Some places do not just host you; they quietly shape the person you eventually become. For me, NIT Rourkela holds some of the most defining and unforgettable memories of my life.

Among them, Hall 5 played a vital role in shaping my thinking, friendships, and independence. We lived, learned, debated, innovated, and bonded there—24×7, without pause.

The Power of an Individual Room

In the third and fourth year at NIT Rourkela, students receive individual hostel rooms. That transition teaches independence and prepares you for life beyond campus.

My room—C16 in C Wing—barely a 8×8 sq. ft. area, became more than a living space. It transformed into a laboratory, a theatre, a gaming zone, and a social hub all at once.

C16 and Computer Brotherhood

Next door, C15 belonged to Alok Gautam, and together our rooms became a playground. Both rooms had computer, and we connected them via LAN, experimenting with early networking ideas.

We shared movies, songs, games, and countless late-night discoveries. Every weekend, C15/C16 transformed into a mini theatre.

Movies, Madness, and Cult Classics

Hollywood and Bollywood movies played nonstop, mostly pirated, as was campus culture then. One film stands out—“Gunda” starring Mithun Chakraborty.

It played repeatedly and developed a cult following in our hostel. Absurd dialogues, over-the-top drama, and masala entertainment defined that era perfectly.

Becoming a Computer Science Nerd

As a Computer Science student, this room shaped my technical curiosity deeply. I installed various operating systems, countless software tools, and video players. Coding, rebuilding PCs, experimenting with hardware, and even breaking systems became routine.

Gaming nights were legendary, especially Need for Speed, including the iconic Most Wanted. Installing a graphics card just to improve gameplay felt like a major achievement then.

Friends, Floors, and Brotherhood

C17 belonged to Mukund Narain, while C11 and C12 housed Amit Pal and Amit Pateriya. Together, we formed a tight-knit brotherhood.

Help, laughter, sharing, and support were always just one knock away. Those friendships made hostel life rich, balanced, and unforgettable.

C15–16 even became home to our 2005 senior batch during their convocation. We shared unforgettable moments, and that one group photo says it all—the room was filled with memories that time can’t erase.

Reliving the Room Through Memory

While writing this memoir, it feels like I am back in Room C16, Hall 5. I bet no engineer, doctor, or student from any field of my era carries memories this vivid—so deeply lived, documented, and complete.

These moments are now preserved—undisturbed, indestructible, and deeply personal. This memoir ensures that part of my life at NIT Rourkela lives on forever.

Captured Moments: Highlights from the Memoir

#Year2005 #NITRourkela #Hall5Memories #EngineeringLife #HostelLife #CollegeDays #RoomC16 #CampusMemories #ComputerScienceLife #Gaming #CollegeBrotherhood #REC_Rourkela #StudentLife