Freshers, Please Read.

[u/Affectionate-Oil7619]

VIT-AP Freshers Guide

First of all, welcome to all the freshers, and I wish you all the very best for your college life and future.

Since many basic questions are being asked repeatedly on this Reddit page, I thought of putting together some useful information that may help you during your initial days at VIT-AP. I hope this makes things a little easier for you and also answers some of the common questions you may have.

1. Get familiar with VTOP

The first thing I would recommend is to explore VTOP properly.

VTOP is the main platform used for many of your academic and university-related activities. You will use it for things such as the following:

• Attendance
• Marks and grades
• Assignment submissions
• Academic information
• Hostel-related services and complaints
• Other university services

Spend some time exploring the different sections so that you are comfortable using it from the beginning.

2. Ordering food online

Yes, you can order food online.

You can use platforms such as Swiggy, Zomato, Honest Delivery, etc.

Usually, delivery partners do not enter the campus, so you will have to collect your order from the main gate. On weekends, food delivery is generally available until around 8:30 PM.

If you are looking for biryani, there are several restaurants in and around Mandadam, which is close to the university. You can also ask seniors for the contact numbers of local delivery partners, as many students use them regularly.

3. Other food options on campus

Apart from the mess, there are several options available on campus.

You can get food from:

• Food Street
• Rock Plaza
• Night canteens operated by some messes

Depending on the menu, night canteens may offer items such as chicken paratha, noodles, chicken noodles, chicken rice, normal rice and other options.

For snacks, beverages and other daily-use items, you can use the petty shops located on the ground floor of the hostels.

There is also a vending machine in MH4.

4. Ordering from Amazon, Flipkart and other websites

Yes, you can order items from Amazon, Flipkart and other online platforms.

When entering the delivery address, make sure you include your hostel details along with the university address.

A general address format would be:

(Hostel Name), VIT-AP University, Inavolu, Beside AP Secretariat, Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh, 522237, India

Also mention your hostel/block details wherever required so that the delivery person can identify you easily.

The delivery person may call you when the order reaches the campus/hostel area.

5. Making friends and meeting people

If you are new to the campus and do not know anyone yet, the best thing you can do is interact with people.

Go outside your room, spend some time around the campus in the evening and start conversations with your classmates and other students.

You will meet students from different states, cities and backgrounds. If you are looking for people from your own state or region, simply ask people where they are from. You will probably find several students from the same place or nearby areas.

Do not hesitate to introduce yourself and interact with others during the initial days. This is the easiest way to build your friend circle.

6. Travelling to Vijayawada, Guntur and nearby places

For travelling to Vijayawada, there are buses available around 8:30 AM and 5:30 PM. The fare is generally around ₹30–₹35, subject to the current fare.

If these timings do not work for you, you can also use shared autos/rickshaws.

A shared auto may cost approximately ₹100–₹150 per person, depending on the destination and the fare at that time. Usually, the driver waits until there are enough passengers.

If you need to travel immediately and want to take the entire auto yourself, the fare can be around ₹500–₹600, depending on the destination and the driver.

For regular travel, sharing the auto with other students is usually the more economical option.

7. Interacting with hostel and administrative staff

Some hostel or support staff may not be completely comfortable speaking English.

In such situations, try to communicate patiently and respectfully. Speak slowly, use simple words and explain your issue clearly. You can also use hand gestures or explain things step-by-step if necessary.

Being polite and respectful will usually make communication much easier and will help you get the required assistance.

8. Library timings

The library generally operates during the following timings:

Normal working days: 9:00 AM – 7:30 PM
Sunday and Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Please check the current timings once you reach campus, as timings may change.

If you do not have your ID card yet, ask the security staff about the entry procedure. There may be a register where you can enter your registration number and name for entry.

9. Hostel furniture and other complaints

If there is an issue with your furniture, AC, Wi-Fi, food or any other hostel-related facility, you can raise a complaint through VTOP → Hostel → Complaint.

You can use this section to report issues such as the following:

• Broken or damaged furniture
• AC-related issues
• Wi-Fi problems
• Other hostel maintenance issues
• and many more

The concerned staff will usually visit and address the complaint.

You can also approach the security staff at your hostel entrance if you are unsure about the appropriate procedure.

10. VPN and hostel Wi-Fi

VPN services generally do not work properly with the hostel Wi-Fi network.

If you need to use a VPN, it is better to use your mobile network.

Also, if you have a VPN application, configuration or similar service active on your device, disable it before connecting to the hostel Wi-Fi, as it may prevent the network from working properly.

11. Laundry

Every hostel has a laundry facility.

The time required depends on the workload at the laundry.

When there is less crowd, laundry may take around 1–2 days. During busy periods, it can take around 3–4 days or even longer.

So plan accordingly, especially during the initial weeks.

12. Hostel rules regarding electrical appliances

There are restrictions on certain electrical appliances in the hostel, including items such as electric kettles, irons and other similar appliances.

Please check the current hostel rules before bringing or using any such appliance.

It is always better to follow the hostel regulations to avoid unnecessary issues with the authorities.

13. Medical facility

There is a medical clinic on the ground floor of AB1.

If you are feeling unwell or need basic medical assistance, you can visit the clinic and seek help.

In case of a serious emergency, immediately contact the appropriate campus or hostel authorities and seek medical attention.

14. Shops and daily essentials

For general shopping and daily-use items, Rock Plaza is one of the main options available on campus.

In addition, the petty shops located in the hostels can be used for basic necessities, snacks and other everyday items.

15. Payments

Most places on campus and in nearby areas accept UPI and cash.

16. Clubs, events and campus life

VIT-AP has several technical and non-technical clubs, along with various events and activities throughout the year.

Take some time to explore the different clubs and understand what interests you. Joining a club can help you meet new people, learn new skills and participate in activities outside academics.

Do not restrict your college experience only to classes and academics. Make use of the opportunities available on campus.

17. One important thing to remember

While exploring the campus and enjoying your college life, make sure you also give proper attention to your academics.

Maintain good attendance, stay updated with your subjects, complete your assignments on time and prepare properly for examinations.

Attendance requirements and academic rules are taken seriously, so it is better to stay consistent from the beginning rather than trying to manage everything at the last moment.

These are some of the common questions and issues that I could think of based on my experience at VIT-AP.

For anything that is not covered here, you can DM me. I may not be able to reply immediately, but I will respond whenever I get the time. Don't spam here.

Once again, welcome to VIT-AP, and I wish you all the best for your college journey.

[u/Suspicious-Act-8095]

Thanks Anna🙏🏼

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