Life as a Computer Science student : IIT Delhi

How do you think a typical day at college would be for a computer science engineering student? Boring, tiring, fun or filled with projects and assignments that never seem to get done?

Well, here is Anagh Prasad, a second year computer science student (CSE) at IIT (Indian Institute of Technology) Delhi who talks about his college life as a CSE student and to expect on a regular weekday at his institute .

Besides sharing his views on things that he still yearns to learn at his institute, this lad from Bihar also talks about the pros and cons of taking up Computer Science that he thinks is one of those engineering branches that offer the highest scope to earn well in the industry.

A typical day at college!

Life at IIT Delhi can be anything but boring. You simply don't have time to get bored! There's always a rush for lectures, practicals, and projects. A typical weekday for me starts with classes from 8 in the morning to around 5 in the evening ( with ample gaps ). Since I hold posts in both Economics Club and Literary Club, I spend an hour or two on these clubs' activities in the evening. Post dinner time is usually free for learning new things, if not engaged in assignments.

Practical and theoretical aspects of the course

The courses that I am doing are very inclusive in nature, containing both theoretical as well as practical aspects of computer science and engineering.

Industry visits/ exposure

We have regular guest lectures from highly placed professionals in the computer science domain. However, until now (2nd year), I haven't had any internship/industry exposure.

Exams and its recurrence

There are three exams in a semester spanning over around 4 months.

Time spent on studies every day

Well, that’s a tough one! I actually do not keep a track of the number of hours I study every day. There are days when I study continuously and there are days when I don’t study at all. So, basically I don't know the exact time I spend on my studies.

Projects

There is a lot of focus on research projects at IIT Delhi. Most of the sophomores do a project at the end of the second year.

Internships

No, I will probably do one next year.

Things I miss and wish to learn

We are not taught coding at all and are expected to learn all the computer languages ourselves. Though this shouldn't be a problem for sincere students, I personally feel we could have become much better programmers if competition style coding was included in our regular course.

College life and hostel life

I am enjoying every moment of my life at the moment. Though it does get burdensome sometimes, but being immersed in subjects I love can't get boring. I am lucky to have very good friends at the hostel who are there to cheer me up every time I am in distress.

Hobbies, extra-curricular activities, societies and more

I love quizzing, debating and writing and have got good opportunities to pursue my interests here. As I have already said, I am a part of the Economics Club and the Literary Club of the institute.

5 good and 5 bad things about the course/branch

5 good things about the branch

• It's Math and logic…lots of it! :)
• A lot of scope to experiment with your ideas.
• The professors of the department are highly qualified as well as helpful.
• Most of the time is spent in front of computer screens in AC rooms, so no physically straining laboratories and workshops.
• Optimism regarding future career; CSE students are invariably the best placed.

5 bad things about the branch

• No time to relax....as there's always some deadline for assignment submission approaching you.
• High course load.
• No experiments.
• Very tough competition.
• Limited opportunity to learn other subjects.