How Leaving Home Changed Me Forever: My First College Days in Chandigarh

The Emotional Goodbye: A Heartfelt Departure

Days before going to college, I was full of excitement and happiness but as soon as the day of my departure for approached reality started to sink in. The excitement of my new adventure suddenly mixed with a flood of emotions. When my best friend came home to say goodbye, she started crying, catching me off guard. Her tears made my own eyes well up, and I felt my strength slipping away.

Then my mom joined in, and the weight of leaving home really hit me. It was like a tug-of-war in my heart – happy to go, but sad to leave. Because of her health, Mom couldn’t come with me, which made everything feel even heavier.

It was one of those moments that stick with you – a perfect blend of joy and sadness. Like the last bite of your favorite dessert or watching a beautiful sunset, knowing it’ll be dark soon. I was stepping into my future, but also leaving behind a piece of myself. It was bittersweet, but in a way that made me appreciate how much love I had in my life.

First Days in the Hostel: A Struggle to Adjust

Wow, Chandigarh was nothing like I expected! It was way bigger and busier than I thought. Coming from my quiet town near the hills, it felt like a whole different world.

Those first few days in the hostel? They were tough. I was already missing home like crazy, and then I walk in to find my roommate crying her eyes out. Talk about a rough start! She was homesick too, which just made me feel even more out of place.

I couldn’t stop thinking about Haldwani – my cozy little town. I missed my mom’s hugs, home-cooked meals, and just the feeling of being somewhere familiar. You know that feeling when you’re in a new place and everything feels… off? That was me, big time.

It was like being on a roller coaster I didn’t ask to ride. Part of me was excited for this new chapter, but another part just wanted to curl up in my old bed back home. Seeing my roommate struggle too made me realize we were in the same boat – two small-town kids trying to find our way in this big, busy city.

Even though those initial days were difficult, I had a feeling that things will improve. My roommates and I decided to spend the weekend exploring the city to get away from our homesickness.

Discovering Chandigarh: A World Apart from Home

That weekend marked a turning point in my early days in Chandigarh. We stepped out of the hostel and dove into the heart of the city. The streets were busy, buzzing with activity, and completely different from the quiet lanes of Haldwani. It was a shock to my system, but also a chance to see the charm of Chandigarh.

What I missed most was the sight of mountains. The flat landscape of Chandigarh felt alien without the comforting backdrop of peaks that I had grown up with. Yet, despite the unfamiliar surroundings, there was a new kind of beauty to discover here.

Exploring the Rock Garden: A Unique Escape

So, our first big adventure in Chandigarh? The Rock Garden! I’d heard so much buzz about this place, and let me tell you, it didn’t disappoint. Picture this: you’re walking through this maze of cool sculptures, and get this – they’re all made from stuff people usually throw away! It’s like someone looked at a pile of junk and thought, “Hey, I can make art out of this!” Pretty awesome, right?

The Rock Garden was more than simply a retreat from Chandigarh’s congested streets; it was also a source of inspiration. The creative sculptures, the lush vegetation, and the peaceful spots of the garden served as a constant reminder to me of the value of creativity and resilience, much like the shift I was going through. And then, the cherry on top – I found out that they filmed parts of that popular movie “Shershaah” right here! Not just any scenes, but that hit song from the movie was shot in this very garden. How cool is that? I could almost imagine the actors and film crew right where I was standing. Know more: https://www.holidify.com/places/chandigarh/sightseeing-and-things-to-do.html

A Peaceful Evening at Sukhna Lake

Following our exploration of the Rock Garden, we headed to Sukhna Lake, one of the most famous locations in Chandigarh. The calm lake waters were in opposition to the bustling city. As I sat on the shore, I discovered more about the history of the lake: in 1958, the Sukhna Choe, a seasonal stream that originated in the Shivalik Hills, was dammed up to create a man-made reservoir. Also read: https://theaspectratio.in/travel/stories-from-the-road-a-bus-ride-through-the-heart-of-the-himalayas/

Watching the boats glide gently on the water, with the evening sun casting a warm glow, I felt a sense of calm that I hadn’t experienced since leaving Haldwani. The lake offered a moment of peace in the midst of a bustling city, and it became my favorite escape whenever I needed a break from the fast pace of college life.

Chandigarh: A City of New Beginnings

As I look back on my first days in Chandigarh, I realize how much I’ve grown since then. The initial fear and homesickness have given way to a sense of belonging. While I still miss the mountains of Haldwani, Chandigarh has its own beauty and charm. The Rock Garden and Sukhna Lake have become my go-to spots when I need a reminder of home, even in this big city.

Chandigarh’s shown me that change isn’t all bad. It’s like trying a new flavor of ice cream – scary at first, but then you might discover your new favorite! I’ve learned to spot beauty in places I never expected. Those weekend outings? They’ve become the highlights of my week. Who knew I’d be excited about exploring a new park or café?

It’s funny how a place can sneak into your heart when you’re not looking. Chandigarh’s become more than just a city on a map – it’s part of my story now. Every street corner, every new friend, every challenge I’ve faced here – they’re all chapters in this wild book of growing up.

Looking back, I’m actually thankful for this rollercoaster ride. It hasn’t always been easy, but man, has it been worth it. Chandigarh’s taught me that I’m tougher than I thought, more adaptable than I knew. And the best part? This journey’s just getting started.Though I’ll always miss the mountains of Haldwani, Chandigarh has become my second home, and I look forward to many more adventures in this dynamic city.