Demystifying the North Campus, a beginner's guide to the area

The University of Delhi is one of the premier institutes for undergraduate courses in India. Among a total of about 75 colleges, the North Campus boasts of the most popular college names like Miranda House, The Hindu, Kirori Mal and Hansraj. Apart from academic proficiency in humanities, the campus offers an opportunity of intellectual development and personality building. Spread across several kilometers, the campus offers hostels, markets, and pocket-friendly cafes, much to the liking of the students.

Students come here from every part of India to study and learn in a safe space that pushes them to challenge stereotypes and preconceived notions. This makes them grow into socially and politically aware citizens. The environment on campus is intercultural and inclusive. With the admission season being underway, here is a quick guide of some popular student haunts to acquaint yourself with the campus.

Every college at the north campus is accessible to its student residents. Buildings constructed years ago still pose a majestic facade. Many of them are picturesque to the core. Other mentionable locations are Miranda's lawns and St Stephen's auditorium. A Delhi University student could probably go to lengths about what to try in which canteen. However, to talk about a few, the masala coke at Delhi School of Economics and Hindu's mutton dosa are must-try. Moreover, Tom Uncle's Maggi Point and stuffed parathas at Pandit Ji's canteen are liked by everyone.

The campus offers a blend of traditional and modern cuisine with eateries that support all price brackets. With big franchises such as Taco Bell, KFC, and Mcdonald's, students can enjoy curated recipes such as Big Yellow Door's white sauce pasta and Chicken Cannelloni at Cafeteria and Co.

Evenings at the campus are often accompanied by chai, an essential ingredient of DU North Campus, at the famous Sudama Chai stall. Sudama, with not even a shop to its name, is the proud owner of a crossroad full of youth, talking and smiling, passing the sunset with sweet cardamom tea.

One simply cannot forget Majnu Ka Tila, the Tibetan market at Vidhan Sabha when talking about famous student spots. The traditional market is a favorite among students who go there for every occasion. Apart from comforting cafes like Ama's, it offers an authentic Lhasa culture with cuisine, clothes, and temples. While taking a stroll, it's ordinary to spot students sporting unique jewellery and trendy clothes.

As the college hostels offer only a few seats, most students live in apartments and PGs on campus. Areas like Hudson Lane, Vijay Nagar, and Bungalow Road have student settlements where the rent depends on facilities and location. For smooth travel across campus, there are e-rickshaws available at every nook and corner.

For late evening discussions, one may consider the Central Library where students gather every dusk. Moreover, walks at the VC lawns can be an enriching experience with nature and quaint music of guitar rehearsals in the background. The Inter-college flower show, held in November is a welcome event around the year.

To say the least, the Delhi North Campus is a life on its own, with countless small bases and personal joints. Over the years, students develop an emotional attachment with Vishwavidyalaya, the red building of the metro station edged forever in their memory. People say one is changed at the end of the course chosen at the campus. This is true, given the presence of world-class professors and peer learning through student interactions and cultural societies. As a result, many lessons are learned and many are unlearned. Towards the end, all students take back bags full of valuable lessons, and memories of a lifetime.