Today, I’ll be focusing on the issues that the students of Karachi University face in their everyday
university lives. And on the possible solutions for such unique situations.

The first and most highlighted part of a KUrian’s day is to make it to the gates of the university. While a certain percentage of the students have the luxury of cars, public transport and bikes, a considerable amount relies on the mercy of the university’s Points. A Point by definition is a not so respectable vehicle assigned by your institution to get you to the gates of the university. And if the day is ever merciful enough, you might also get to reach your department without having to walk that excruciating walk.
A Point is not as accommodating as it sounds though. Out of
the 365 days of the year, it is insanely crowded during a good 300 days. A
Karachi University Point stuffed at its fullest capacity is a sight to see on
the early morning streets of Karachi .
But it’s not much of a sight if you happen to be one of the 250 poor
souls trapped inside the vehicle itself. To survive it, firstly, you need a miracle,
to find a place to sit. A good play list of songs and a good grip on the
supporting bars incase you’re the unfortunate standing ones. Monkey like
reflexes that allow you to hold onto a bar with one hand and fish inside your
bag for the bus fare with the other.
Reaching the gate is hurdle enough, but then there is the issue of
identifying yourself at the gates before being let inside the jungle. Always
remember to keep your ID cards on yourself. Because the lovely ladies at Silver
Jubilee can ask you to flash your cards at them any day. If you are
found without an ID, you’ll be forbidden from entering the university grounds.
So what do you do? Camouflage of course! Blend in with the enormous flood of
students pouring in from the gates and silently keep moving. The ladies will happily
forget about you in a nanosecond or two.
If you drive to university, and posses no Pass for the
vehicle, you are doomed. If you can make it to the gates before 8 AM, you are
good to go. But if you’re stopped by the guards and asked to identify yourself,
slam your foot on the pedal and show them what you’re made of! I’m not sure if
this will work for the students with bikes. Give it a try if you’re not afraid
to get shot.
3) Now what?
Congratulations! You are now safely inside the university gates. Now all
you have to do is reach your departments. How exactly do you do that? There are
several ways. The most traditional method is to walk .You can choose to give
yourself a beautiful natural tan while walking the rejuvenating walk to the
Arts Lobby. Or you could take the Shuttle. A Shuttle and Point is the exact
same vehicle. But Shuttles are the more likeable versions because neither do
they charge, nor do they suck the oxygen out of your lungs. Remember, no matter
how much you try to deny it, a Shuttle is a far better way to reach to
the departments than walking. And if you rely on lifts to make it to the
lobbies, I salute you.
No matter how corrupted or unattractive your department is, you love
it. All of the departments in Karachi
University have one thing
in common though. The wonderful classrooms. Sitting on the floor,
studying without fans, spending the day without water is no big deal. Terrifying bugs that are found nowhere else will constantly bother you. You’ll have to develop ninja-like reflexes to
fight them off. Stay on the lookout for snakes, not that you’ll ever come
across one and don’t ever mess with squirrels. Donot feed the cats. KU
felines are quite over friendly.
5) Flavors of KU!
If
you are not a weight conscious person, then Karachi University
is bound to be your paradise because the variety of food and drinks is endless.
The flavors are diverse enough to easily last through all four years of graduation.
From a Halwa Poori breakfast, to a lunch with Chicken Kerhai. From ravishing delights
like Ice creams, Fresh Juices, Gola Gandas and Milshakes. To a fulfilling
dinner with Biryani. The endless variety of PG, the finger licking flavors of
Majeeday. The heavenly Students Cafeterias and then Sufi. Be it desi food or
fast food, thirst quenching drinks for the summer, or steaming coffee to enjoy
winter. Just about everything is at your service. And remember, if you
ever feel like the food is showing on you, walking to the Arts Lobby everyday
will effectively solve that problem.
6) Black, Brown and Grey!
The never ceasing fear of KUrian’s is the gradual roasting of their
skins to a perfect golden brown. If you travel underground or through private
transport, you’ll be comparatively safer. But if walking from the gates to the
departments is your daily ritual, you will need some extreme measures to
prevent yourself from turning grey. First of all, be sure to apply thick layers
of sunblock. You may also use gloves, fake sleeves or wrap yourself like
Taliban. Everything is acceptable. So are umbrellas. It doesn’t matter if
you’re a girl or a guy. You have the complete right to protect your
beauty.
Avoid wearing white for your own sake and for others around
you. When the monsoon season is close, do not wear flip-flops or
sandals. Trust me, it gets pretty ugly. Incase of riots, stay where you are. So
that’s it!
Life in Karachi
University can get a
little rough at times, but the bad moments in a KUrian’s life will hardly ever
outweigh the good ones. So be proud of being a part of one of the top
universities of the world, especially when it has so much to offer.
Nicely written!! :D
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