Maharani's Science College opened its doors to the first-year degree students.
This all-girls college has students from across the state.
The college management did well to get the students out of their shell.
The first-year degree students were taken through a one-hour orientation programme, on the opening day, wherein they were not only briefed about the culture and discipline of the college but were also taken through certain confidence-building measures.
The management and the faculty went an extra mile to make the students comfortable and the class teacher of every class doubled up as the mentor as well.
"Students are free to clear their academic related problems, if any, and even discuss other issues that they may have," explained Salma, head of department of economics.
Vanita, the head of department of chemistry, said, "On the first day the students are not only oriented towards the discipline of the college but a stress is also laid on personality development and an open communication between the students and the faculty."
Ruksana Begum, an National Social Service (NSS) officer, pointed out that the students are also encouraged to join various activities in the college, including NSS wing. "We try and work towards getting the students to break free from their shell and come out into the open and talk about their ideas and initiatives," she said.
However, the new batch of students were a bunch of shy women who needed a lot of prodding. Likitha, a first year student expressed her anxiety when it comes adjusting to a new atmosphere.
"As long as we are able to approach our teachers and clear our doubts, it's good. I've managed to make a couple of new friends on the first day and that's good for a start," said Likitha.
Tasmiya and her twin sister Summia are from out of Bangalore.
They said that they would take a while to adjust to the new environment.
"After studying here, we hope to go back and teach in our hometown," said Tasmiya. Soujanya, another first-year student, said that she always wanted to join an all girls college.
"The environment is good and the people seem warm and friendly. I think this is important for a good start," she concluded.