St Stephen's College B.A Review By Akshay Kumar

I still remember the date and it was 18th of July 2016 which was my 1st day at the college. I was keeping my head down so that no senior stops me for an intro. However, no one can escape but be a part of orientation program which was short though. Once the program got over, the notes were exchanged and we got to meet our professors. Just after the program I crossed the lawn and entered the corridors. It was then that I saw many students like searching for their classrooms and rest as they say is history. The journey for an adventurous life started from there. There’s no limit to students participation in societies and I remained part of almost 8-10 societies for all three years. Well, while working in societies, I made many friends but rivals too. Everything was seen as a competition here so the spirit of competitiveness was inherited in me at St. Stephens.

My department looked as the strictest of them all. Yes, no compulsory lectures but if you attend, it will be good for you. Along with theory internals are also given quite importance here. More than college notes, I made friends with toppers and took their notes as that has what rescued me all throughout. Studies are in a way pretty chilled out because in BA 15 days before the exam, you get serious and you get first class. It’s easier said than done but because the subjects were such that I really had interest in, I knew I need few night stands before the exams and I will be through.

Most of the professors were good but one can take their goodness only if they are regular. If you aren’t then it may be a cause of concern as well. One can gain as much as they want from the professors but it wasn’t all that easy. They were easily approachable but one has to approach them to gain knowledge. Arms around and sipping tea together wasn’t their style but giving good advice and future prospect, they were expert in that.

I don’t know whether I should review this section or not because there were not even mid placements. BA students also struggle to get placements off-campus because BA is seen as a craft than knowledge. Sadly, it's not true but perception won’t change overnight. BA students will have to pull up their socks and do something that others haven’t. During my time and as of now though, BA students are as good as ineligible for placements.

There are six hostel blocks in all and out of those six, two residential blocks, i.e., Rudra North and Rudra South blocks are ladies hostel and rest four named Mukerji, Allnutt, south and north blocks of each are blocks reserved for boys. The red and grey hostels as that is what we used to refer them as citing their brick wall exterior were good. Students staying at the hostels always used to brag about their hostels. Hostels used to host their own events and used to appoint secretary. Students staying at the hostel can learn a lot of things like managing events, playing politics, and of course trying their hands at sports. Food was purely north Indian menu and some of our south Indian friends had to wait till Saturday every week as that was the day when south Indian was served.

The infrastructure of the college is top. I am saying top because it is not one of the but is the largest college of DU in North Campus. Not many colleges have 5-6 admin blocks at their campuses. Besides that, there are residential quarters and bungalows for the staff. Many prominent personalities stay at the campus as they are also the college faculty. The college canteen was so reasonable and provides some of the best junk food. Many fitness freaks may not like this but we Delhiites just love junk food. The college is known for its Basketball team and therefore there are two basketball courts. One each for boys and girls. You must have seen it in the movie Half Girlfriend, which was shot at St. Stephens. From science dhaba to cafetree, everything is old but one that will charm you with its presence at the campus.

St. Stephens is surrounded by many other colleges. St. Stephens has stopped inviting other students from coming to their fest so we missed out on a lot of fun. For the fun that we missed, we went to fest of Hindu College as they open to inviting outsiders. Since the college has a significant Christian quota, one will find many Christians at St. Stephens and also Christmas as the main festival of the campus. All festivals were celebrated but none close to Christmas celebrations.