From preparing for BITSAT and patiently waiting through multiple iterations to finally getting the college you dreamt of – what a journey it has been! Your lives have probably changed a ton already. Adjusting to a village in the middle of nowhere (namely, Pilani), and of course, college life, can be challenging. But this should not deter you from being able to enjoy your initial days at BITS. Here’s a little guide that will make maneuvering through the first few days a bit easier.

After reporting, you will have to complete registration formalities. Expect a bit of chaos—lots of students and parents, but the excitement in the air is contagious. A room would also be assigned to you through a completely random system and you can take up the rest of the day for setting up your space. The following day, you will be required to attend the orientation, where you will get the lowdown on everything about BITS Pilani, including the grading system, placement statistics, clubs and societies. You will be allowed to make a custom timetable, the detailed process of which will be explained to you during the session.

By this time, your guardians would have left. You will be surrounded by a sea of new faces in an entirely different setting, looking to strike up a few conversations, but having cold feet about it. Just remember, everyone is figuring it out just like you. A simple “Hi!” can work wonders! Moreover, you will share your personal space with your roommate, and it might be a bit weird initially. Befriending your roommate can make your first year much more fun. After all, there’s nothing better than a late-night Maggi session with your roommate. 

Classes at BITS can be pretty intense, but the first week is usually pretty lite. The transition from school to college can be drastic, both in terms of academics and everyday routine, and nothing ever prepares you for that. You will be figuring out your timetable, finding your way around LTC and Faculty Divisions, and maybe even getting lost more than a couple of times (it’s a rite of passage). You will soon find yourself stressing about course averages, mid-sems, compres, and those dreaded 8 AM tuts. Tut tests can be a pain, and trying to keep up with the ghots might add to the pressure. Don’t stress too much about the workload initially—focus on getting into the rhythm. Moreover, with BITS Pilani’s legendary zero-percent attendance policy, you might finally live your dream of being a full-time Batman and a part-time student. 

Interacting with seniors can be extremely helpful—they are super approachable and full of tips about campus life. Whether you need advice on which courses to take up in the future or the best food recommendations from ANC, Looters, Tott, DCC, or C’not, they’ve got your back. (Insider tip: Seniors love spoiling juniors with treats, so don’t be shy—go ahead and ask for those free meals!)

You will soon find yourself at the late-night jamming sessions at Rotunda or vibing to Sharma ji’s banger playlist while munching on paneer paratha at ANC. You might pull a random all-nighter exploring the campus — stumbling upon hidden spots perfect for a quiet read or late-night chats or become an onlooker to the infamous GPLs as the clock strikes midnight at Tott. You will slowly soak in the BITSian spirit as you embrace the experience of the first few days and enjoy every moment. 

Welcome to BITS Pilani—it’s magic!