishments which come along with them in case of failure. STRESS BUSTER: Cramming by burning the midnight candle is our students’ policy. Avoid the last hour rush and practise the habit of learning your daily lessons and finishing tasks as and when assigned. www.campuscrunch.in
August 2013 | Campus Crunch Magazine 19
FRESHMENSURVIVALGUIDE
S
oon after the “brand new college crowd” floods through those college gates and the first week jitters have been doused a little, the fresher’s party buzz volume turns up...bringing in more belly butterflies and ear-splitting grins to the juniors. For most, it’s the first real party which is 100% authorized; which just makes you feel all the more grown up.
at that moment of glory. Other all you want. You might not get a than that there will be all kinds of chance to do that for the next 5-6 contests. You’ll be called up to the months! But just keep it PG13. stage and asked to say something, or sing, or dance. Just go with the Because the 5 foot flow. It doesn’t matter if your speakers aren’t singing is no better loud enough than a Excitement hits new records. And there’s just so much energy you can exhaust in trying to break the dance floor. What to But most of these frog’s or your do with the rest? You scream and recent grown-ups dance worse than shout! Give the DJ’s speakers some don’t have a clue Sunny Deol. It’s no competition. competition. Because in a fresher’s what a fresher’s And you are no newly-wed bride! party, just two vowels in “woo” aren’t party is really all about. So So shying away and blushing is not enough. Multiples of ten become here is what you should expect and a part of your job description. Don’t mandatory. And it’s acceptable to what (with my narrowed-eyes-and- go all “No no, that one sings better let the neighboring college think that you are hoarding a gigantic hawk’s-gaze look) is not expected than me”. Just do it like a boss. pack of wolves. from you;
TY R A P UN S F ’ ER ATE H ES TIM R F L U E H T
Too much ooh la la
Yes, we get that whole oomph factor thing you have got going. And you are definitely sexier dancers than Your department seniors will give Vidya Balan and Naseer. But keep you a theme for dressing up at the in mind that this is your college, fresher’s. Stick to it! If your theme not Chandni bar. Sexy is one thing, is “hippie”, well I’ve got breaking perverted is another. Flaunt those news for you. Red mini-dresses are belly dancing and salsa lessons NOT hippie. Looking like yourself with a little more make-up and a dress/suit is NOT “Hollywood”. And leopard print will not go along your “Hawaii” theme. That’s African. No one likes a Lohan in the party. So stick to your theme and you might just get the Best Dressed award.
Oops! Guess I didn’t get the memo
Fresher, not a newly-wed bride
You do not want to miss out on the Mr. and Miss Fresher. Even if you consider yourself as hot as Rajpal Yadav and as talented as Kristen Stewart, you still try your luck 20 Campus Crunch Magazine | August 2013
The unofficial craze
Just one party to welcome our juniors is not enough for the college crowd. So there will be an unofficial party out of college, one which will look more like those college parties you see in movies. But the problem with unofficial is that since no proper committee is set up to organize them, several take place. So plan in detail with your friends and seniors about which one would be the best to attend. Get into the “we are in college now” craze and go attending everything, and you might just have a constant hungover zombie look for a month! The bottom line is that this is YOUR party. You are no ordinary guest; you are the guest of honor. You show your seniors what you are made of. Spike the air with adrenaline. And you rock this party better than Flintstones “rocked” the Stone Age! www.campuscrunch.in
SAYING NO TO DRUGS CAN
IMPROVE YOUR PRESONALITY
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ubstance dependence; known as the responsibility of the parents to drug addiction is a compulsive check what activities their children need to use drugs in order to func- are indulging into. tion normally. The statistics say that the usage of drugs is on hype these days especially among the youth. These days, being cool and famous is even bigger than being yourself. Students tend to indulge into wrong doings such as alcohol, cigarettes, weed, marijuana, joint and all sorts of drugs.
The question arises WHY? Why is there such a need to indulge into the things you won’t have your senses after? Why do you feel being numb is being relaxed is being fun? Let us closely understand some of the reasons of youth indulging into drugs: .Just out of the school? Saw all new life of college? So, what exactly made you feel that the freedom you get at the college is ‘just’ about being a hep and having a bunch of friends that are cool, bunking the lectures and chilling? This is one of the major reasons of students walking the wrong path. The newly found freedom makes them lose themselves to the world that attracts them to be called as cool and being famous. . Your parents play a very important role in keeping a close check on your activities to be termed as right. The proverb goes well here: Out of the sight, Out of the mind. It is www.campuscrunch.in
. Peer pressure can either makes you walk on the flowers or can spread all thorns while your way. There are students who tend to get into drugs because their friends force them to do it. They do not realize that they might end up getting addicted to something that might prove as a poison for them. . There are many students to feel that drugs, alcohol and cigarettes are a way out and a solution to their problems. Do you actually believe that doing drugs would bring back your love or it could increase your results? Well, the answer to such people is to look at them in the mirror. There lies the solution.
what they are so they prefer a different world; a change hey could experience in their lives. Rolling is considered to be a solution for all the problems. Well, the truth is, it just disconnects the veins carrying signals of your body till the brain. This results into the stoppage of thinking or could control your thoughts. What you call relaxing, is a part of your brain not functioning. You don’t like your life; let you be the change of it, not the drugs. There are a lot of campaigns being organized these days that aware you to say no to drugs! They help you contact a rehabilitation centre and get rid of the dirt. There are all kinds of treatments available. Yes my friends this is possible. As they say, it is never too late to initiate good. All you require is strong determination. A mistake once committed can be repented if not done twice. It is you who could do it for yourself and no one else. Have that motivation in you. Stay focused, as life has much more to offer to you while being in your senses. What is it to enjoy when you won’t even remember the fun and not capturing the memories. What would you cherish?
Always remember that a permaUnderstanding the reasons closely, nent hard work is always better I would like to conclude one more than a temporary solution. thing. People addicted to such are those who have not liked them- Saying ‘NO to drugs’ is better selves to be them. They are tired of than saying ‘NO to life’. August 2013 | Campus Crunch Magazine 21
Secrets
CAMPUSHANGOUTS
to be the most successful student
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ollege life is a collection of beautiful memories that encompass all our little dreams and the sweet feelings associated with the fruition of all our dreams. While the standard aim of entering college is about graduating with great marks, not most of us appear inclined towards those mundane college grades. College is about socializing, having fun and learning some of the most different things in the most interesting manners.
strikes you hard! Wake up out of those old times’ tales and look at the practical scenarios today! Success, an overrated aspect in today’s world, has many different versions as it can be grossly challenging to define success precisely. With evolution in our thinking and advent of new terminologies, it has only become more difficult to accept the traditional definition of success. Success today is no more about hard cash in your pocket and a good career that’s going great. It has now gone on to extend its meaning, and is no more a monetary barometer. In today’s demanding world, an individual is expected to be mentally and physically astute to face the tedious challenges of life. You’ve got to be an all-rounder in some sort of way to be the perfect successful collegian.
life and be a complete ‘Rockstar’ package who fare well in college, socialize with ease and have talents to vouch for!
Cocktail for success in college: Follow us! Do you think you have it in you to flaunt your best and be the supposed college life ‘SUCCESS’? If yes, or even if no, how about helping us help you script success with our bright advice! I am back to divulge my set of non-standard secret advice that you could (or rather you should) follow!
With the difference in our perspective about college life, and our strikingly different dreams, we also have varying definitions of success. Now who would call that hard-working geek, with no 1. Focus on your passion interpersonal skills a successful and not grades college student? Similarly, the Often we fail to discern between coolest student of the college academic goals and our passion. arriving in swanky cars and having There cannot be an ideal situation a flashy social circle may not really Success today is defined as the than to have them both coalesce with be successful, if he/she flunks exams mental and physical capabilities to each other. You do not always have regularly! take the bull by its horns and also to ace the rat race to be successful College success: be the passive onlooker in certain in academics. It is important to fare What does it comprise of ? situations. It requires students to well, and give your best! In life, it If you think giving up college time have a practical approach towards may not always fun and being be possible to a complete I sifted through eclectic pages of my career, choosing technical streams, attain what nerd can help I wanted to graduate with flying colours; success was one of my dreams, you desire. You you lead the A high paying job and very good grades, I have them both with me, can however, ‘supposed l y always give Why is it that still, just no happiness I am able to see? successful’ life your best and I have no old memories to reckon, no frivolous tales to narrate, you dreamt of, forget about I gave up all college time pleasures, but satisfaction I still await! I wish reality the rest! 22 Campus Crunch Magazine | August 2013
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2. Develop interests in other co-curricular activities
Coolness is about staying calm and not losing your mind in those crazy situations, where most of us end up panicking. The real measure of success sometimes comes from tackling the craftiest situation in the best possible manner. Make sure you do just that and rock the campus with your chilled out attitude!
College times give you a chance to hone your skills and develop artistic traits. Do you think you could be the next rockstar, cricketer, model or actor? If yes, college time gives you an array of opportunities to try yourself out in diverse fields. It is alright to try something or the other and nobody would judge you 6. Time management on the basis of your college time You really need to perfect the art of time management. Devote the failures in artistic pursuits. requisite time to academics and also to your extra-curricular activities. 3. Flaunt flamboyance The ones who tactfully manage You haven’t lived your college life time and compartmentalise their if you haven’t been flamboyant. time according to their priorities Unless you haven’t been the flashy shall never fail in college, nor in life! and flamboyant, crazy student, you It is all about setting your priorities cannot grow up to be sensible and and dealing well, at the end! prudent. Give yourself the chance to expose and live the wild side of You would need a lot of selflife for once. Growing up and going discipline and perspicacious off-balance is sometimes an integral planning to script success and part of living a perfectly balanced be the college success. Success in life. Let yourself loose and live your college is already yours if you’ve life the way you wanted to! led your college life in a fulfilling
4. Build, be friend and butter the right people.
There is no point being the sweet and innocent college lass or lad! Forge friendships with the right people and develop contacts with them in the right manner. This contactbuilding episode is indispensable for socializing and enhancing your people skills. It is important to be diplomatic sometimes and keeping cool.
5. Keep calm and…
It is important to be cool! Coolness is not about wearing baggy clothing that makes you stand out. It is also not about bunking all classes and cracking the wittiest jokes. www.campuscrunch.in
of accomplishment. You know the best what you want in your life and you are the maker of it. You want to be successful? The best way is to act like what you really are.
8. Get motivation from the negatives.
There are people who derive motivation from the positives. But that is something that everyone does. You ought to be different to be the best. Get your motivation from the negatives as well. What if the teacher is scolding for you not performing well? The optimism says, to prove it to her, you can. That’s where you would derive motivation from a negative thing too. This would show up your spirit and hit it!
9. Prioritize your priorities.
Studying or playing? Working or hanging out? Scoring or freedom? Academics or extra-curricular? These are the things that are always running in the minds of a student. All you need to require is to prioritize everything well. Demand and supply always go hand in hand! Always remember, if it is dark on the one side, the light is not far away. You might be studying right now in the dark for a brighter future ahead!
manner and managed to pursue your interests. Like I said earlier, success isn’t about the money in your pocket or the efficacy of your astrological locket. Success is all about the contentment and smiles you flash when you recall some of those golden memories from your college life. So, stay happy and be successful as success is but an 10. The biggest secret of extension of happiness and vice them all. versa! Do you know the biggest secret of being successful? It is to understand 7. Be Yourself and apply these secrets above, in The best job you could ever your life. This is the main secret perform is to be you. That is what of remembering all the secrets. the other cannot do the same way. Implementation is always required It is very important to understand after the management part. Go that what you have in you, that for it. Do not lose your faith in passion, that charisma and the need yourself.. August 2013 | Campus Crunch Magazine 23
FRESHMENSURVIVALGUIDE What are college societies?
These are highly diversified groups within a college which represent a particular passion or cause. Members put in their efforts and work together as a unified body. Different colleges provide vast opportunities to allow students pursue their interests, hobbies and passions. Dance, music and theatre have the highest number of takers, with every college boasting of its popularity in at least one of these arenas.
Mix of Society
Mania! What is it about college that it creates such hype around itself ? School goers excitedly look forward to college time and those who have passed out, longingly look back reminiscing those wonderful years. How is it that these three or four years have the power to leave such an impact on a person?
The interests that the college societies cater to vary hugely, be it the dissection of abstract ideas at the Philosophical Society of St Stephen’s, or honing gardening skills at garden committee of Miranda. St.Xaviers Kolkata also offers Leadership Training Service and Hindu College stands with out with its Nature and Adventure Club. Fashion Societies have made a mark with their outstanding show performances at different college festivals. Placement Cell instills in you the corporate persona to take on companies and build extensive networks. Dramatics pulls out the actor in you and moulds you into a free and expressive individual. For those interested in Music, further your passion and form your own college band. Competing at different levels only ignites the fire to become better and beat the best. Sport is an evergreen area where all the athletes find their home ground. Debating Clubs encourages the young orators and presents opportunities for excellence with various competitions. Such as these, there are numerous other societies that provide the platform for an overall development.
One answer that solves this question for most of us is ‘The College Societies’.
Y
es, college societies play a huge role in shaping us. It stands for who we are and what we live by. For many students the work that they do within clubs and societies is the single most important feature of their college lives, providing opportunities for friendship, social development and personal growth. The clubs and societies within the College, paint a picture of what its students consider important to themselves, to their place in College, and to their place in the world. 24 Campus Crunch Magazine | August 2013
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Societies sound like the perfect place where you’re supposed to be. A home built for everyone to come back to their comfort zones. But is it really so? Most of the societies are not that easy to get into. They have various levels of selection processes in which they screen and the most suitable candidates are chosen. It is after all, a holistic approach by all to ensure a good and positive growth in the societies. The tests are nothing out of the world but only test few parameters which are considered important. If you pass those, you are a rightful member of the society! These tests are beneficial as they are a medium to choose the best talent for the society. It leads to specialization. These tests even provide you with a platform to explore the right field for you.
How to crack the selection?
Just be yourself ! The people who are taking the selections are looking for members who will be fully devoted to the society and take up the responsibility with self-confidence and faith. If you have that passion, express that. You have those ideas? Speak them. Make them aware of what all you can offer. Make them see you. And your job as the interviewee is done. If you don’t get selected, you’re meant to be somewhere else, specialising for someone else. Maybe you are leaving something you have the talent for, while being desperate for something. Survival in these societies! Was our charm and enthusiasm is the only required criterion? We have to stick by it through thick and thin. We should participate in everything that happens in the society; because that is the work we love doing. Being actively involved will ensure full growth and bring with it, its share of fun. Being a lazy member will only bring the luxuries of your own company. When you work and work together as a team, will you be able to understand the dynamics of ‘behind the scenes’ and make friends alongside. So when you’re a part of something, make sure you’re an integral part of that! You have to prove that you’re indispensable. There might be people you may not be able to get along with that easily. Tackle them the easy way. Make yourself and your work the priority. Shine through your actions. www.campuscrunch.in
Societies cultivate in you the sense of ‘responsibility’, ‘accountability’, ‘management’, ‘manners of diplomacy’ and how to connect to people. These can only be achieved if you are ready to give yourself to the society and learn the maximum out of it. Taking the easy way out will never help as you will walk out with no real experience. This is the chance to handle the simple affairs of life in a big manner. Be the leader here and take things in your own stride. Develop yourself. Explore yourself through these societies. Build your passion, your interest and take it forward. There are many posts that are offered by the society which acts as the ladder to your progress. Strive for the post which suits you the most. Take up the challenge from day one. You get to be the master of something you’re good at and take complete advantage of this opportunity to excel. You never know when the secret Obama in you is revealed. Societies are made up of you and only for you. Go for them and don’t give a second thought before applying. Be yourself, have confidence and discover yourself. Something or the other is out there waiting for you. Take your steps, some maybe wrong, but they are definitely clearing up your way towards the main path. Make your college life as memorable as you can. Try out as much as you can. Gains are directly falling onto your lap. Build a better College Life, the Societies are the Brick, your passion the cement. Put them together and a strong structure of ‘you’ is ready. August 2013 | Campus Crunch Magazine 25
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CAMPUSHANGOUTS ollege marks the beginning of a new lease of life in students. It an overwhelming time coupled with excitement and frenzy, in anticipation of what is next to come. It’s also a time when we make some very crucial decisions which have a long lasting impact on our lives. One of which is, whether to participate in extracurricular activities and what are the stakes involved.
are interested whether it be singing, dancing, boxing, acting, part-time job, social work, swimming and many more are regarded as extracurricular activities.
‘‘How to choose your set of extracurricular activities?’’, is the most common question. No one
can give a better answer except you. Look for things that enhance your natural inclinations and qualities. Focus on your strongest desire and passion. Turn into an analyst of your skills. Your extracurricular activity A number of students consider it a waste of time and should be a reflection of yourself. If you have leadership energy, to take part in any activity. They are of the qualities and want to make an impression upon others, opinion that academics and solely academics will steer you should join debates, discussions, dramas and social their fate and choose to opt out against any kind of activities. doings other than studies. But, are these views still valid in this fast paced 21st century world? And more Many students while away their precious college time in most extraneous activities, only to realize the importantly, will study worth of extra-curricular activities later on. Almost alone ensure a great all the colleges have their indigenous societies which career? encourage students to take up any activity of their choice and hone their skills. It is an opportunity to interact with people of different streams, explore your talent and learn new skills. This is also a time to come out of our cocoons and experience the world around, from a new perspective. These activities help you to overcome shyness and gain confidence. You learn the lessons of leadership and the value of teamwork.
Well, the answer is predicament, No! Employers today look out for dynamic individuals rather than book worms. What is expected out of an individual at a level of employability is versatility, team spirit, talent, commitment and leadership skills, other than of course a required qualification. All these qualities as a matter of fact are acquired when one participates in numerous events and activities. The word Extracurricular is a combination of words extra and curriculum, extra meaning ‘on the outside’ and curriculum, meaning, ‘a running course’ .So extracurricular activities are those which are not related to formal education. All the activities in which you 26 Campus Crunch Magazine | August 2013
It’s a proved survey that, ‘’the students who participate in extracurricular activities are three times more likely to have grade point average of a 3.0 or higher. This is higher than students who do not participate in extracurricular activities.’’ We are thus, churned into complete individuals. Apart from all the hands on learning experience, the collection of certificates one acquires from extracurricular activities can be a possession worth flaunting. They give you an upper hand over the rest in application for further studies. So it’s a win-win situation for the ones who remain active all through their college years in every sphere, from employment to higher studies and notably, the all-round personality development. So next time, when you come across a new poster or hoarding announcing an upcoming event, do not forget to get yourself enrolled. After all, these activities have the potential to make a considerable difference in your life. You wouldn’t want to miss an opportunity,
Would you?!
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Let’s hear the story of a young not-so-known guy Mihir Mehta
R
St Xavier’s College, Kolkata
ather than giving some bookish phrases or big names, I will like to focus on a pretty small name that’s mine because I know the best about myself. So, after going through the entire dilemma of course and college selection, I zeroed in on Accountancy honours at St Xaviers College Kolkata and to find a source of entertainment, took up Chartered Accountancy. The day I paid admission fee at Xavier’s, I decided to leverage that opportunity to the best of my ability and not be a mere guy who enters the college grudging and leaves smiling.
and entrepreneurship at state and national levels. However, I don’t want the readers to yawn reading only about the stuff I did in college and hence, I would now straightaway jump to the benefits of such activities. In order to make it convenient, I have structured those in form of bullet points: •• Networking - Being a part of societies/ clubs and participating in extra activities gives you the benefit of meeting a whole lot of new people who can be your source of ideas and opportunities.
•• Learning - Extra-curricular activities are a great source of learning by doing. They allow you to implement stuff that you learn or have learnt earlier. There is no better way to retain any learning than implementing what you know. Believe me when I tell you, that almost fifty percent of my learning in finance came from organizing such activities. Please note that Let us fast forward a bit and come to the time when I am not asking you to leave books or something, but I was already about six months old in college. My just to realize the significance of these activities. personal opinion is that the first few months in college •• Creating value - As I mentioned at the very onset, I should not be spent desperately searching for extra entered Xavier’s college with the intent to leverage my activities or clubs/societies. I would rather devote it in stay there. If you have a motive bigger than just getting understanding the functioning of college in terms of a college degree then you need to appreciate the value say grading, faculty, attendance, student bodies and a that extra activities add to your life. The ideal approach whole lot of other things. So yes, once I was six months is to create an optimum balance between studying and old in college, I decided to participate in some extra- extra-curricular activities, which you can handle well. curricular activities. Hence, with a strong motive and ample time, I went ahead to take a look at the college •• Placements - Most of the companies that come to notice board from which I just took away one thing: grad colleges not only look for grades but for an entire Chaos. picture of what the candidate has done during his college life. In my opinion, participating in activities So many things at once! you have been always interested in provides you with The notice board was filled with notices from numerous high confidence and excellent knowledge. I say this societies like debating society, hindi literary society because they helped me in landing a job with Google. etc. with many more activities like debating, theatrics, accountancy and management related activities. I knew my interest lay in management related activities In a nutshell and fortunately, there was a society called the Xavier’s Yes guys, we have reached the conclusion and if you have commerce society that did things that I was enthusiastic survived till here, I am sure you are interested in making about. It is run by an executive board of students who your college life a valuable one. Just before I say good day, organize events that test the management mettle of I would like to pass on a word of advice based on my students. experience. Generally, I have seen students running after those activities that they think would help them in getting Do what interests you a good placement or an excellent MBA school. Let me tell After I applied for their interview process and cleared you guys, if you run after something that does not interest it, I was a part of the executive board of XCS. During you, it is going to be wasteful. Do whatever you like; the the three years of my college life, I participated in rest will take care of itself. organizing different activities inclined towards finance www.campuscrunch.in
August 2013 | Campus Crunch Magazine 27
CAMPUSHANGOUTS CAREERSPOTLIGHT
ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SUMMER SCHOOLS ‘Summer School’, surely does sound like a familiar tune. You may have a faint idea of what they are but let me put forth some other points which might help you know them a little better. In simple words, a Summer School is a school, or a program, generally sponsored by the school or a school district, that aims to teach a particular curriculum. Summer schools are not that common in India, al- lowing are the top 5 most soughtthough they are now being intro- after international summer schools: duced in most Indian Universities. Harvard Summer School, Cambridge, USA A typical summer school may last LSE Summer School, for 5 to 6 weeks. Although there London, UK might me some with a varied duraKings College Summer School, tion period. London, UK Oxford Summer School, International Summer schools Oxford, UK Going for a summer school abroad National University of Singapore will definitely be a lifetime experiSummer School, Singapore ence for you. Not only will you get to see a whole new country but also get to know how universities work Applications for all schools start typthere, what are their teaching style, ically from mid-January. You have how students study there, what kind to keep yourself updated with their of curriculum they have and eve- websites. You need to keep the folrything! Most of us wish to study lowing tips in mind while applying abroad and this dream might not for an international summer school: come true for all, but going to a summer school will be like watching a trailer before the actual movie. Fol-
. . . . .
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Choose a country:
Carefully choose a country you wish to go. Make a thorough study of that country and their lifestyle. Then choose the university you would like to apply. Also go through the country’s Visa requirements.
The Perfect Course:
All summer schools offer a wide range of courses in fields of English, Economics,Management,Law, Political Science, Engineering, Commerce and many more. Do not get overwhelmed with the choices and wisely choose a course according to your capabilities. Some courses require special eligibility criteria, so make sure you fulfil them before you apply. At the www.campuscrunch.in
end of the school you are expected to sit for an exam covering the entire course. If it’s your first time then it is advisable not to choose a high level course because the teaching environment is going to be completely different there and it might be a little difficult to cope up with. Keep in mind the time you will keep aside to exolore the new country
Mind your Expenses:
International Summer schools can cost you a lot. There are limited or no provisions for scholarships to summer schools. You may check with your own school or college authorities if they are willing to sponsor you. If you add admission fees, accommodation, travel expenses, personal expenses and visa formalities then the minimum expenditure is likely to be around 1.5-2 lac. Most universities provide accommodation in their own campus, which is more advisable than a hotel. Early Planning: If you are interested to spend your vacations in a foreign country with a chance to explore and learn new things then you should start planning for a June-July summer school from January itself.
What will you get? Summer School will provide you a whole new learning experience. It will be a pleasant change from your monotonous curriculum that you have invariably been studying for years. You will get a chance to study a course that is outside of your regular syllabus, which can be a hobby, skill or any subject that you are passionate about. And surely, attending a summer school will prove to be an added highlight to your resume. You will receive an attendance certificate and transcript of the exam you give there. Be prepared about the amount of time and expenditure you are willing to keep aside for the summer school. www.campuscrunch.in
When evaluating whether a summer school is right for you or not, ask yourself: What do you aspire to learn, and what type of summer program will provide you with the best experience? Utilize your summer to the fullest!
Indian Summer Schools Summer schools are a whole new concept in India. Indian universities are now collaborating with foreign universities to launch their own summer schools and many have introduced them as a part of their curriculum. Indian summer schools are mostly of a few days or 1-2 weeks duration. Following are top Indian Summer Schools:
. .. .
International Summer School, New Delhi (in collaboration with Jamia university) Symbiosis Summer School, Pune Advent Summer School, Udaipur Summer School in Development Economics, Azim Premji University, Bangalore BLISS Summer School, TERI university, New Delhi
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The registration for Indian Summer Schools starts from March-end. Expenditure is not too high. Most universities charge a meager application fees ranging from 1000-5000 INR. If you are residing in a different city then accommodation charges are also applicable. From the above list, the Symbiosis Summer School has tuition fees of 90,000 INR. Indian Summer Schools offer a limited choice of courses. Most schools have just one topic or subject for the entire duration. It is recommended to choose summer schools that have collaborations with foreign universities.
Student
Experiences “Attending a summer school was the best experience of my life. Loved Staying in London. LSE had a great campus. Our course teacher was the author of our prescribed book himself! Totally worth it!” - Pranav Kakkar “LSE Summer School gives you 3 weeks of global exposure with great education. Summer school is a great time for valuing your summer break and enjoying every bit of it in the streets and hubs of London” - Armaan Ali Sayed “Did the management course from Harvard Summer School and it was an amazing experience. The faculty is great. It has the most amazing library. Got the best chance to live the American way. I now dream of joining Harvard for post graduation!” - Riya Jain
August 2013 | Campus Crunch Magazine 29
CAREERSPOTLIGHT
The Essentials of an Internship
One of the biggest recent trends in entry-level recruiting is the rise of the internship. Summer internships have become a necessary element of a college student’s qualifications for a postgraduation job, and many employers are treating internships as a “three-month interview,” making full-time offers to high performing interns for the following year.
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ompetency is attained over a matter of time. It is a blend of skills and practise. While the former can be attained in college, the latter requires you to work. It is only after this, is one deemed fit for a job. Working with an organization of your choice to acquire practical knowledge in the desired field as a temporary employee can be vaguely referred to as Internship. This paid/unpaid temporary work has multi fold benefits which will help you achieve your career goals, faster and smoother. A few advantages of internship are as follows:
Professional Intricacy
Internships are a good way to learn the intricacies of any profession without taking up a
full time job. This literally means you will know what it is to be at a particular place in a particular organization without any commitment to continue with it. So you carry on with your dream profession once you know you can thrive in the workspace.
Practical Experience
The most important of all the benefits is the hands-on learning experience that one acquires. This sort of practical knowledge is an asset to your career. It moulds you into a desirable candidate for your future profession and dramatically adds to your resume.
Application
It is said that knowledge is unserviceable without application. Internship provides an opportunity for the proper utilization of your possessed
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knowledge. It is the time to apply all that you have learned during your course of study.
Contacts
Internship is also a time to create contacts in your prospective field of work. Know the people around and let them know you too. This recognition can pave way for a bright career. A sound network of contacts would also mean possibility of future help.
Recruitment
Statistics show that about 69% of interns working with an organization of over hundred employees or more get a full time job with their organization! Internships are available all around the year in various private and government organizations. However, the best time to apply, www.campuscrunch.in
while still in the college is a few months before the winter or summer break. A vacation is the best period as one has the time at hand to devote to their career in whatever way they desire. Application can be made directly to the organization of your choice, asking for an internship. Many colleges also provide a window to internship programmes that recruit students from the campus itself. While it is easy to get an internship from college, the chances of getting through majority of organizations via direct applications are thin. Do make an enquiry and wait for the response! All those who are determined to work, the road doesn’t end. Many organizations offer a wide range of internships from Sales to Public Relations. Some
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organizations choose to advertise the internships opportunities available, while others keep it under wraps. The emergence of various internship portals has spread much awareness in this field. The portals such as Twenty19. com,Letsintern.com, Internshala.com, and Internship. com etc provide all the necessary information regarding internship opportunities available. They also advertise internships in both private and government organisations and sometimes, also submit an application on your behalf and also provide detailed answers on queries pertaining to internships.
These programs offered by leading brands such as Goggle, Infosys, Coca Cola etc. view this as a talent management and talent acquisition strategy in the light of growing competition. The past century has seen tremendous rise in demand for work experience and practical knowledge. Internship frenzy is at its peak. More and more organizations are looking forward to employees with desired functional expertise and professional integrity. So grab the opportunity that comes your way and make the most of it! Be the resource you are so meant to be.
Many global players have come to realise the importance of building a workforce by means of various internship programs.
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CAREERSPOTLIGHT
Student Exchange Programs
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s far as these three words go in properly defining the whole institution, no part of the worn out and boredom-inspiring term “Student exchange program” does justice to the heady cocktail of culture, education and international exposure that it truly is. And the very fact that I used “Student exchange program” and “cocktail” in the same sentence speaks tons about such programs being way more than the nerd ambitions!
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What exactly is it? The main thing you need to know about these programs is that they are like temporary barter system between two educational institutions. Your foreign exchange partner will come to your country for a few weeks, and then you’ll go to with them to their country, or the vice-versa. In most of the cases, your exchange partner is also your host, and you are theirs. But sometimes, the housing accommodations are also made in the campus area. Now, there are two kinds of exchange programs. In some of the long term exchange programs (that last a semester), scholarships are available to students for tuition fees (you are going there for an international “educational” experience, so there will be a lot of tuition!) and in some cases, even the accommodation fee. These programs are conducted at college level. The short term programs last a few weeks and are conducted in several schools and colleges, and have to be self-funded. These focus less on studies and more on cultural exchange and integrating globalization. Now you won’t exactly attend all their classes with them and do the assigned homework and such stuff. You don’t do that by yourself at home, so no one really expects you to fly hundreds of miles and do math homework in Paris or study Torricelli’s law in Germany. The experience and
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feeling of being the exotic peacock among pigeons is a whole different story.
How do I get in? Have the hawk’s sight and the owl’s hearing! Well, not in the literal sense, my dear “tweeting” generation. But the key to getting into exchange programs is by staying aware and attentive. If you hear the faintest whispers about such programs, do not hesitate to ask, or if required, nag the concerned authorities about it. No one will come up to your seat to ask you if you wish to grab the opportunity to enroll into a privileged program. Had that been the case, they wouldn’t call it “grabbing” the opportunity. And all opportunities are like VIP clubs, not close to any Open House. So if you wish to get into such a program, you not only need to be faster than the competition, but also better than it. Hence, you need to keep a good academic and co-curricular record. Stay on the lookout for such programs by frequently checking out newspapers, notices, posters and discussing it with your teachers. Or else the only time you will get all the details about the whole program would be when your classmate comes back from it with souvenirs and a smug grin as gifts for you.
The cocktail part! So what exactly happens in these exchange programs? Well to put it mildly, you get a high out of getting electrocuted by culture shock. And I mean that in an adventurous-and-fun-experience way. Now that homework is out of the equation, you experience all kinds of things. The hosts will drench you in their culture. They will walk you through every street of their customs and lifestyles, be it historic forts, football matches or chocolate factories. Not only will you get a firsthand experience of their country, you will live their foreign way of life. And good news for the nerd, and blah for the rest of the herd...you will attend some of their classes with them. You will www.campuscrunch.in
have some special classes too where you will get to learn about their country. In return, you will bring your culture to them. From wedding ceremonies to religions, from bollywood dance numbers to classical music, from folk tales to age old lullabies, from Thar Desert to Bengali desserts, you bring India to them. “I was a part of a German exchange program conducted in my school. Time spent with the host family was so much fun and informative. The most interesting of all our activities was geocaching. It was an advanced treasure hunt for the Indian students all across the town where we had to figure out the places the clues led to based on what we learnt, and then go to that place for the next clue using our GPS devices. At the end of the stay we had to make our own geocache using questions about India as clues.” a former DPSite. The people, the food, their music, their history, their culture, those streets, the skies and seas, their language, their stories...these all become beautiful colors, painting you into a long dream. You become entwined in a whole new world of experiences. Not only is an adrenaline gushing memory tattooed to your brain, but you also make friends for life.
August 2013 | Campus Crunch Magazine 33
CAMPUSHANGOUTS
LINK WITH
LINKEDIN Reasons why college students should have their linkedin profile
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very college student has a crucial stage in their life; job hunting. Not all would be placed via campus interview and thus it takes your own initiative and effort to fetch yourself your own piece of cake. Rather than wasting time on social networking sites such as Facebook, Myspace, Twitter youngsters should switch over to useful links to utilize their time efficiently. For you to set your career right there are many possibilities out there of which LinkedIn plays a major role. Linkedin is also a social networking site unlike other networking sites it is used to build your professional network rather than personal network. Launched in 2003 and is ahead of its competitors Viadeo and XING with about 225 million members and more. Linkedin have emerged as a popular tool to scout the pool of talents by the recruiting world.
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1 PROMOTE YOURSELF
In the job market you are a commodity to be sold out. It is a must that you endorse yourself as the most valuable good to your employer. Linkedin; helps you and your skills and abilities to be known to the recruiters. It gives you a professional identity. You can edit, design and upgrade your profile whenever you want to showcase your work and experience. The stronger your profile, the stronger is your chances to the doors of employment.
2 BUILD YOUR PROFESSIONAL NETWORK
Widen your contacts among the professional circle and engage yourself with the valuable identity to erect your foundations strongly. You could take the help from these two: •• Connections: They help you to improve your knowledge about the needs of the job world. As a professional, what they expect from you would be well known which in turn enhances your productivity. •• Influences and references: These would be made easier with your network circle. After all, a little back up is essential to get into any firm. Either to get to know about the firm or to attend interviews, references are much viable sources as few concerns are nepotistic.
3 GET RECOMMENDATIONS
You can request recommendation for a position or job from your connections by entering your request message or personalized note. You can even ask for recommendation from multiple people in one message. Once you have sent a recommendation you cannot withdraw it or send another one to the same person until you get back their response. Most hiring managers do look over the recommendations to hire a trustworthy employee.
4 CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
An old proverb says “Opportunity knocks only once”. But this becomes invalid when it comes to your tie up with Linkedin. You are always connected to your destination and Linkedin provides you with many ways to reach to the point. You are set on track with constant updates and proposals. Job listing helps www.campuscrunch.in
you to find the openings at various on and offshore companies. As well you can extend your search with the required title, keyword, position or even package. You will be able to see the no applications and views for a hot job which is absent in most other career sites.
5 CONDUCTING COMPANY RESEARCH
You can research about the companies of your interest by typing the company’s name in the search box. Once you have entered the required firm name, you will be displayed with the firm and its specialities, insights, products and services, headquarters, website link, industry, type, size and various other statistics alongside. You would also be enabled to browse through the people associated with the firm.
6 CONNECTING WITH OTHER STUDENTS AND TEACHERS
You can find and invite your classmates, colleagues, staffs, friends and your contacts to add to your ‘Connections’. You can insert tags too to your connections. Your connections help to advertise your skills and expertise. You can also get timely updates about your connections thereby staying in touch with them always.
7 BUILDING YOUR ONLINE RESUME
Your linkedin profile acts as a gateway between you and your recruiter resembling an advanced version of your resume. You can use linkedin profile as resume to apply for any job in the job listing using ‘Apply with linkedin’ and once you have applied, it will be saved under ‘Saved Jobs’.
8 JOIN GROUPS
You can create your own group or even join groups of your interest. Discover like-minded professionals and indulge in discussions, find answers, share values and views. Tune yourself to the right trend and move ahead to enrich your career.
August 2013 | Campus Crunch Magazine 35
CAMPUSQUICKIES
Movies College
A 2008 comedy which depicts college life in full length. A wild weekend is in the store for three high school seniors who visit a local college campus as prospective freshmen. The experience turns out to be life changing. Watch the movie to experience the challenges of being a collegian.
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ollege is about to kick start soon. Before you embark on this much anticipated journey, make sure you know it all! The new trends, lingos, food habits, fashion and style anything and everything which you might stumble upon. There have been numerous attempts by writers and directors to pen down or capture college life and present it to all those trying to get a glimpse. College isn’t just about new found freedom, but increased responsibilities too. It is a time when we fabricate our character, gather wisdom and realize our duties. Some good literature and cinema can be awe inspiring at this transitional epoch. Get your hands on the following suggested books and movies for a better start
college campus in 1984. The film’s story line chronicles a group of nerds trying to stop harassment by the persecuting Jock fraternity, the Alpha Betas. It’s a marvellous depiction of the fight for individuality and the triumph of good.
Van wilder
A 2002 film that stars Ryan Reynolds as the film’s notoriously good-looking playboy protagonist, Van Wilder. A man who lives an extravagant life, soon finds a purpose and gradually transforms into a responsible person. However, the transition isn’t very smooth!
The social network
Mark Zuckerberg, one of the co-founders of Facebook had his own share of rifts and tension. A 2010 American drama portrays the journey of Mark, founding of the biggest social networking site of the century, Facebook and the lawsuits, following its success.
Legally blonde
An American film which features Resse Witherspoon as a sorority girl who struggles to win back her ex-boyfriend by earning a law degree. The 2001 drama showcases her struggle with college, triumph as a student and subsequent realization that will surely inspire you to get a grip on your life.
Revenge of the nerds
A film about social life on a 36 Campus Crunch Magazine | August 2013
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Shawshank Redemption
The number one on IMDb rating, Shawshank Redemption is about a man who breaks prison while serving a sentence on the false charges of murder. A great plotline and interesting story concept, the movies appeals to the conscience of the audience.
Pulp Fiction
1994 American comedy and crime film. The film is known for its eclectic dialogue, ironic mix of humour and violence, nonlinear storyline, and a host of cinematic allusions and pop culture reference. Nominated for seven Oscars, the movie is popularly referred to as ‘Black comedy’.
Books
The Kite runner
A novel by Khaled Hosseini, published in 2003. The Kite Runner tells the story of Amir, whose closest friend is Hassan, his father’s young servant. The story is set against a backdrop of tumultuous events, from the fall of Afghanistan’s monarchy through the Soviet military intervention, the exodus of refugees to Pakistan and the United States, and the rise of the Taliban regime. A story of friendship, betrayal, lies and sacrifice, it is sure to move you and get you thinking.
The diary of a young girl
It is a book of the writings from the diary kept by Anne Frank while she was in hiding for two years with her family during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands. A personal account www.campuscrunch.in
of a young girl in the backdrop of hard times, read the book to discover more to life than what we experience.
Tale of two cities
A Tale of Two Cities is an 1859 novel by Charles Dickens, set in London and Paris before and during the French Revolution. The novel depicts the plight of the French peasantry demoralized by the French aristocracy in the years leading up to the revolution, the corresponding brutality demonstrated by the revolutionaries toward the former aristocrats in the early years of the revolution. It follows the lives of several protagonists through these events.
Uncle Tom’s cabin
Uncle Tom’s Cabin; or, Life Among the Lowly is an antislavery novel by American author Harriet Beecher Stowe. Published in 1852, the novel had a revolutionary effect “helped lay the groundwork for the Civil War”. It powerfully condemned the institution of slavery and
stirred the nation’s conscience. It is narrates a distressing history from the recent past.
7 habits of highly effective people
A self-help book written by Stephen R. Covey in 1989. The book prepares the reader for a change in mind-sets. It helps the readers to understand that there exists a different perspective, a viewpoint that may be different from his or her own and asserts that two people can see the same thing and yet differ with each other. It then introduces the seven habits which one can adopt to succeed in life. You are sure to admire the book, if you have an appetite for success.
Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish
A book by writer, entrepreneur and a youth expert Rashmi Bansal. It features the stories of 25 MBAs from IIM Ahmedabad who left lucrative jobs to follow the rough road of entrepreneurship. The book is an inspirational account of self- made men.
The Shiva trilogy
Amish Tripathi wrote these best seller books of fiction which became the fastest selling books in the history of Indian publishing. The three books are titled as ‘The Immortals of Meluha’, ‘The Secret of Nagas’ and ‘The Oath of Vayuputras’ revolve around the lives of Hindu god, Shiva. He decided to base his story on the fundamental concept that all Gods were once human beings; it was their deeds in the human life that made them famous as Gods. August 2013 | Campus Crunch Magazine 37
CAMPUSINSPIRIT
Want to earn some Money ?
Be independent, learn some ways to earn money while still in college
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icture this: Going to college in your own car, flaunting those newly purchased shoes, denims, shirts, tops, eating at the college cafeteria, treating your friends at KFC/dominoes/ Pizza hut or wherever the demand flies. Whoosh! Back to reality! It’s month end and one doesn’t have money to buy petrol for one’s car. DTC buses replace the autos and one flinches at the name of treating friends and what about new clothes? This seems to be a dream but too good to be true. This is what happens to most of us college students by the end of the month because we have already spent a good part of our pocket money in the first two weeks itself. And for those of us staying in hostels or PGs the situation is even worse. So what do we do? Beg for money from our friends with a promise to return it as soon as we get our next pocket money? Or do we decide to do something about the situation and resolve to earn some money of our own?
Earning money will not only make sure that the entire month passes off comfortably but it will also give you a sense of independence, satisfaction, that one is good and old enough to earn on one’s own. And earning money by doing something you enjoy will also help you garner your skills. So here is a list of creative ways for college students to earn money while at the same time making sure that it doesn’t affect one’s own studies-
1. HELP OUT SCHOOL STUDENTS
With so many school students getting home work that they do not manage to complete; become their helping hand. Help them with their charts, projects, assignments. This is a great way of earning easy money especially during summer vacations. Already aware of school students needing help? Great! Don’t know any? Advertise. Ask your friends. They are bound to have brothers and sisters going to school. Reach out to their
photo by 401(k)2012 on flickr
38 Campus Crunch Magazine | August 2013
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friends. You will be surprised to know the amount busy TV recharge, internet bills, electricity bills etc .And parents are willing to pay if you can get their child’s people especially old people stand in long queues to pay homework done. each bill. They would be willing to spend some extra cash in order to avoid the hassle. Make some clients 2. SWAGBUCKS This is a website where you and pay their bills online. Charge a fixed monthly can earn money by answering polls, taking surveys, amount. It doesn’t take more than two minutes to pay doing simple chores like writing feedbacks about a a bill. Imagine the time they’ll save and the money you website, trading in old video games or books, and even may earn. You could also help them out with forms if playing games on their site. It is the perfect way to they have to fill/submit any or you could type letters for them. make fast cash!
3. WRITE
8. YOUTUBE
4. TAKE PART IN SURVEYS
9. SELL YOUR OLD STUFF
Writing is another way to earn money for college students. And especially if one enjoys writing then nothing like it. You can be a freelance writer. That way there will be no compulsions on you. Contact some magazines and start writing for them. There are a lot of surveys that are conducted which pay if you volunteer. Join them. You’ll get money and may even learn new things about yourself.
5. TEACH
The way the tuitions are trending, you are sure to find a lot of parents willing to pay quite a sum for teaching their wards. Teach twice or thrice a week. Instead of charging 500 bucks a month (which seems to be the trend in Delhi) charge a little less. All the math geniuses out there, this is the perfect opportunity for you. Also if you are good at dancing or singing or painting then this could also be a great opportunity. Today everybody wants to be multi-talented. And when you already are, then why not share this talent with people and earn money at the same time?
Think you are good at singing or dancing? Or you have a skill that others would envy? Make a video of yourself and upload it on YouTube. And if you are really good then you’ll get more and more views and hence greater money. You could even start a channel of your own if your videos fare well. All of us have hordes of items stocked up in our cupboards that we never use or wear. Sell them on ebay or maybe you could organise a garage sale in collaboration with a few friends. Besides earning cash you will end up with space in your cupboard to put your new stuff in!
10. START BLOGGING
Apart from being a freelancer in writing, starting your own blog is another option to earn. If you get enough views, the companies would be willing to pay quite a lot to advertise on your blog.
These are some ways for college students to earn money. Another way is proper internship. But that might tie you down and it is not the best way especially when college is in full swing. Let Me Know and twenty19 6. VOLUNTEER FOR MEGA EVENTS are the two sites which all of you can look upto for HELD IN THE CITY There are so many book internship and freelance opportunities. fairs, talent hunts held in cities especially in metro cities. Volunteer for them. You will end up earning money Explore. The internet is full of opportunities for and building good network for your future. Another college students. Take up something you are good at. idea is volunteering for companies who give away free Hopefully, next time you won’t flinch on the name samples during such events. Red bull for example paid of treating your friends even if it is the last week of a 150 bucks an hour during the comic con held in Delhi month. Cheers! to volunteers who gave away free samples for them.
7. PAY BILLS ONLINE FOR OTHERS
There are so many bills to pay in a month- phone bills, www.campuscrunch.in
August 2013 | Campus Crunch Magazine 39
CAMPUSINSPIRIT
BORED ? Things to do when you are
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othing much, just bored”, this is the most common reply you give to your friends when they ask “what’s up”. No matter how happening your life is, how busy you are with your studies or how much work you have to do, you will eventually at some point or the other find yourself bored and with nothing to do. Whether in your class or at home, boredom can come to you anywhere. Lets find out what top 10 things you can do when you are bored.
1. All Hail the Internet - Now obviously if you are at home and bored, Internet suddenly becomes your soul mate and Facebook your best friend. But for how long can you keep yourself entertained with them? Facebook also appears to be boring after sometime. So leave Mark Zuckerburg aside and try surfing the following websites for a change:
• www.quora.com Quora is basically a Q&A website. People all over the world ask their questions on any
topic they like. Anyone can answer them. You need to make an account and choose your preferred topics and Quora will show you questions of your interest. A great way to pass your learning something new and having your doubts cleared.
• www.oatmeal.com A website developed by New York based Matthew Inman. It has some of the most hilarious comic strips and blogs that will give you a good laugh for hours. Also has some totally time pass quizzes to participate.
• www.thevigilidiot.com An Indian comic strip website. The comic strips are mostly a gist of Bollywood
movies explained with stick figures. The author brilliantly showcases how Bollywood movies sometimes completely ignore common sense. The descriptions are insanely funny and expressions like LOL, ROFL, LMAO and LMFAO will seem like an understatement.
• www.youtube.com
A pretty common website but you tend to visit only when you are searching for a particular video. Just open any video and keep clicking on all related video and you will never know how time flies by.
• www.fmylife.com On this site people write moments of their daily life that make them believe that their lives are seriously fun or miserable. Just read them, they are highly entertaining and funny.
• www.lifehacker.com For all the geeks out there, this is a great site with a wealth of information, tips and tricks to things you can do, guys must check this out. 40 Campus Crunch Magazine | August 2013
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2. Clean up your computer - Yes, one of the hard tasks you might detest doing should be done when you are extremely bored. Backup your laptop, organize all files and folders, delete unnecessary data, download new software and update old ones. Also change passwords of your mail accounts and other relevant accounts it keeps them safe. Run virus scans, organize your photos, and backup MS-office data on Google Documents.
3. Write - If you are bored and don’t know what to do, start writing. This doesn’t need to be technical writing. When is the last time you’ve written a well thought out letter to someone who you love? Take the time to write a letter and send it in an email to your loved ones.
4. Cook - Now guys don’t say it’s a girly thing. Anyone can
do that. Most of the time when you are bored you tend to eat. How fun it would be if you search an interesting recipe and go on try your hands on it?
5. When bored in class - Play hand cricket, pen fight,
sms chats, tic-tac-toe, doodling on your notebook, mobile games, asking irrelevant questions to teachers, disturbing a fellow class mate, delete unwanted apps from your phone, solve puzzles etc. Remember do whatever you want but please don’t get yourself kicked out of the class!
6. Workout - Yes we know you are tired, lazy and “don’t feel like it” but working out is the most productive thing you can do when you are bored. It doesn’t matter if you are obese or lean exercise is good for everyone.
7. Pursue your dream job - No we don’t mean start
working but atleast take a step towards it. Search for any openings, find out what more qualifications you might need, look for any other sources that might help you land up with you dream job.
photo by Graham Staley on flickr
8. Learn a foreign language - This can be fun. There are so many websites that provide short-term online courses for any language you want. Even if you don’t have time to complete the course just try learning some new words in a foreign language.
9. Sleep - Oh yea! That is an option. A small nap never hurts anyone. Give your body a break. Especially effective for people who usually have a hectic life. Put on your sweats and just drift off.
10. Plan a get-together - Now, if you are bored there is a high possibility that your friends too might be
affected by your boredom. Call them up, go out, have fun, go shopping, play something etc. Even if meeting is not possible then catching up with old friends on phone is also a great idea.
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August 2013 | Campus Crunch Magazine 41
CAMPUSHANGOUTS CAMPUSLOVE understand what relationship actually means?” You get to see some today and then the same people with their partners changed, a week later or so. College relationships usually do not seem to last for long. Few continue to date for a year or two but it’s quite rare. May be it is because the two meet or see each other daily. But once you go out, meet people, get involved with work, things tend to change.
K Game
Of
LOVE
Q irst year in college brings with itself lots of changes and unknown possibilities in a student’s life. Love is one such possibility. Whether you are looking for it or not, you never know when cupid might strike on you. Now before you fall head over heels in love with someone, following are some rules, tips you must keep in mind. Let’s start with the basic question, are you mature enough to handle a relationship? Is this the right time to let yourself slip into the ocean of love? Teenagers are usually spotted at public places or even in colleges, holding hands or talking and behaving in such a manner as if smitten by each other. When I see such young couples, the question arises, “Are teenagers matured enough to fall in love and 42 Campus Crunch Magazine | August 2013
If you are looking for your special someone, it doesn’t mean that you will be in love with a person in a week or two. I feel, loving someone is accepting them exactly the way they are. But this teen type of love is based on something we call a ‘window dressing’. Looks are given prime importance and the day that special someone’s physical appearance changes to your disadvantage, the so-called ‘lovers’ change their perceptions. But there are certain exceptions too. But it’s life after all. This is the age when you actually don’t get to see the true picture of practical life. For those of you still in your teens please don’t get disheartened. I know love is a feeling that cannot be described in words, which is something beyond its meaning. After all, we must give it a chance. Know your feelings and it is totally okay to date. You must after all, see how things turn out before considering your pre assumptions. But have you ever thought, whether you will be able to continue such relationship even in the bad span of life? I am sure your answer will be yes but make sure before taking any further step that you stick to this answer of yours even afterwards. We hear weird love stories and at times true love stories too. So in short, teen love can be successful if the young people get to know whether they actually love their special one or not. Or else it will remain more like a fantasy crush because it is hard to understand ‘love’ at this age. So now when you have decided whether or not you are ready for a relationship, you might be confused how to go about it. Well obviously it starts with finding the right person first and being sure of your feelings. Now the questions that arise are; how to approach them, how to tell them about your feelings and how to make them agree to be in a relationship with you. www.campuscrunch.in
How to approach your crush and ask for a date
ordered. This would come as a surprise to her which generally excites the girls. At the end, just hold her hand and propose her in your unique way!
If you have made up your mind to be with a person your heart allows, then the first step you need to do is be friends with them! Anything all of a sudden would be awkward. And you surely would not want to come back with fingerprints on your face!
•• Maybe a long drive? Choose a pleasant day and drop her home. Park the car on some highway, get your girl out of the car, surprise her with flowers or chocolates and just bend down on your knees and propose! You will probably not be able to imagine how she would feel. Do all this only if you feel she trusts you. And then you have her!
When you become friends, try not being cheesy. Don’t pass off creepy dialogues that would make your feelings look false or make you look a person without some decency. The second important step to be followed is to ask that person out on a date. Before doing this, be very careful that there is a chemistry between you two. Otherwise, it could be a disappointment. It could be a normal coffee date or lunch or maybe an evening walk. The place is not that important than the feelings held here. It could be a date in The Taj or on the roadside. What really matters is your comfort level and compatibility. Plan what you want to do. You need to do something that would attract your crush towards you and make them feel special in a different way. Win their heart and not the mind! If your crush gets impressed by materialistic things, then I’m sorry for your choice. Relationships are based on love. This is what brings a natural feel in them and not just the mere fulfilling of demands and wants. Remember, the result may or may not be positive but the effort is always what counts and also leaves an impression. Here are some tips to win her heart:
•• You could even involve her best friends in this. If you are in the same college, get all the notice boards clipped with her picture and a note expressing your feelings. This would surely melt her. One thing, you need to keep in mind is do not get scared of your teachers. Believe me, in college no one would even care! Do what your heart says and earn her! Apart from all these ideas, some people just fall for individuality and simplicity. All they long for is you to be yourself. Yes, you could apply many Bollywood ideas but then this would be something not coming from you and something that has already been done before by someone for someone. This may not make the person feel special. For this, you need to plan something that would be new, exciting and belongs to both of you and no one else. Simply apply the plan that has not been copied. This can be done by planning a proposal that would be based upon some memories you both hold. This would be different in your own way. A clean heart and approach is bigger than any other unrealistic achievement.
•• Coffee date?
Excellent! Decide where you want to go. Do not tell this to her. Ask her to place the order. Set one of the waiters in the coffee shop to bring one red rose with every dish or coffee she has www.campuscrunch.in
August 2013 | Campus Crunch Magazine 43
CAMPUSHANGOUTS CAMPUSLOVE
Do’s and Don’ts on a date Now luckily your crush has agreed to go out on a date with you. And now you are nervous about how to act in front of her, what to say, what to do etc. Don’t worry just follow these simple tips when you are on a date: tt Do be yourself. Unless, of course, you are a superhero or an alien invader. Be yourself in the manner your date would likely appreciate. tt Do display your listening skills. Turning every conversation into a monologue or a pitch about yourself is the fastest way to put off your date. Your patience and ‘perceptiveness’ might provide you with many more opportunities (i.e., dates) to unleash your life story on your date. tt Do look well groomed. Turn up looking sloppy or inappropriately dressed and prepare to see your date sink without a trace. tt Do switch off your cell phone when on a date. That is, if you don’t want to test the limits of your date’s patience with the incessant ringing of your cell phone. At the very least, you could put your phone on vibrate and refrain from tweeting about your date every second. tt Do be nice to your date. Make eye contact, give compliments and excuse any and all of your date’s poor jokes with a polite laugh. mm
Don’t show signs of nervousness on your date. Lighten up.. you are not appearing for an examination! mm Don’t show up late for your date. It is rude and impolite to keep your date waiting. Every minute that you delay is a minute that adds
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to your date’s annoyance and reduces your chances of having even a passable time. mm Don’t pretend to be perfect. Fess up on all your apparent flaws, or, in the very least, do not try to hide them on purpose. Struggling to scramble into your date’s good books will most certainly never earn you a place there. mm Don’t make hasty decisions regarding your date. Give your date some time to grow on you... that is, if you haven’t been subjected to a lecture on quantum mechanics within the very first hour of your date. mm Don’t risk your safety for the sake of a date. Inform at least one of your friends about your date, the time, place, et al.
Balancing between college and relationship So your date went very well and you are in some sort of relationship now. How to manage your college life and relationship simultaneously? It is very important that one thing does not suffer due to other. It is imperative to be wary of a few propositions which aim at balancing our lives. A few of them are as follows; ** Stay in touch but not encroach personal space: Give adequate time to your studies and also keep in touch with your partner. However, make sure you do not invade their personal space. Live and let live. ** Give what you expect: This should be strictly followed in behavioural terms. Avoid rude and nasty behaviour irrespective of how bad your temper is. Always remember, your partner is as human as you! ** Spend time together, do not overdo it: The quality time you spend together will surely blossom your love and relationship. However, spending too much time together may work for the opposite. ** Be honest and loyal: Honestly is the foundation of every relationship. Quit when you can’t handle! But, never cheat. www.campuscrunch.in
** Express your feelings: It is necessary to tell your partner how you feel for them. Let them know what you are going through. Discuss your innermost self. Remember no matter how much you are in love with your beloved do not let you studies and career suffer due to it. First and foremost you have to make a living for yourself only then you can have someone in your life. Keep everything at an acceptable level. Wisdom is acquired with time, so before you are wise enough to wheel your own relationship, work on it. After all, perfection comes with persistence!
*** To Love someone deeply gives you strength. Being loved by someone deeply gives you courage. -Lao Tzu ***
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SOME FINAL TIPS ***
I am sure that by now you are somewhat prepared to jump into a relationship. There still remains just a few more tips you must know. Dating while clueless about what you expect out of it might make the whole process go down the drain. It is important to set certain ground rules regarding your expectations and the people you are likely to date. It might even be useful to make a list of it! ** Dating people with similar (not identical!) interests and ideas can make your dating experience a lot more interesting. Blind dating comes with an air of mystery along with a huge possibility of it falling flat on its face if it means ruining your evening in company you neither appreciate nor enjoy. Look for people in your class, club or even your study group. ** Don’t let dating become your excuse for breaking the bank. Cheaper alternatives are always within reach, especially for college students. Find a common interest and search for options that offer the chance to explore that interest. Take a hike, go bird watching, a picnic, museums, galleries..the options are limitless! Creativity never goes unappreciated! ** Keep your dates casual and carefree. It is almost never a good idea to pressurise someone into accepting a relationship(s) he may not be prepared for and this is especially true for college students. Relationships have proved to be the best and the worst part in people’s lives. From movies to the practical life, we have seen breakups, tears and depression so far. A relationship consists of two imperfect people who try to keep the relation refreshing to the best of their abilities. But sometimes they fail to do so. Lack of understanding can make the relationship complicated. Therefore it becomes very important to be sure of who you are with and how much you are involved with that person. Be aware of your feeling and don’t get into it just for fun because you might hurt someone else’s feelings. Finally, no one is spared from the hands of love !! August 2013 | Campus Crunch Magazine 45
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Jeans and trousers are likely to get wet, muddy and dirty the edges. It’s the time to go short in style. The most interesting season for experimental styling. Put on those mini perky skirts, dresses, shorts, boyfriend jeans and Capri pants. Strappy ganjis, tanks and casual tees are perfect. Clean and simple cut silhouettes are in, like, the ones not layered or messy.
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Avoid much makeup and if you can’t, go waterproof ! Don’t forget to drink loads of water and keep your skin glowing.
Walk up high and clean with platform flip flops. Crocs are a delight. We won’t even say avoid but a strict NO to leather and fabric footwear.
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ACCESSORISE the most out of all the above. Plastic, rubber, acrylic, beads and glass are preferred mostly. Go for big chunky translucent bangles, or maybe neon ear rings!
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Short HAIR it is! Go for a haircut. Chop them short, or, if you don’t want to give off your tresses, go for braids and tied up hair styles.
Wear bright colors. They suggest youth, energy and vibrant living. Invite pastels with neon, vibrancy, and bold prints, metallic and please, team it well. Also, ombre is in. Do not end up over doing the lucidity. Pick the colors that show and stand out and pair them with subtle yet illuminated colors.
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Wear really nice thin comfortable tee shirts in vibrant colors. Prefer wearing polo over t-shirt. This is definitely a must have in your monsoon wardrobe.
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Have A Cool M o n s o o n Haircut Avoid coloring or streaking. Regular conditioning of hair and applying hair packs are advised during monsoon because this is the time when most of you experience frizzy and moist hair.
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Remember about the color, prefer dark colored jeans as light colored jeans get really dirty and the stains are very difficult to wash off. Do not spend more on jeans, no one notices if you repeat them, t-shirts and shirts are noticed so better spend on them. www.campuscrunch.in
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Prefer shorts, they are the hottest trend of monsoon and also they will save you from lots of trouble that will be caused by rain.
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Cool pair of glasses If you wear glasses, choose the kind with a thicker, more manly frame not a wimpy one.
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Wear only what suits you, don’t try to copy your friends or a super model on the cover, you may look too overdone. Remember! Designers and celebrities make their own style and so can you.
* Above shown merchansizing are available on www.myntra.com
August 2013 | Campus Crunch Magazine 47
CAMPUSHANGOUTS
College Parties Top 10 Themes to organise college parties
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the pool! Give your party a Hawaiian touch and watch your guests going ecstatic about this lovely party theme.
Pool parties are a huge rage with youngsters and are common during summers when most collegians are looking to beat the heat! Soak your spirits in the cool water of the pool and dance to some foot-tapping music. You can find yourself spending some memorable time together and conniving lovely moments that you’re likely to cherish all through your life. You may need some extra funds to organise this party, but it is totally worth the effort.
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Classic Toga Party Toga parties are an overstated
party theme, which have recently taken some more fun forms of partying. Our experts believe that you really haven’t lived your college life if you haven’t attended a Toga Party. Why not become more adventurous by not just attending, but also throwing an awesome Toga party? If you’re game for it, unravel the creative wizard inside you and get down to some serious wildness! Make your theme exciting by designing the venue with some catchy and attractive embellishments.
College life and college parties… Aren’t these just the best aspects of student life? When we were young, parties were about visiting friends, eating delicious snacks and schmoozing about with best friends. Not much has changed since then, and if it has, it’s only for the better. College life parties are no more the Cola and the chips. Parties in colleges allow you to have much more fun with much more independence. If you’ve been a movie freak, you can get to witness some of those filmy stereotyped events. You can get to see friendship spats, lovers’ reunion and those skimpily dressed pretty lasses! Along with this kind of happening stuff and cool crowd, the party theme should be even more happening.
Why do we need college party themes? College life and college parties… Aren’t these just the best aspects of student life? When we were young, parties were about visiting friends, eating delicious snacks and schmoozing about with best friends. Not much has changed since then, and if it has, it’s only for the better. College life parties are no more the Cola and the chips. Parties in colleges allow you to have much more fun with much more independence. If you’ve been a movie freak, you can get to witness some of those filmy stereotyped events. You can get to see friendship spats, lovers’ reunion and those skimpily dressed pretty lasses! Along with this kind of happening stuff and cool crowd, the party theme should be even more happening. Pool Party Fancy cocktails, delicious snacks and hot party costumes can be a great way to enjoy some cool times together in
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Let loose the crazy designer inside you and come up with innovative party costumes for yourself! Be the undisputed master of this party theme by making your guests play some interactive games. Let your guests be dressed in some of the most wacky costumes and give out prizes for the most outstandingly dressed.
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Ugly Sweater Party Ugly is synonymous to ‘U Gotta
Love Yourself ’ even in the most hideous avatar. Challenge the true love of our gala couples and ask them to take it as an opportunity to test their love by facing each other in the most hideous avatar! I hope you don’t get blamed for the breakups that follow later, and if it happens, blame it on us ;) The Ugly Sweater Party theme is a way to establish some bromance memories, as you can have some of the most casual moments together. Ask your guests to conjure up some creative ideas to turn up hideously dressed for this party. It can be a refreshing change to see some of your trendy fashion-conscious eye candies dressed up in oversized T-shirts and sweaters. Smudged makeup, loose outfits and mismatched peep toes or dull fusion for men could contribute greatly to an embarrassing spectacle that leaves you smiling years after this hilarious soiree. You may of course forget the trendy outfits you end up wearing for parties, but you would surely never forget the gala times you spent wearing some of the most terrible outfits!
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Mardi Gras Party theme Colours are one of
the most symbolic and attractive gifts of nature that represent and indicate a lot more than we can imagine. The youthful colours of college life adorn our lives and make
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them really beautiful. We definitely ought to dedicate a night to the colourful college life and party all night long with our best buds and colours. The Mardi Gras Party theme is all about celebrating youth and partying with vibrant colours. Make your party colourful and attractive by asking guests to come dressed in bright colours. You can also decorate your party venue tastefully with a plethora of options that are specially available for such parties. Add another colourful and fun element to this party by focussing on beads. Hand out a strand of beads to all your guests and create a colourful mayhem by asking them to exchange beads amongst themselves. It could be a lovely sight and can add a colourful feel to your beautiful party. Play pop music and make the party as lively as possible with exciting and colourful games!
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Hippie Party theme Admit it! I’m sure we’ve all
wanted to be hippies at one point of time in life! Or maybe, I am just a little too obsessed with the casual lifestyles hippies get to enjoy. Hippies have a cool and laid back attitude and spend most of their times smoking weed and doing drugs. There’s something innately attractive about their laidback approach towards life. Probably, it is the constant ecstasy they remain in or the united aloofness they sport! You need not go on to perform illegal operations and do drugs like hippies to get a hippie feel. You can treat yourself and others around you to a night of hippie lifestyle by organising this rocking Hippie Party! Ask your guests to wear Hippie costumes and add a Hippie theme to your party by dimming the lights, playing intoxicating music and adorning your venue with some Hippie finds. You can serve some interesting foods and beverages. Serve juices, Fruit punches and alcohol (if allowed). Enjoy the Hippie theme completely and bask in the beautiful ambience of this exciting theme!
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Glimmer and Glitter Are you allergic to the eye-
catching glittery stuff? If yes, this may not be an ideal theme for you but trying it out can help you save a lot of electricity. Who needs light arrangements for a party theme where everyone’s shining bright! Bling it on with some of those gaudy costumes and loud, foot-tapping music to leave you swaying all night long! You can ask your guests to sport some protective eyewear that keeps your eyes shielded from the brightness of the happy faces that you would be seeing in the party all the time.
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Masquerade party theme College life is probably
our stepping stone into a world of affectations and deceit. You need to be smart enough and masquerade some of your traits to reign successfully in this fast-paced world. Let your learning begin from college, and better still, learn to masquerade yourself from your own college party. Double your fun and add a mysterious touch to your party with this mystic theme. Socialise and interact with masks on your face and have more than a fair share of fun with this exciting party. Your guests can also steal
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some coy moments and privacy with their ‘someone special’ in this beautiful party theme. Organise some interesting games to make your party much more fun!
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High School Stereotype You seldom get a chance
to rewind time and get back to the olden days. This theme can help you revisit your old days in High School, as you wear your school uniforms to the party. Become the grade nine students you were, and pick your own identity and dress accordingly. You can opt for a cheerleader look, nerd, basketball player or the band kid appearance. It would give most guys a chance to check out pretty lasses in the coolest ever outfits. Play all those old school pranks and become the naughty kid you always were. It is time to turn back the hands of time and delve into the innocent old school world.
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Rave Party Sometimes, we do need an excuse to go
all crazy and try out the strangest antics ever. College time is an appropriate time to indulge in such crazy stuff and enjoy some of the craziest times ever. Rave parties are best suited for times when we’ve been party or fun-deprived for long. It is best to organise these parties after exams when each one is looking for a refreshing break. You need to have a spacious venue for this party, and embellish the place with stylised effects. Some such effects could include laser lights, fog, strobe lighting, spot lights and paint your walls with neon and black light activated paints. Provide plenty of water and beverages for your guests and choose rhythmic bass for a musical background.
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Graffiti Party Theme You may be studying some
of those monotonous, commercial or professional subjects, but that doesn’t mean you got to disconnect yourself from art! Graffiti party theme is one of those rejuvenating and cost-effective party themes that can help you bond better. All you need to ask your friends to do is to wear white shirt or tank tops with jeans. You need to provide all your guests with some cool Sharpie pens, so that they can go on to spend the night autographing each other’s white T shirts. This is a party theme that you can modify more with your creative inputs and ideas. Ironically, it works better in cases where you suck at drawing. Wouldn’t you love to paint each other’s’ white T-shirts with your master strokes? It would be fun to socialise and paint each other and later have a hearty laugh at your artistic venture! Add your own personal touch and play some exciting games to make your party a bigger hit! Work towards decorating the venue and plan some freaky surprises for your guests. You’ve got to be the perfect party planner, who knows you may perhaps even land a job or a business venture with the same! Get your creative juices flowing and turn each one of your college parties into beautiful memories that are reckoned by everyone with fondness.
August 2013 | Campus Crunch Magazine 49
CAMPUSHANGOUTS
Yeh Dilli hai mere yaar... Places to hangout in Delhi
K
hushwant Singh in his famous novel “Delhi” writes: “Delhiwallahas would rather die than live in any other city in the world.” These lines are absolutely true for almost every delhite. And, if by any chance you have got the golden opportunity to study or work in this city, the city of people helping, people bitching, people slapping, people hugging, people abusing, people loving, then consider yourself very lucky. Now, if you have settled here and are thinking of roaming around with your friends, but not exactly as a tourist then we have in store for you an amazing list of all those hidden must-visit places in Delhi. So if you are new to this city or you’re the old bird still looking for more, do not miss out on these places which truly bring out the vibrant Delhi life.
coffees and kathi rolls. After classes, you can easily spend hours at this British-style bookshop browsing through books while sipping coffee. Green Park
4. Majnu Ka Tila
It is often called “Delhi’s Little Lhasa”. Check out the Dolma House for its steamed momos, thupkas, thenthuck and strawberry lassi. Another interesting place is The Coffee Shop that bursts with “Tibetology” and young and vibrant crowd. Be ready to be captivated by the Tibetan charms. Kashmere Gate
5. Paharganj -
Mostly packed with foreigners, Paharganj is a place to visit when you are running 1. Hauz Khas Village: It is the perfect blend of low on budget. Do visit the Appetite restaurant, history and modern era. The hauz khas complex, which Sam’s rooftop cafe and the German Bakery. Imperial was earlier comprised of ruins from the Mughal era, Cinema and Jackson’s bookstore are equally famous. included a Reservoir and a tomb. People usually visited MatiaMahal bazaar is famous for its Mughal era it for its historical significance. But, now this place charm. It’s a gourmand’s delight with places like Kalan has turned into a cultural hub for youngsters all over Sweets and Karim’s. Delhi. There are newly opened café’s, pubs and lounges, Ramakrishnan Ashram Marg where you can sit, relax and have a great time with your friends. Some of the most famous ones are- The Living 6. ChandniChowk: The “puranidilli” is famous Room Café, Out Of the Box, The Pink room, Amour, for its street side food and old shops. Must visit eateries are Amritsari Lassiwala, Bhallewala, Old Flipside Café, Verve, and Asia Kitchen etc. famous jalebiwala and Haldiram. A visit to Digambar Hauz Khas Jain Mandir, Baptist Church, SeesganjGurudwara, and Fatehpuri Masjid will give you the glimpse of secular 2.Worlds of wonder: Located in Noida, WOW India. is an amusement park. It boasts of world-class rides ChandniChowk and games. It is the best place to bring out the inner kid in you. It has small canteens too. In close proximity, we also have The Great India Place shopping mall, which is again a good place to hangout. Noida Sec-18
3.Spell & Bound bookstore and cafe– Located in SDA market near IIT
Gate. It is a haven for the hidden bookworm in you. Basically it’s a bookshop, and has a small cafe on its second floor. It is famous for its Deepaul’s 50 Campus Crunch Magazine | August 2013
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7.Big Chill Café, Khan Market: Famous for
on their innovative ‘make your own order’ menu card. its Italian food, Big chill is the top rated place amongst The cafe also provides popular games like monopoly students to eat out. Celebrated for its blueberry and taboo on hourly basis so that you’re never out of cheesecake apart from its milk shakes, baked potato, things to do here. And if the amazing desserts don’t pasta and pizzas. It’s a perfect place to celebrate satisfy you, then the 15% student discount will. So don’t forget to take your college ID cards. birthdays, dates, lunches and even “gluttony.” Lajpat Nagar Khan Market
8. Indian Coffee House: Situated in Connaught 12.QD’s -
SatyaNiketan and Hudson Lanes Tandoori momos is a dish that has found its way into Place, ICH reeks with nostalgia of a bygone age. It was established in circa 1957, stewards in Indian Coffee every college student’s vocabulary and your university House wear uniform and tea is still served in a teapot. life is incomplete if you still haven’t marveled at their graffiti wall. Students from different colleges mingle Rajiv Chowk while still waiting for a table outside QD’s doors and the restaurants playlist of 90s English classics gets 9.Big Yellow Door: It a small café near north everybody unconsciously singing along to the tracks. campus in Hudson lanes having beautiful yellow door Race Course and GTB Nagar as its entrance and is tastefully decorated inside with old glass bottles, fairy lights, paper mache, and paper cut-outs. Other than its funky interiors it’s famous 13.Paintball field: Lock ‘n’ Load: The desi for its BYD Double Cheese burgers, Milkshakes and obsession with bright and brilliant colors finds perfect pastas. It has a very limited seating capacity so be expression in the new paintball field at Select Citywalk ready to wait for at least 20-25 minutes before you get Mall in Saket. Teams compete on a field with large yellow plastic pods as barriers, something like a playpen yourself seated. for grown-ups. Select City walk in its self is a great GTB Nagar place to roam around. It has high-end branded shops and classy restaurants. 10.Delhi School of Economics canteen: Malviya Nagar One of the most coveted institutions in Delhi has an amazing canteen to hangout. Famous for its South Indian food and specially Mutton Kababs and Dosa. 14. Blu-O: The most popular bowling alley in Delhi. We know it is extremely hard to get admission here but Located in Ambience Mall, Vasantkunj, comprising of 24 lanes, Blu-O offers a world class bowling experience students are welcomed to use the canteen. with great food served to help you maintain you energy Vishwavidalya levels for a match between your friends. Chattarpur 11. My kind of street cafe - Located near the bustling furniture market of Amar Colony, bright yellow walls and 15. Skooter: Recently opened nightclub in Delhi. a green door welcomes you to When in Delhi do not forget to enjoy its nightlife, and My kind of Street Cafe. Skooter is the best place to start with. With guest DJs Cheese-filled performing on weekend, Skooter is occasionally visited momos are the by one or two celebrities. Only couple entry is allowed. It is situated in Hotel Samrat, Chanakyapuri. m o s t JorBagh. popular items
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August 2013 | Campus Crunch Magazine 51
BE POSITIVE
CAMPUSCLIPS
B
loodConnect is a wellknown organisation that was launched in April, 2010 with an aim of solving the problem of blood shortage in India. Nitin Garg and Utkarsh Kawatra, students of IIT Delhi undertook this mammoth task and toiled day and night till they made it a huge success.
Hansraj and Venketeshwara were the few colleges that gave initial support to BloodConnect, and it grew from being an online portal to an organisation that organised blood donation camps in collaboration with government blood banks and worked in the direction of creating awareness about blood donation which is a much tabooed activity in the Indian society.
BloodConnect has a very strong team of hardworking 30 individuals from seven various colleges volunteering up to 200 hours a week. NGOs helping in the cause It was basically the problem of include Sapna and CanSupport. They include stuwandering door to door in IIT dents from Jesus and Mary College, Miranda House, Delhi campus when in need of Sri Venkateswara College, Hans Raj College and IP blood that gave Nitin the idea of University. BloodConnect has organised around 6000 setting up a helpline, an online voluntary donations through 57 blood donation camps database that could be of help to and helped save over 15,000 lives (with 3000 donations last year),which is a commendable effort. Mempeople in need of blood. bers have reached out to over 40,000 people through With the support of NSS IIT activities such as street plays and awareness sessions. Delhi, the BloodConnect website was launched. And that is when The extraordinary works of Nitin Garg and Utkarsh the efforts to collaborate with Kawatra are truly bearing fruits today, helping our other colleges were made. JMC, country in great ways. Want your stories to be published in national college magazine mail us at contact@campuscrunch.in
52 Campus Crunch Magazine | August 2013
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What made you start a project like Blood Connect. Where did the idea come from? BloodConnect started when we got a request for blood from a friend. Going door to door in the hostel, finding donors to help the requester, we were amazed to see such a positive response from all the students. This made us realize that we needed a proper channel for students to actually participate in such causes and help people out. That is when BloodConnect as an online helpline started for us. Later on we brought about a lot of changes in our model. In the first 6 months, while building a database for the helpline, we met some experienced people working in the field of blood donation and realized that helpline is not a permanent solution. The problem of shortage of blood in the blood banks is not addressed by a helpline. Need based emergency demands will automatically end if there is enough blood in the bank. With this thought, we decided to focus on blood donation camps as well. IIT came first and soon other colleges joined in for this cause. Our plan of action, to actually tackle the problem of blood shortage. How can such an initiative help an institute and its students? Before BloodConnect, some colleges did not even organize blood donation camps. With us, colleges have started a trend where youth comes forward and realizes the impact it can make. They just spend 20 minutes of their life and save 3-4 lives! That is a huge impact. Recently there was a blood request from a college where we organize regular blood donation camps. There was a need of quite a lot of blood units www.campuscrunch.in
and their family could not arrange much. They quickly guided the requester to the BloodConnect volunteer who in turn helped them out in the request. It helps to know there are people there for you, when you need them. Having students from social service wings/NSS wings of various colleges, BloodConnect makes it easier for them to coordinate and actually work on other aspects as well. It brings all colleges together so that they can work on other issues as well. Together, all students combined, we certainly do have the power to bring a change in not just this field, but also others.
mentors, all have helped us a lot in our activities in terms of financial support, but we do wish to get a more sustainable in place soon.
Where do we see this initiative in 5 years? 5 years is a long period and we do have a strategy for it. In 5 years, we do hope to have expanded to multiple cities in UP, Rajasthan, Haryana. Our 5 year target is 90 colleges in total with over 15,000 units to be collected in a year. In each city, our model is such that we first plan to bring all stakeholders in the process together and then work at each level to tackle the problem. In Delhi and 3-4 more cities, 5 years down what are some challenges you the line, we hope to have improved faced en route to success? the coordination between various There have been many of them stakeholders to ensure that no persince the start and we still are facson has to run from one place to ing many challenges. However another in search for blood. these are the two biggest challenges which exist. First one was getting What Message would you like to committed, motivated students. give to college students? We do get lots of people who wish College is the most fun time you to work with us/volunteer with us. will ever get! Enjoy it. But side by However we still lack motivated side, do take this also as an opporindividuals. It is all about working tunity to make an impact. Pick up for this cause. There is no matea cause, think about how you can rialistic gain to get from Bloodbring a change in it and work toConnect. The students in the team wards it. BloodConnect simply spend their time, resources, money started with this. You surely can in all the activities. Another biggest start another such organization if challenge was making BloodConyou wish to. And yes, if you wish to nect financially sustainable. This work for this cause- please feel free is something which is still hurting to contact us. We willingly take in us. How do we ensure that the stuenthusiastic, motivated people. dents who already devoting their time, do not have to spend money as well on helpline, organizing camps, etc? We are currently facing this problem and are now looking to get supporting organizations who can give us in-kind support in our activities. The govt. bodies, our Nitin Garg
Utkarsh Kawatra
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QA
I am pursing B.com. What should I do further? CA, MBA or Civil services? All the three of these fields, with great dedication and hard work, will lead to highly reputed and well-paying careers. But the main question does not lie in the domains of “potential salary package” or “scope of employability” or- as shocking as this might sound to some parents- which one of these elite courses your aunt’s, neighbour’s, cousin’s son is doing! It all depends on what you are good at or are passionate about. You will spend approximately 55,000 hours of your life doing your job, if not more. If you are capable of bunking an hour long lecture just because you find it boring, then you cannot allow yourself to waste 55,000 hours on something you aren’t passionate about. So analyse what you do best- Finance, business, and arts- and then proceed. Because when you turn forty and feel the absence of passion in your life, you’ll have a better chance at changing your spouse than changing your career! You surely do not want to get up one day with a bitter realization.
I don’t have much money to spend on clothes. What should I do to look attractive? Money doesn’t really matter when it comes to wardrobe. Every city or campus area usually has some wallet friendly market for clothes and accessories. But eventually what you wear doesn’t count; it is how you wear it. And we are NOT referring to wearing your jeans four inches above your knees or stretching down your top’s neck for more Pamela Anderson look. It’s the confidence you wear it with. You need to believe that you are attractive if you want others to believe it too. Because being able to rock your simple t-shirt look with your confidence is so much better than suffocating the next person with your Armani cologne or tripping over your Prada heels! The clothes do not make you attractive, you yourself do!
Academics or extracurricular? Which one should I focus on more? All work and no play makes jack a dull boy. But all extracurricular and no academics will probably make jack a career less boy. There needs to be a balance between both. Your extracurricular activities are an important part of your all-rounded development. These unleash your talents and imagination within. But let’s take a little reality check here. Unless you are extremely good at some extracurricular and it has a good career scope, your academics will be the one providing you with a career and a wellsettled life. So it’s safer to keep your academics as your first priority, but rather dumb to make it your only priority. So, the best answer would be prioritize your priorities according to the time. (Refer our article on extracurricular on pg no. 26) 54 Campus Crunch Magazine | August 2013
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QA
I don’t have any girlfriend boyfriend in college. Is it necessary to have one?
Seeing the number of ex-lover-turned-killer cases going around nowadays, you should be thanking the Gods for your single status. But if we speak about normal minded people, then a relationship is a beautiful thing. But it’s far from a trend. A girlfriend/boyfriend is someone you like and wish to be with. Not the latest video game that hit the stores. Those who treat it like one, end up sacrificing their independence and individuality to fit in with a herd of similar sheep. Fall in love with yourself so hard that you know that no trend or label is capable of making you share this love with anyone who doesn’t deserve it. Once you love yourself, the other would. And if you are still single, always remember; the more you wait, the hotter you date!
My friend never studied during college, but now he has a great job and recently he became a millionaire. How is this possible? Bill Gates flunked out of college. Dhirubhai Ambani never went to college.Their academic performances were much worse than your friend’s and they ended up tattooing their names on the very soul of technological and business world respectively. You can’t claim a baboon better than a shark if you are testing them on tree-climbing! Everyone has their own talents and capabilities and sometimes certain books and our marks aren’t able to excavate them from our genius. One just needs to get out of the world of grades and syllabus for a while to find their true potential. Realize your talent within and become a millionaire out of it, rather than running behind what others do!
There are many societies in my college, dramatics, debating, dance, economics, finance. Which should I join, should I join all? Join all?! My dear, nobody can really pull a Hermione Granger in the real world with a normally functioning brain. Do keep in mind that these societies will have meetings and practices during college hours which means that you might have to miss your lectures for them. So I would suggest you pick out at most two societies you are really interested and join those. And also make sure that their practice timings don’t clash, because if they do and you prioritize the other, you might as well kiss the latter goodbye. You surely do not want to be the Jack of all trades and master of none.
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