Freshers’ 2020: Why IIIT?

You’ve read the reviews. You’ve watched some random IIIT video. You’ve probably even been sucked into an endless Quora spiral like most of us. None of these do IIIT justice though. IIIT’s online presence strangely only scratches the surface of what makes IIIT special. The community may be miles apart at the moment but there’s so much that brings us together. Here’s some of what makes IIIT a wonderful place:

1. It’s a tight-knit community

Each batch at IIIT has just around 250 students, making for an undergraduate strength of near 1000. That’s roughly the same size as most high schools! Despite the small size, you are guaranteed to find someone with your interests, and it’s probably easier to know who that is too. Within a matter of months, you’ll find yourself interacting with students across all batches. You’ll even get to know most of your own batchmates in a few weeks!

The real positive here is the quality of interaction though. It’s a great place to meet people with diverse interests, each of whom will be more than willing to help you out. This even transcends student interactions. It’s surprising how accessible and tightly knit the faculty are with the student community as well – on academic and cultural matters. The result is a synergy that makes IIIT better.

2. Research

The ‘R’ word gets thrown around a lot when you are looking at prospective universities. IIIT doesn’t make shallow claims though. There’s something exhilarating about reading your professors’ papers when you are studying the very subject that they are teaching. Check out this article to see some of the amazing things done at IIIT!

3. None of that Physics Nonsense

The fact that you’ll start studying CS/ECE right in year 1 is another facet to a thriving academic environment – a relief after gruelling high school education. You’re even free to audit higher-level courses!  

4. A parliament that’s heard

The student parliament is one of the most active student bodies at IIIT. They’re involved in matters related to student life, academics, research and much more. And, they actually have an impact. The tightly-knit community really pays off here, as students often have a seat at the table. Check the parliament’s 2020 report to read some of their work from last year.

5. You are treated as adults

To be honest, this felt like an innocent expectation before college. But, when you read about anti-romeo squads, curfews, and other childlike rules at other universities, you realize how progressive IIIT truly is (check this out to truly appreciate it). While it may not be evident now, IIIT has no curfews or restrictions on movement for any gender. Your 2 AM snack desires are only limited by your patience to walk to the main gate.

6. Club Freedom and oh, so. many. Facebook. groups.

Clubs at IIIT have great autonomy. In fact, many of the clubs presenting at this year’s intro to clubs were formed a few weeks earlier! Late night conversations lead to a new Facebook group and that’s about it.

This spontaneity also results in a lot of Facebook groups, for practically everything under the sun. Need a cab? Check. Want that hidden dominos coupon? Check. Want to pretend to be back at IIIT? Check.

7. The location

Well…., you aren’t in Hyderabad at the moment but Hyderabad is as much a part of the campus as the resident dogs that escorts us to class. Located at the heart of the IT city and food district, there’s enough to satisfy your palate with a two-minute walk. Hyderabad is also one of the best urban cities in Indias, with plenty of malls, sports activities, music festivals, and more. Also, it has Ikea.