You appeared for the NEST exam for admission to the prestigious NISER and qualified for it. It is time to start your journey of higher education in science. Now, you have been admitted to the NISER, one of the most prestigious institutes in India and governed by the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE). It is obvious to wonder how life will turn out at NISER and how you’ll handle everything in your dream college. It is a thrilling and life-changing experience to enrol at the NISER. You may be curious about what to expect from your first year of academic rigour, scientific exploration and cultural diversity. If you have such doubts and want a clear explanation, this blog is just for you.
In this blog, we will discuss:
- Academics in NISER
- How is the campus life at NISER?
- Challenges in the first year of NISER
- Tips from experts
- FAQs
Academics in NISERs:
The first year at NISER is dedicated to laying a solid foundation in the basic sciences. You will be taught all subjects: Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Earth science, as well as sociology, economics and humanities, which will help you develop a thorough understanding of scientific concepts. Some of the concepts would be from classes 11th and 12th. You will get your major in the second year itself. You will be doing your thesis work in the fourth and fifth years. You will get to attend comprehensive lectures and lab sessions and engage in problem-solving exercises to improve your critical and analytical ability. This will help you to cope with your study schedule.
Early and comprehensive exposure to research is also one of the fundamental features of NISER. You get more time to do your thesis than in IISERs. Students are encouraged to participate in research projects and internships starting their first year. You can also join seminars, workshops, and guest lectures, which often take place in campus, to broaden your knowledge. You can explore diverse research areas, as it will help you identify your interests and potential career paths.
How is the campus life at NISER?
The lively, diverse campus of NISER welcomes students from all areas and backgrounds. There is a strong sense of community and a supportive network of faculty. The institute is situated in a town called Jatni, which is around 25 km away from Bhubaneswar. The campus life is pretty good with all the basic facilities being available on the campus itself. There are various clubs that students can join. The most active clubs are the astronomy club and the drama and music club. The astronomy club holds weekly lectures on some topics pertaining to astronomy. Students present these talks. It also holds weekly telescope sessions in the night. On campus, you can play various sports. There is a sports meet called Inter IISER Sports Meet (IISM) conducted every year in which students from all IISERs, IISc and NISER participate. The institute library is exceptional. It has a wide variety of books related to almost every topic in science.
You should try to participate in different events being held on campus. You should engage in numerous extracurricular activities and join student clubs that match your interests. It will really motivate you to study and help in personal growth. You can participate in the Inter IISER Cultural Meet (IICM) and Inter IISER Sports Meet (IISM), the annual competitions where IISERs, NISER, IISc and CEBS compete against each other.
Challenges in the first year of NISER:
Achieving academic and personal success requires adjusting to new challenges as you adjust to life at NISER. Effective time management and self-discipline are necessary to balance homework, research, and extracurricular activities. Here are a few aspects of challenges in the first year:
- You must develop new study routines and strategies to manage the demanding coursework.
- You will face moments of stress and learn to cope with academic pressures. At that time, you should not go with the flow; you must always remember your purpose, and only then can you carry it out.
- Your first year at NISER or any college is a period of significant personal growth and academic achievement.
- You’ll come across new ideas, viewpoints, and life events that develop your perspective.
- You will gain confidence and soundness as you overcome academic and personal challenges.
- You must build communication, teamwork, and leadership skills through activities and group projects.
That is how you discover new interests and passions that influence your academic and career choices. Check ouut this blog to know career opportunities after NISER.
Tips from Experts:
There are some tips you should always remember after joining campus.
- First of all, always try to stay curious. It will help you discover new things and ideas that may open your mind.
- If you are facing any problem mentally or physically, never be afraid to seek assistance from peers, instructors, or seniors.
- Try to manage your time. Use digital tools or planners to manage tasks, due dates, and personal obligations.
- Participate in each and every activity in the beginning. Only then you will realise which club or society interests you the most. Then you can choose that club for further exploration.
- Always try to maintain a balance between academia and extracurricular activities. Many students prioritise their friendships and fun over academics and get poor grades. Thus, you must maintain a balance between academics and all other things.
Conclusion:
The first year in NISER combines challenges, adventure, friendship, moments of joy, stress, and much science. You must have healthy habits and good friends to cope with the pressure of academics in the NISER, and the rest will be very easy to handle. You must always stay curious and don’t hesitate to interact with faculty, seniors, or SciAstra whenever in any need. Welcome to NISER, where curiosity and science combine to build an infinitely promising future. We wish you all the best for your future!
FAQs:
- What is the focus of the first-year curriculum at NISER?
The first-year curriculum at NISER focuses on building a strong foundation in basic sciences, including core courses in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, and Earth Science.
- What kind of extracurricular activities can I expect at NISER?
You can join various clubs and societies related to the arts, sports, technology, and social service. NISER also hosts cultural festivals, science exhibitions, and other events.
- How is the fee structure at NISER?
Check out this blog to learn more.
- What are some tips for succeeding academically in the first year?
Stay curious, actively participate in classes and labs, seek help when needed, and develop effective study routines that cater to the rigorous NISER curriculum.
- What are the living arrangements like at the NISER campus?
The institute offers separate hostel accommodation for boys and girls. The availability of free Wi-Fi and LAN ports ensures connectivity for academic and recreational purposes.
- Can I switch my major after the first year?
Yes, the first year is designed to give you a broad foundation in the sciences, allowing you to explore different fields before committing to a specific major.
About us:
SciAstra is a team of scientists and research scholars from the top research institutes around the world like Oxford, Harvard, Cambridge, and so on. Our vision is to promote critical thinking and scientific temperament by helping students in their careers in science.
We offer many free and paid courses where our mentors from the top research institutes like IISER, NISER, IACS, CMI,ISI IISC Bangalore, etc. teach students in live classes with study materials, mock tests, books, and everything needed. We have taught more than 10,000 students already since 2021 and achieved over 1000 selections with AIR 1, 7, 10, 12, and 13 in IISc Bengaluru, IISERs, NISER, IACS, and so on. If you are looking to prepare for IAT / NEST 2024, you can check out our courses and get access to live classes, recorded lectures, study material, mock tests, doubt-clearing classes, and much more!
To know more about us, click here OR download the SciAstra App from the Play Store!
