10 things not to miss out on, when at B...

Its been a roller coaster ride, with its own ups and downs, but then yeah, I must admit, life at a B school has everything to offer... Its a perfect bonanza with (un)lucky draws every now and then. So, here are the ten things one should definitely not miss out on while studying at IIM Bangalore.

1. Interaction with Professors
   
   
   We call them best of the lot but then Hey!! You do need to interact with them to get that best. One thing a lot of students, especially PGP students miss out on in a B school is interaction with the rich faculty both inside and outside the classroom. Remember, nothing comes for free, and if does then its not worth the claim.
   
   
2. Focus on all round development
   
   
   Whilst the corporate is increasingly shifting its focus on acquiring talent with a 9:1 strength to weakness ratio, all round development is something peculiar. We need to increasingly realize that its more about personality development and a journey of self discovery, rather than mere focus on one of either studies, sports, RG, CP, DCP, Flirting, Tripping with Exchange mates and what not! Do everything what you deem correct but in limits. Something I personally learnt whilst my time at B...
   
   
3. Food in the mess
   
   
   We might hate it after a month or so, but remember its the hard work of those 20 odd mess workers that keeps us fit all round the year for the rigorous academic curriculum. We are not the only ones to sleep at 5 am and get back to life at 8 am. They have a even tighter schedule and the morning breakfast is the yummiest thing you will taste after your mom's fav recipe..
   
   
4. L^2 parties
   
   
   B is not called the party-IIM just for namesake. It truly is a happy go lucky destination ;) Every floor of the hostel on the campus has its different aura. Might it be the chirping of the birds early morning from Paradise or the 4 am chai at PnE in D base. But one thing that truly kept me osculant to B was the party atmosphere. You just need a reason to celebrate at B!!
   
   
5. Early Morning walk along the campus
   
   
   I can bet on this. The 3 am talks on a rainy night sitting near the ground or a silent walk early morning around the sprawling campus is enough to keep the adrenaline up for the rest of the day. Nothing else can make you fall in love with the greenest campus in India more...
   
   
6. 4 am songs
   
   
   I will not spill the beans here, wait for the moment and experience it. Some traditions are better not questioned, but only enjoyed...And Culcomers are genuinely nice people on campus :P :D
   
   
7. Sleep, whenever possible... wherever possible
   
   
   You need it, just take it. Doesn't matter if its B block or C or your own room or the new faculty classroom! Health is of prime importance. While in classroom, do it in such a way that the prof out there is not offended. At-least do not let him throw that marker on you to wake u up! Yess, even that happens at B :v
   
   
8. Stroll around the city
   
   
   Write back to me in case you fail to fall in love with the city. I shall give you 100 more reasons to fall for it. Might it be the fantastic weather, the evening showers, a walk on the commercial street, beer at TOIT or Ghee Masala dosa at MTR, the city never ceases to amaze you. With the nightlife blooming till 1 am on weekends, its a perfect stress buster for the B heads. Besides, you get to taste the best brewed beer in the country.
   
   
9. Weekend trips across South India
   
   
   Gokarna, Ooty, KodaiKanal, Marayoor, Pondy, Hoggenakal, Ramgarh, Mysore, Goa... The list is endless. Everyhting's a nights drive from B. Just get that Zoomcar and roll out. Do try some good mushrooms when at Kodai! Life shall be a different trip forever then :D
   
   
10. Some good friends...
    
    
    They often say, B school is a place where people mean business. But I beg to differ. Find that right set of pals with similar mindset and life shall be happening thereafter. True that undergrad friends shall be remembered always for the quantum of time spent with them is manifold. You might not get that leisure here at B, but whenever you have the opportunity, make it worth. And yes, you can make lifelong friends at B!

Its difficult to manage everything at a B school. Our schedules get tampered, egos get hurt and mind gets bruised every now and then. But look for sustainable things rather than just conditional happiness... There will be 100 different opinions about life in a B school, I feel, I lived my life doing whats mentioned above :D

Until Next time...

Saurabh Sathe

PGDM, Class of 2015,

IIM Bangalore