College Life: An Emotional Rollercoaster

Daksh Pankaj Patel
April 26, 2025
I wake up in shock and search around for my glasses with unease. After a long quest, I found it and stared at the clock. It was 7:30 am. I was supposed to wake up at 6 am and then exercise for a bit before I carried forward with my day. But my habit of staying up late has turned my mornings into a rush. The two-minute power nap I intended to take turned into a full-blown hour of sleep. Realizing I’m late, I leap out of bed, quickly folding my blanket and rushing to get ready.
In my haste, I miss my cherished morning routine of sipping hot tea on the balcony while reading the newspaper. Instead, I gulped my tea, threw on my sneakers, and grabbed my bag before diving into the morning hustle. Navigating through the bustling marketplace, I finally reach the college gates, catching my breath as the reality of being a college student sinks in.
College life is often romanticized as a time of fun, friendship, and freedom, but the reality includes its fair share of monotonous moments. As I sit in class, I sometimes struggle to stay awake, lulled by the monotonous drone of the lecturer’s voice. The subject might not always pique my interest, and on those days, the clock seems to slow down, making each minute feel like an eternity.
But then, there are days when the content is engaging, and the lecturer brings the subject to life with videos and slideshows. On those days, I’m captivated, and all my boredom fades away. The visual learning sticks with me, and I find myself recalling concepts effortlessly, thanks to the images and videos I’ve seen.
Of course, no day is complete without a few laughs. A friend cracks a dumb joke, and suddenly, the entire class is stifling laughter, exchanging amused glances, and trying not to draw the lecturer’s attention. These moments of light-heartedness make even the dullest classes bearable.
When the bell rings, signaling the end of class, my friends and I race to the canteen, our sanctuary on campus. The canteen isn’t just a place to eat; it’s where we socialize, make new friends, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
The canteen is also our go-to spot during exam season. A week before the exams, we gather here to discuss what we need to study, turning the once vibrant canteen into a hub of frantic last-minute preparation. The Xerox boy becomes our savior, providing us with the notes and materials we need to survive the exams.
The food at the canteen is another highlight. With a different menu every day, I often "forget" to bring my lunch, just so I have an excuse to indulge in the delicious offerings. The sense of satisfaction after a hearty meal served with gossip and fun banter with friends is incomparable.
After the break, it’s back to classes and lectures, but the excitement of the canteen lingers, making the day more manageable. As the day winds down, I often find myself in the auditorium, attending events, and seminars, or just relaxing in the comfortable, air-conditioned environment. The auditorium holds a special place in my heart; it’s where our college journey begins with the orientation program and ends with the graduation ceremony.
Looking back, I realize that college life is a blend of chaos, boredom, excitement, and nostalgia. The friends I’ve made, the moments we’ve shared, and the experiences we’ve had are what makes this journey so special. Life as a college student is a whirlwind of emotions, chaos, and memorable experiences. Every day brings a new adventure, from the frantic rush of mornings to the serene moments of reflection in the evening. As I navigate through the ups and downs of each day, I’m constantly reminded of how these moments, both big and small, will shape who I am long after I’ve left these hallowed halls.
In the end, a day in the life of a college student is a rollercoaster of emotions, but it’s a ride I wouldn’t trade for anything.