#OhThePlacesYouWillGo – From Feeling Overwhelmed to Feeling at Home

My first day at Ashoka began with an introductory session, but what I remember most is the rest of that day: just walking around campus, taking it all in. It genuinely felt like stepping into a whole new world. Everything was unfamiliar, exciting, and a little overwhelming, but in the best way possible.

The academic transition, though, was a different story. Moving from high school to university academics was a character-building experience. Exams seemed to come around every other week, assignments piled up constantly, and there was barely time to catch my breath between one deadline and the next. It took a while to find my footing, but I eventually learned to pace myself and adapt to the rhythm of it all.

Looking back, I’ve changed a lot since that first day. I’ve become far more comfortable navigating new situations and meeting new people. Living away from my parents for the first time in my life was a big adjustment. It taught me patience and flexibility in ways I hadn’t expected, and it really shaped how adaptable I’ve become. Academically, too, I found myself drawn to new interests I hadn’t anticipated, like biology, which opened up a whole new area of curiosity for me.

At Ashoka, I have found my community through a mix of clubs and societies. I am part of Jazbaa, where I am involved in event hosting and management, an experience that has taught me a lot about planning, coordination, and working under pressure. I am also part of Abhinaya, the dance society, and a member of the Shatranj – The Entrepreneurship Weekender team, each of which has contributed to some of my most cherished memories at Ashoka.

Halloween night stands out as one of my favourite memories at Ashoka because, after helping organise the event as a Jazbaa member, I spent the rest of the night with friends, making it one of those nights I’ll always remember. Then there was the Carnival, a large-scale event hosted jointly by Jazbaa and the Student Life Office, where my friends and I relived our childhood for a few hours. My first performance as an Abhinaya member also holds a special place for me; stepping on stage for the first time as part of that team is something I’ll never forget.

Looking back, my first year at Ashoka wasn’t just about academics; it was about discovering new versions of myself.

Tanush Bhatnagar