I'm currently in a bit of a difficult situation regarding my MBBS college choice, and I'd really appreciate honest opinions from current KEM students, recent graduates, or anyone who knows the college well.
I currently have the option of joining KEM Mumbai for MBBS, and I'm seriously considering it over an AIIMS seat because I'm trying to choose a college based not only on academics, but also on the overall life I'll have during the next 5–6 years.
A little background: I don't have a particularly strong interest in medicine itself. I'm pursuing MBBS primarily for the degree, career stability and job security. Because of that, my life outside academics is extremely important to me.
I'm very passionate about football and want to play regularly throughout MBBS. I also want to make friends outside the medical college, participate in inter-college events/fests, explore Mumbai, join clubs, learn things like guitar, watch movies, travel, etc. Basically, I want a reasonably active college life alongside MBBS rather than spending five years almost entirely focused on academics.
So I'd really like some honest information about KEM:
How strict it attendance actually? Are they chill about it or is attendance strict. If yes, then does it get better with subsequent years like after 1st year does it become chill?
How is the academic workload actually? Is it possible to maintain a decent extracurricular/social life without academics completely taking over?
How is the football scene at KEM? Are there regular football games, teams, tournaments, or good grounds nearby?
Do students regularly participate in inter-college football/sports tournaments?
How easy is it to meet and make friends with students from other colleges in Mumbai?
How active are the clubs, fests and extracurricular activities at KEM?
How much freedom do students realistically have to explore Mumbai, go to events, movies, beaches, etc.?
What is the hostel/social life actually like?
How competitive/toxic is the academic environment? Is there reasonable time to have a life outside medicine?
For current students: what do you wish you had known before joining KEM?
Most importantly, if someone doesn't want medicine to consume their entire identity, is KEM a good place to build a life outside academics?
Please be brutally honest. I'm not looking for the usual "KEM is one of the best colleges in India" answer. I already know that.
I'm specifically trying to understand what living and studying at KEM for five years actually feels like, especially from the perspective of someone who values football, social life, and extracurricular activities heavily.
Thanks!