First year in LPU

LPU Diaries: A Bihari Boy's First Year in Engineering Paradise!

Hey folks! I’m Piyush Agarwal, a curious freshman hailing from the vibrant land of Bihar. Let me take you on a hilarious and unforgettable journey through my first year at Lovely Professional University (LPU) in 2022. Get ready for a rollercoaster ride filled with academic adventures, crazy friendships, hostel shenanigans, and all the wild twists and turns of college life.

Fresh Start at LPU:

Stepping onto the LPU campus for the first time was like entering another world. Lush greenery, towering buildings, and a vibrant energy filled the air. My first home away from home was Boys Hostel 1 - the best hostel at LPU. It is close to the academic buildings, and I made friends with people from all over India.

In my first year, I was in a 4-seater AC room. One of my roommates was from Jharkhand, and the other two were from Hyderabad. We hit it off immediately, sharing late-night study sessions fueled by chai. We loved going to the 10th floor of the hostel for fresh air. Birthdays were always a blast with birthday bombs, loud music, and even singing in the bathroom! And don't forget the Bihari touch – Bhojpuri music was a must! We forged friendships that will last a lifetime. When late-night cravings struck, we'd either whip up a quick Maggie in our room's kettle or go out to the canteen at 3 AM. On weekends, we'd unwind by playing UNO and other card games, laughing and bonding over shared experiences. I also met other students from Bihar near my room, and we quickly became best friends. Together, we explored the campus, attended events, and created unforgettable memories.

Academics: A Year of Growth, Learning, and Fun

As a computer science background student, the first-year subjects at LPU felt like a breeze. Python, with its simple syntax and readability, was a natural fit. I quickly picked up the basics and started exploring development tools like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Our professors were always there to lend a helping hand, making learning both enjoyable and effective.

One of my favourite classes was the electrical practical class. It was a hands-on experience that taught me the fundamentals of electrical circuits. I had a blast tinkering with wires and components, even though I sometimes ended up looking like a science experiment gone wrong!

Beyond academics, I also got involved in extracurricular activities. I served as an event coordinator, helping to organize campus events and gaining valuable leadership experience. I also participated in coding hackathons, where I put my skills to the test and collaborated with other talented students.

And let's not forget about the soft skills class! It was a fun and insightful experience that taught me the importance of dressing professionally and communicating effectively. I still remember the day we all had to dress in formal attire. It felt like a mini-fashion show!

Beyond the Classroom: A World of Experiences

LPU wasn't just about textbooks and lectures; it was a vibrant hub of extracurricular activities and social interactions. The seniors were like our mentors, guiding us through the ups and downs of campus life, offering academic advice, and sharing their insider tips for the best chai spots.

The campus events were legendary, from the electrifying energy of Coke Studio to the vibrant cultural extravaganzas at SDMA. We even volunteered for a few events, which not only gave us a sense of accomplishment but also helped us connect with students from diverse backgrounds.

When classes were over, we'd explore the campus with our friends, trying out different food stalls and indulging in delicious treats. We loved hitting the playground for a game of cricket, but being in a vegetarian college meant we had to take hostel leave for our chicken cravings. Any excuse was good enough for a celebration, and you could always count on us to find a reason to indulge in our favourite non-vegetarian dishes.

Exploring Punjab: A Weekend Getaway

LPU's strategic location in Punjab offered us the perfect opportunity to explore the state's rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. One weekend, we embarked on a spiritual journey to the holy shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi. The serene atmosphere and the challenging climb filled our hearts with peace and a sense of accomplishment.

Another weekend, we ventured to Amritsar, a city steeped in history and culture. We visited the iconic Golden Temple, immersing ourselves in its spiritual aura. We also explored the Jallianwala Bagh, a poignant reminder of India's struggle for independence.

Of course, no trip to Amritsar would be complete without indulging in its delectable street food. We tried the famous Amritsari Kulcha, Makke ki Roti and Sarson ka Saag at Brothers Dhaba, and quenched our thirst with the creamy Punjabi Lassi from Gyani Lassi. And let's not forget the mouthwatering Amritsari Parathas and Chole Bhature that we devoured with gusto.

These weekend getaways were not just opportunities to explore new places but also to bond with our friends and create lasting memories. Punjab's vibrant culture and warm hospitality left a lasting impression on us all.

Celebrating Festivals Far From Home

Being from Bihar, I missed celebrating festivals with my family back home. However, LPU provided a wonderful opportunity to experience festivals in a new and exciting way.

Diwali, the festival of lights, was celebrated with great pomp and show at the Golden Temple in Amritsar. The atmosphere was electric, with the temple illuminated by thousands of diyas. It was a magical night that I'll never forget.

We also celebrated other festivals like Durga Puja, although it wasn't quite the same as celebrating it back home. But the camaraderie and festive spirit among the LPU community made it a memorable experience.

One festival that I missed the most was Chhath Puja. As a Bihari, Chhath holds a special place in my heart. The rituals and traditions associated with the festival are deeply ingrained in our culture. While I couldn't celebrate it in the traditional way, I found solace in connecting with other Biharis at LPU and sharing our experiences.

 A Year to Remember

Looking back on my first year at LPU, it's like reliving a dream. It was a year filled with academic adventures, unforgettable friendships, and countless memories. The university infrastructure, from the state-of-the-art labs to the sprawling sports grounds, provided everything we needed to succeed. LPU wasn't just a place to learn; it became my second home, a place where I discovered a new side of myself and found my true potential.

This is just the beginning of my LPU journey! Stay tuned for more exciting stories as I share my experiences from the following years. If you're considering joining the LPU family, feel free to drop a comment below. I'd love to answer any questions you might have!

Thanks for reading.