22 Lessons from NIT Trichy: Reflections on My Journey

After writing the article titled Life at NITT, I was curious to see if anyone had shared similar experiences before. While searching on medium, I came across an article titled “10 things NIT Trichy has taught me” By Soundarya Balasubramani. That made me think, why not reflect on my own journey?

Why not look back at all the things NITT has taught me, the changes it brought in me, the mistakes I made, and the lessons I learned? And maybe, just maybe, if a fresher stumbles upon this article before entering college and it helps them make better decisions, then my purpose in writing this will be fulfilled.

As you read, I’ll also include some of my favorite pictures from my college life, just to keep things engaging and make the text more interesting. They might seem out of sync with the content, but that’s intentional.

So here are a few lessons I’ve learned, both from my own experiences and from observing others.

1. GPA Matters — At least for your mental peace :)

Never believe anyone who says GPA doesn’t matter. I can’t stress its importance enough. You don’t need to have the highest GPA in your class, but you definitely need a good one. And trust me, it’s not difficult to achieve.

Just do the basics right: attend classes regularly, take notes, and study just two days before the exam. That alone is enough to secure a good GPA. But the truth is, most people, including myself, fail to do these simple things. We’re too lazy to attend classes, too lazy to take notes, and too lazy or shy to ask doubts or approach professors. These basic things, if done right, will put you ahead of so many people. Yet, most students struggle to get them right.

Imagine having a 7.9 GPA when the placement cutoff is 8.0 — the frustration, the regret, the missed opportunities. I’ve been in situations where I struggled to maintain my GPA, and I’ve seen others just miss the cutoff and lose the chance to apply for their dream companies. Don’t put yourself in that position. Start doing the basics right now, and you’ll be ahead of many.

That being said, GPA alone shouldn’t be your entire focus. Think about your end goal and optimize your time accordingly:

• If you’re aiming for campus placements, a decent GPA is enough. Use the rest of your time to explore hobbies, passions, or simply enjoy college life.
• If you’re planning for higher studies, you’ll need a strong CGPA, so make that a priority.

Decide what you’re working towards and plan accordingly. But whatever your goal is, maintaining a good GPA will always help — at least for your mental peace.

EEE-A: First Meet

2. No one is looking at you (And That’s a boon!!)

Literally no one! This realization should be liberating.

In college, we are surrounded by tens of thousands of people. But if you struggle with an inferiority complex, like I did, you’ll feel stuck. You’ll constantly worry:

“What are others thinking about me?”

“What do my friends think?”

“What about my friend’s friends think?”

oh God!! So exhausting….

But here’s the best part: Everyone else is thinking the exact same way!

This is called the spotlight effect — we overestimate how much others notice or care about us. In reality, people are too busy worrying about themselves. Yet, we let this fear hold us back. We stop ourselves from doing things just because we’re scared of doing something different from the rest of the group.

Want to dance? Dance.

Want to sing? Sing.

People are so busy taking care of themselves, they don’t even remember you after few seconds. But we keep replaying thoughts like, “What might people think of me?” and end up stopping ourselves from doing things we truly enjoy.

And what if someone criticizes or laughs at you for trying? Laugh at them instead. Why? Because they don’t even have the courage to try. The only thing they can do is mock others. But you? You are out there doing something. That alone makes you stronger.

The fact that you’re trying shows courage and strength. Own it. That mindset will take you places, which I unfortunately lacked during my time in college, as I surrendered my power to imaginary perceptions people had about me.

First College Holi !!

3. Don’t take yourself too seriously.

God knows how many times I’ve stopped myself from doing things just because I was afraid of looking foolish. I took myself way too seriously — I didn’t want a single negative comment about me, I wanted to be the perfect person for everyone.

And what happened?

• I didn’t participate in events I really wanted to.
• I didn’t write and publish earlier.
• I didn’t contest in college elections, even though I badly wanted to.

I was too scared of what people would think, and that fear held me back. But here’s what I’ve realized — sometimes, it’s okay to be a joke to yourself and others. That’s how learning happens.

It was only in my fourth year that I truly started involving myself in activities. Not because the insecurities disappeared, but because the thought of not being their next semester mattered more than my fears. The desire to create memories finally outweighed my self-doubt.

But should it always take something worse to push me into action? Should I always need a bigger fear just to take a step forward?

So, stop taking yourself so seriously and start involving yourself in things that matter to you.

Let yourself be imperfect.

Let yourself make mistakes.

That’s how you grow, that’s how you find joy, and that’s how you truly live your college life, not by being flawless but by being fearless enough to try. Because in the end, it’s not the moments you played safe that stay with you. It’s the moments you dared to show up, try, and just be unapologetically you.

First Substation visit

4. Being kind goes a long way, Help people — as much as you can

Everyone is on a different path in their journey, but in college, we all have just four years to complete ours. During this time, it’s important to be there for each other. When someone struggles with something you can do easily, instead of mocking or looking down on them, extend a helping hand. Lift them up rather than making them feel inadequate.

Help others within your limits but do so in a way that you never regret it. True kindness isn’t about sacrifice, it’s about sharing knowledge and support without expecting anything in return.

Initially, I wasn’t someone who actively helped others. I was focused only on myself. But over time, after seeing people patiently take time to explain things to others, something changed in me. Their selflessness inspired me, and I started doing the same. Even today, I continue to help whenever I can, and it has only made my journey more meaningful.

Because in the end, it is not just what you achieve that defines your college life, it is how you made others feel along the way.

First Ugadhi in college

5. Being humble is best quality you can ever have

This one quality can take you far in life.

I wasn’t always a very humble person. In the beginning, I used to look down on people whom I felt weren’t good enough. But over time, I realized how terrible that mindset was, and I was fortunate to be surrounded by people who embodied the very qualities I lacked. Little did I know, just being around them would intrinsically change me.

The saying “You are the sum of the five people you surround yourself with” is so true. You naturally absorb their qualities. When you have someone to look up to right in front of you, it becomes easier to learn, follow, and grow. And I’m grateful to have such people in my life.

Being humble helps you build genuine relationships. People are drawn to those who are kind, grounded, and open minded, not to those who carry ego or superiority. When you stay humble, you become more approachable, more relatable, and more respected.

It also helps you grow as a person. Humility teaches you that you do not know everything, and that is okay. It keeps you curious, open to learning, and constantly evolving. It takes strength to stay grounded, especially when you are doing well, and that strength is what truly sets you apart.

Grateful to be surrounded by them :)

6. No one is good at everything.

Literally no one!

We often look at some people and think, “Wow, they have everything sorted!” They excel in academics, are active in clubs, good at sports, and even shine in cultural events. But trust me, even they have their own struggles, sometimes with things you might never even recognize.

The truth is comparison is pointless. Instead of looking at others and feeling inadequate, ask yourself: Do I even want what they have? If yes, then instead of comparing, get inspired. If someone has achieved something you admire, take it as proof that you can do it too.

Let that thought motivate you to work harder rather than drag you down.

Finished my first marathon just under 1 minute before the time!!

7. Being in leadership position requires a hell lot of patience

Back when I was a CR (Class Representative), I took the role way too seriously. I was constantly frustrated and would snap at anyone who asked for schedule changes, retests for missed exams, or any other requests. At that time, I saw these things as unnecessary hassles, and I was more focused on my own comfort rather than understanding others’ concerns.

But later, I realized that this was exactly what the role required. Being a CR meant keeping up with people, understanding their issues, and showing empathy, not just enforcing rules or prioritizing my own convenience. Unfortunately, I lacked this empathy while I was in the position, and it was only after stepping down that I truly understood how I should have handled things.

That being said, even after realizing my mistakes, I never wanted to take on any position again! :)

Last day of sem-4 also my final moments as CR

8. Don’t get swayed away by people around you.

If you want to become a singer, put your full effort into it. A dancer? Focus on your practice. A writer? focus on reading and writing more. If you want to work on your core subject, even If it doesn’t pay you much, do it wholeheartedly. Don’t let that one person earning lakhs make you suddenly feel the need to change your passion. Your passion is yours, and no one else’s.

That being said, this doesn’t mean you should be rigid in your mindset. If you come to college, explore new things, and realize your actual talent lies elsewhere, it’s completely okay to pivot. If you genuinely want to try something new and pursue it, do it wholeheartedly.

The only point I’m trying to make is this — Don’t change your passion just because someone else’s path looks more profitable. Do what feels right for you.

My First dance performance with this awesome group !

9. Better to Have No Friends Than to Lose Yourself

It is always better to be alone than to be part of a group where you can’t be yourself. Don’t let peer pressure push you into friendships just because you’re afraid of looking lonely.

I used to be so afraid of going alone to fests, so I would join a group even though I knew deep down I was not enjoying being there. I was scared of what others would think if they saw me alone, and I gave in to that fear.

I have been in that situation many times, and I have seen others go through the same. But ask yourself, why cannot someone go alone to a fest and still have a great time? It is much better to be alone than to surround yourself with people who do not truly care about you.

If you’re pretending to belong just to avoid looking lonely, but deep down you still feel disconnected, is that fair to yourself? Never let peer pressure or the fear of being alone push you into spaces where you do not feel seen or valued.

First stage award — a memory to cherish!

10. Hard Work Is the Key You’re Looking For

Not getting good grades? Not seeing results in your projects? Struggling to get an internship or placement?

You know what I did? I called every senior and friend I knew and started crying.

You know what I should have done? Just studied. It really is that simple!

Yes, luck plays a role in everything, but hard work is what bridges the gap between where you are and where you want to be. Instead of worrying, overthinking, or looking for shortcuts, put in the work. That’s the real key. It may not always give instant results, but it always pays off in the long run.

Final moments with seniors !

11. Respect people, irrespective of their achievements:

In college, it’s so easy to judge people based on their achievements. But when did we start valuing people only by their outcomes rather than for who they truly are?

Why do we always measure someone by their success? Don’t they have intrinsic value beyond what they’ve achieved? The fact that someone exists, tries, and contributes in their own way should be respected.

It’s easy to fall into this mindset of ranking people based on what they’ve accomplished. I’m no exception — I’ve been on both sides of this. I’ve judged others, and I’ve also been judged. But it was only when I was on the receiving end of that judgement that I truly understood how unfair it is.

So, let’s not reduce people to just their achievements. Let’s respect them for who they are, not just for what they have done.

Done with FYP :)

12. It’s never too late to start anew.

Scored a low GPA this semester? Your life doesn’t end here. Work harder next time, learn from your mistakes and remind yourself that you are capable of doing better.

Didn’t get an internship? That’s not the end of the road either. Use this time to learn new skills, build your knowledge, and keep trying. Opportunities always come to those who stay consistent.

Nothing is the end of the world. In fact, it’s during your lowest moments that you truly discover your strength.

I vividly remember my devastating 4th semester results. I was shattered, convinced that my future was doomed. I called every senior I knew, asking if I’d ever get a placement or an internship with those grades. The amount of self-torture I put myself through was insane.

But I didn’t give up. I pushed myself to work harder in the following semesters, balanced out my GPA, and eventually secured both an internship and a placement.

Looking back, I realize that if I had given up at that point, I wouldn’t have seen those results. That low phase became my turning point. It taught me resilience, discipline, and the importance of not giving up when things feel uncertain.

So, whatever you setback may be — see it as a setup for a comeback.

With Abhijit Chavda

13. Don’t get scared by fancy LinkedIn profiles.

During the placements and internship season, the first thing that I did was deleting LinkedIn. It was depressing as hell to see people with stacked profiles, doing multiple things at once while we all had the same 24 hours. It terrified me.

But here’s the truth. If you’re preparing for placements, what actually matters is:

• Your GPA (to clear shortlisting criteria)
• Your problem-solving skills (for online tests)
• Your interview preparation (technical + behavioral)
• A couple of solid projects (to showcase your skills)

That’s it. Not the fancy LinkedIn profiles filled with irrelevant buzzwords.

I’ve seen people fail multiple subjects yet have amazing LinkedIn profiles. Imagine a newbie seeing that and feeling demotivated. It’s almost funny, right?

So, instead of obsessing over LinkedIn, focus on building real skills, solving previous online test papers, and preparing for interviews. Once you’ve done that, use LinkedIn to showcase your work — but remember, it’s just an add-on, not the main ingredient in the placement journey.

Hosted Upstox

14. Everyone’s timeline is Different

Are you feeling depressed because:

• You have a lower GPA?
• Someone got an internship, and you didn’t?
• Your friend got placed and you’re still waiting?
• You got an internship but don’t like it?
• You scored 8.5 GPA but wanted 9?

If yes, take a moment to remind yourself — Everyone’s timeline is different.

Imagine a world where everyone got an internships, placements and milestones at the exact same time. Wouldn’t that be monotonous and lifeless?

What makes your journey truly special are the struggles, lessons, and achievements that come through your unique path — your own efforts, your own pace. Your timeline doesn’t have to match anyone else’s and that’s perfectly okay.

Instead of comparing yourself to others, focus on your own progress. Keep working on what genuinely excites you. Trust that everything will fall into place when the time is right.

When you stay consistent, believe in yourself, and keep showing up, you will naturally begin to attract the right opportunities.

OOTY- Beautiful place, just a night away from college!

15. Being in small clubs is not something to be ashamed of

During my initial days in college, I applied for all the famous clubs but got rejected from every single one. Determined to be part of something, I started applying to smaller clubs. Since these clubs weren’t as popular, almost everyone who applied got in — including me.

However, my friends would tease me whenever they saw my name associated with multiple small clubs. Feeling insecure about not being part of the bigger, more prestigious clubs, I took their jokes to heart. I would even try to hide my involvement and hope they wouldn’t notice. Eventually, I started leaving those clubs out of fear of being mocked for working in a “small” club.

Looking back, I realize what a terrible mindset that was. If you’re part of a club that’s still in its early stages, you have an incredible opportunity to contribute — shaping its vision, culture, and impact. You learn, lead, and contribute more than you ever would by just being a silent member in a larger, established club.

But because no one told me this back then, I let others’ opinions dictate my choices.

So never feel ashamed to be part of smaller clubs. What matters most is how much you contribute; not how popular the club is.

Thanjavur: 40km from college, my peaceful escape!

16. Be Open to people: Beautiful connections Happen Unexpectedly

You never know when a genuine connection might spark. Maybe you’re just casually having lunch with someone you barely know, and suddenly, a shared interest comes up and just like that, you feel seen, heard and connected.

But for moments like these to happen, you need to be open to people. Don’t isolate yourself all the time. Spend time with others — eat together, study in groups, join conversations. Not every interaction will be meaningful, but that’s okay. All it takes is one real connection to change everything.

I made the mistake of withdrawing from people after a few bad experiences in college. I convinced myself:

“It’s better to stay alone than let anyone disturb my peace.”

So, I started keeping to myself, thinking I was protecting my mental space. But in doing so, I also closed the door on potential friendships.

Fortunately, a few people still reached out to me. One of them, someone I hadn’t even spoken to much, turned out to be the person I called during one of the toughest moments of my life — and she understood me without any judgment.

If I hadn’t allowed that small connection to form, I would’ve missed out on a truly meaningful friendship.

So don’t shut people out. Be open. Talk, listen, explore. A small conversation today could turn into a bond that lasts a lifetime.

Kerala: Words aren’t enough, night’s ride from college.

17. Do not restrict yourself to people from your own community

If I had to name one of my biggest regrets from college, it would be this: I stayed within my comfort zone and only interacted with people from my own community (By community I mean People who speak the same native language as mine).

Yes, it feels safe in the beginning. You naturally gravitate toward those who speak the same language or come from similar backgrounds. But don’t let that comfort zone become a cage. One of the biggest gifts of studying in a college of national importance is the opportunity to meet people from different cultures, regions, and beliefs. You should embrace this diversity with curiosity and excitement.

Looking back, I realize that most of my interactions with people outside my community were limited to coursework. I never really made the effort to get to know them personally. But When I finally began talking to people outside my circle, I realized something beautiful — at the core, we’re all the same. The only difference is the language or lens we use to express ourselves. And language should never be a barrier to forming meaningful human connections.

I now wish I had embraced that diversity sooner. The opportunity cost of staying in a bubble was far greater than I had imagined. So, if you’re in college right now, don’t make the same mistake. Be open, explore friendships beyond your community, and expand your worldview. You never know what incredible people you might meet.

My community :)

18.Choose your passion and do it every day.

College lasts for four years. Imagine that — “Four whole years!!”. Pick something you’re passionate about and commit to it for just 30 minutes a day. That adds up to 730 hours of work over four years. with that kind of consistency, you’ll eventually master whatever you choose.

The problem is, we often optimize for short-term goals, ignoring long-term rewards. But once you step out of college, you’ll realize how much better you could have used that time. Instead of looking back with regret, start now.

Pick something, stick to it, and watch how it transforms you — Not just in skill, but in confidence and character.

Hosted Charan peri

19. Things are never as bad as they seem -Always look at the brighter side (My placement story)

I can say this with confidence because I faced one of the most unexpected and difficult situations during college placements. I was banned from placements for saying, “I’m not interested in this company”. And this happened right in the middle of the peak placement season.

For a day, I cried. But once I processed it, I stopped feeling bad and started exploring other options.

Deep down, I had already accepted that I might not get placed because I had missed the crucial placement period. But then, one day, they added me back to the group. By that time, I had mentally detached from the whole placement stress, so I was not concerned.

Coincidentally, there was one company I had registered for three months earlier, and it finally came to campus. Since I had nothing to lose, I attended the group discussion and interview without any pressure. And guess what? I got placed.

That moment was a turning point for me. The two weeks of stress, sleepless nights, and emotional drain had felt unbearable. But now, looking back, it was all worth it.

Today, I genuinely love my job. I love the work I do, the people I work with, and the company’s culture. I have gained valuable experiences and knowledge I would not trade for anything. If I had not been removed from the placement group, I might have settled for any random offer and missed this fulfilling opportunity.

What felt like the worst setback turned out to be a blessing in disguise. This experience taught me a life-changing lesson. Things are never as bad as they seem. There is always a silver lining — sometimes you just need patience to see it.

So, if you are going through a rough patch, hang in there. Keep going. Life has a way of surprising you when you least expect it.

Pure Gratitude :)

20. Identify or label yourself as a “Lifelong learner”

College is full of experiences — some great, some disappointing. Low grades, a failed project, losing a competition, getting rejected from a club, all of it can make you feel like a failure. And if you are not careful, these setbacks can break your confidence and make you afraid to try new things, just to avoid failing again.

But what if, instead of labeling yourself as a failure, you identify yourself as a lifelong learner?

The labels we give ourselves matter. If you constantly see yourself as a failure, even during good times, you’ll find ways to feel inadequate. But if you identify as a lifelong learner, even when setbacks shake you, you’ll take the lessons from each experience, carry them forward, and improve next time.

That’s exactly what we need in college — and in life.

21. Don’t Rush into a relationship, just because others are in One

This is something everyone knows deep down, but it needs to be said out loud.

College relationships are like passing clouds. Don’t compare yourself to people in relationships and wish for a life like theirs. If anything, be glad you’re not in one unless it’s truly meaningful. You save yourself from unnecessary drama, emotional turbulence, and wasted time. If you find someone genuinely good and you see a long-term future, go for it. But if not, the earlier you let go, the better.

Think of it this way: If you’re carrying a heavy weight that you know will eventually break you, is it better to drop it now or struggle until it crushes you? You already know the answer. The same logic applies to relationships.

The happy moments you see from couples. That’s just the tip of the iceberg. You don’t see the fights, insecurities, sacrifices, and struggles underneath. The opportunity cost of choosing the wrong person is massive. Instead of investing time in someone who isn’t right for you, imagine using that time to build yourself, grow, and chase your dreams.

Don’t fall for the illusion of love and most importantly don’t get into a relationship with wrong intentions. Stay true to your values, your journey, and your personal growth. The right person will come at the right time.

With Soundarya, who’s writing inspired this piece :))

22. Document Your Journey, Capture Memories — You’ll Never Get Them Back

One sad thing about college life? It ends. But the good thing? The experiences, achievements, setbacks, friendships, and lessons stay with you forever.

There are so many small wins in college that we often overlook. Got a perfect score in an exam? Document it. Had an amazing day with friends? Write it down. Won an event? Jot it down. Landed an internship? Note it. Got placed? capture every emotion you felt in that moment; these memories are worth preserving.

Why does this matter?

In isolation, these moments might seem small, but together, they shape your journey. They remind you of your growth, reinforce positivity, and serve as a personal time capsule of your college years.

I personally documented every major moment of my college life in a digital diary called “DAY ONE.” I even recorded my first lab results! Whether it was my first marathon, first time powerlifting, internship experiences, or placement, I wrote it all down. Even today, those memories feel fresh when I read them. Imagine reading them 25 years from now!

I do have a habit of capturing every moment — sometimes at the cost of fully living in it. My thought process has always been: “I’ll never get this moment back; I have to capture it.” And honestly, it worked out well. I now have a collection of not just photos but also the exact thoughts and emotions I had at those times.

Sometimes, I even cringe at my past entries, but that’s a good thing — it means I’ve grown. Looking back, I can see how my perspective evolved, how I overcame challenges, and how I shaped my worldview.

So, document everything. Capture your memories. But also, find a balance between living in the moment and recording it.

The Lab result that I was talking about :)

Closing remarks:

As I sit here reflecting and writing all of this, I know it’s easier said than done. You are the living through these moments, navigating the chaos, the pressure, the excitement and the uncertainty. Trust me, I’ve been there. But sometimes, simply hearing that things can get better can give you the courage and strength you need to keep moving forward.

Does writing all this make me a great person? No. I still struggle with many of the things I’ve talked about here. But the difference is that I’m aware of my struggles, I’m working on them, and I accept that setbacks are part of the process.

Some days, I stumble. Some days, I do well. But I never lose hope.

If any part of this resonated with you, I’m glad. And if it gave you even a tiny sense of comfort or perspective, that means everything to me. Your journey is uniquely yours — embrace it fully, live it honestly, and keep learning along the way.

You’ve got this❤️