IIT Mandi Campus Experience

I recently had the chance to visit my cousin at IIT Mandi, where he’s in his third year. I stayed in his room during the Exodia fest, and it was an incredible experience that gave me a unique glimpse into campus life there.

First off, the weather at IIT Mandi is a refreshing change, especially for someone like me who comes from Delhi. The air is crisp and clean, with no trace of the pollution I’m used to. The campus is nestled amidst the mountains, offering breathtaking views no matter where you are. There are two rivers flanking the campus, and my cousin took me to visit them. We spent a lazy afternoon by the riverside, the sound of the flowing water providing a perfect soundtrack to our conversations.

The Exodia fest itself was a whirlwind of activities. It’s the annual techno-cultural fest of IIT Mandi and attracts students from all over. The highlight was the three pro nights they had lined up, a clear sign that the institute is improving its sponsorship game each year. The energy during the fest was infectious, and it was amazing to see the talent and enthusiasm of the students.

Living in the south campus, which is almost fully constructed, my cousin doesn’t feel the lack of facilities. The hostel food is surprisingly good. I had the chance to enjoy the mess food throughout my stay, and I must say it was quite delicious. Thanks to my cousin’s sneaky tactics, I got to eat for free because no one realized I was an outsider. I even had all the perks of an insider, thanks to a fest organizer ID card my cousin borrowed from his friend. It felt like I was truly part of the campus community, even if just for a few days.

One of the best parts of the visit was the trekking. My cousin and his friends are avid trekkers, taking advantage of the campus’s mountainous location. We went on a trek one morning, and it was an exhilarating experience. The trails are beautiful and challenging, offering spectacular views of the surrounding landscape.

Despite being a relatively new institute and located away from a major city, IIT Mandi seems to offer a balanced campus life. The remoteness does mean a trip to the main city of Mandi, about 40 minutes away, for things like a Domino’s pizza or a café visit. But the students don’t seem to mind the travel much, viewing it as part of the adventure.

I did notice some areas where the institute could improve. The music club, for example, could use a bigger room and better equipment. My cousin, who’s into robotics, mentioned the difficulty of sourcing parts locally, often having to rely on trips to Chandigarh or Delhi for necessary components.

Academically, my cousin seems to be thriving. He mentioned that the teachers are generally good, and the course load isn’t as stressful as JEE preparation. The exposure to various projects from the second year onwards keeps students engaged. Plus, the unique opportunities like the semester exchange program to Germany add a valuable dimension to their education.

Overall, my short stay at IIT Mandi during the Exodia fest was memorable. The combination of stunning natural surroundings, vibrant campus life, and the enthusiasm of the students makes it a special place. While there are challenges, especially due to its relatively remote location, the institute seems to be growing and improving each year. I left with a newfound appreciation for the life my cousin is living there and a little bit of envy for the beautiful environment he gets to call home.