By Riya Singh
2nd Year, B.Tech (IT)

“Leave home with a big, bright dream.
Nurture it into a bigger, brighter reality.”
– Unknown

All my life, I have been a homebody and thinking about my new college venture terrified me. I studied in the same school all my life and had the same set of friends from the very beginning. The thought of having to make friends and interact with new people kept me awake at night. I did not know if I could handle being away from my family and live on my own. There’s a lot to figure out when moving to college and leaving home for the first time. You and your roommates have to co-exist together without having to argue with each other, do your laundry and pay your bills. This extra responsibility might seem daunting, but there are added benefits of going away to college, that is, your newfound freedom and education. So I did some research and was happy to see my seniors and their perfect new lives, full of freedom and adventure, and could not wait for my turn to come. But here is something they don’t tell you about leaving home for the first time. They don’t tell you how bidding farewell to your folks is probably the hardest thing you will ever need to do. Despite claiming my newfound independence, I found myself calling my parents every single day, even if it was only to hear familiar voices. You will, beyond question, meet many new individuals. Regardless, you will crave the familiarity and comfort of the people and places you loved.

But there is a reason why they don’t tell you these things, and having lived at KIIT University, I understand why. The people I met here have impacted me and the way I think immensely. Even though we are from every corner of the country, we share at least one interest–getting a bachelor’s degree. We have another thing in common–we left our home for university, and that is pretty much all we knew when we arrived. This initial uncertainty most definitely connected us, and as time goes by, it is still part of our lives. Life at college is the time when teenage years end and we all dive deep into the ocean of new beginnings and possibilities. I have quite a strong connection with my friends through the things we don’t know and are about to experience together. The friendships you make in college life are the most important aspect. These people will give you strength and be your knights in shining armor all your life. It is a perfect blend of joy and hardships. This golden period will equip you for all the challenges you will face in life and create a strong foundation of knowledge. Embarking on this journey would unquestionably be one of your life’s best experiences.

Nobody told me that I would meet people who would become my family in such a short period. I have learned so many things from the people I have met, and I have gained new perspectives on almost every aspect of who I am and where I want to go. If that has taught me anything, it is that we should not fear change. Homes can be in countries, cities, or with people. What often stops us from creating these homes is the fear of uncertainty and the inevitable perishability of all things. And even though it is tough to let go of these fears (trust me, I speak from experience), in the end, it is worth it. Because we will become the best versions of ourselves when we open up, learn from, and celebrate our differences. No one told me that home is not a place but a feeling and how grateful I am to realize that I have not one but rather two places that I currently call home.