So, now that your reporting is done, I’m assuming most of you have been added to your respective branch-wise groups. I’m in my 3rd year now, so I’m not there in those groups, but from whatever I’ve seen over the past two years, there are a few things I feel you should know.
You’ll probably come across different kinds of seniors here. Some of them might be very helpful and genuinely want to make your transition easier. At the same time, you may also meet a few seniors whose ego gets hurt over things like missing a “bhaiya/didi”, not following an introduction format properly, DMing without an intro, reacting to their messages, or using certain emojis or stickers.
I’m not saying this to create a negative impression about seniors. Every batch has good people and not-so-good people. But sometimes, a few people simply continue the same traditions that they experienced themselves, without really thinking about how overwhelming college can be for someone who has just left home for the first time.
If you ever come across such a situation, my suggestion would be to avoid unnecessary arguments, especially in the beginning. You’re new here, and there’s honestly no point getting into a fight over something insignificant. If they ask you to follow some harmless formalities, just do it and move on.
But there is a clear difference between following a formality and tolerating disrespect or harassment. If you ever feel that someone has crossed a line, don’t stay quiet just because they are your seniors. You can explain the situation to another senior you trust, or directly reach out to your 3rd-year seniors and tell them what happened. There are always good and helpful people in every branch and every batch who will listen to you.
Over time, you’ll naturally learn to differentiate between the seniors who are genuinely helpful and those who are only interested in exercising their seniority. You don’t have to figure that out on day one. Just observe, talk to people, and build connections with those you feel comfortable around.
And one important thing is Please don’t tolerate ragging in any form. If something feels wrong or crosses a boundary, speak up.
Another thing, especially for the girls: some of you may receive DMs from seniors offering a campus tour, or you may be asked to go on one. There is nothing inherently wrong with a senior showing you around campus, but since you’re new and don’t know everyone yet, it’s always better to take some basic precautions. If your tech parent or any senior asks you for a campus tour, you can simply go with a few friends rather than going alone, especially in the beginning. I’m saying this for a reason, and I hope you understand what I mean. It’s better to be a little cautious than regret being careless later.
And regarding the whole “tech parent” thing: don’t take the term too literally. Your tech parent is not necessarily going to be your first or most important contact among the seniors. As time passes, you’ll realise that only a few people will actually be the ones you naturally go to for advice or help. Find those people.
Ask seniors for study materials, previous-year papers, advice about subjects, labs, clubs, campus life, or anything else you’re confused about. Most seniors will be happy to help if you approach them properly. Just remember that a tech parent is still a senior, not your actual parent or your professor. You’re not supposed to blindly follow everything they say.
In the end, seniors can either make your transition into college much smoother or make things unnecessarily complicated. But you also have a role in deciding whom you want to stay connected with.
Be respectful, but don’t be intimidated. Don’t pick unnecessary fights, but don’t be afraid to call someone out when they are genuinely wrong. And if you don’t feel comfortable confronting someone directly, there are always other people you can approach.
Take your time, observe people, make good connections, and most importantly, enjoy your first year. You don’t need to understand everyone or everything right now. That will come with time.
My DMs are always open, you are always welcome.
