The Dream Come True
When I got my NMAT result and saw that I had made it to NMIMS Mumbai, I couldn’t stop smiling. The dream had come true, the iconic glass building in the heart of Mumbai, just a short walk from the Juhu beach, was going to be my second home for the next two years.
The Charm of Mumbai
Mumbai, the city that never sleeps, has its own charm. Autos are the fastest (and sometimes the only sensible) way to get around the buzzing streets, and vada pav is basically the fuel that keeps you going — cheap, quick, and perfect between classes.
Induction: A Power-Packed Start
The induction program was nothing short of electrifying. Along with the warm welcome from seniors and faculty, the school had invited industry leaders — professionals with decades of experience — who spoke about their journeys and what lies ahead after an MBA. Their stories weren’t just inspiring; they were a glimpse into the kind of leader each of us could become if we put in the work.
Meeting Diverse Minds
One of the best parts was meeting students from across different programs — marketing, finance, analytics, law, entrepreneurship. The conversations over coffee and during networking breaks made me realize just how diverse this campus really is.
The Academic Rigor Kicks In
For the first few days, it felt like a honeymoon period. But then… the academic rigor arrived.
-
Pre-reads for early morning classes.
-
Assignments with impossible deadlines.
-
Group projects that seemed to eat up every waking hour.
Somewhere between lecture halls and late-night submissions, I realized: sleep was going to be a luxury. My coffee intake doubled, my WhatsApp group notifications tripled, and Zoom calls with teammates at 1 a.m. became a normal thing.
The Strict Punctuality Rule
And then there’s the punctuality rule — our faculty are extremely strict about it. The moment the clock hits lecture time, the doors are locked. If you’re outside, you’re out. No exceptions. It sounds harsh, but it teaches you a lot about discipline and respecting others’ time — a habit that will matter far beyond B-school life.
Committee Work: Lessons Beyond Books
Just when you think you’ve finally found a rhythm, the committee tasks hit you. Seniors would hand out assignments with razor-sharp deadlines, sometimes in the middle of an already packed academic week.
It felt like chaos at first, but the learning curve was steep. Committees are more than just “extra work” — they’re where you gain skills the classroom can’t teach you. Event planning, corporate liaison, marketing, sponsorship, operations — whatever the domain, you get a front-row seat to real-world problem-solving. If you’re clear about your career goals, the right committee can give you a huge head start.
The Magic of Peer Learning
One of the biggest perks of being at a top B-school isn’t just the professors or the campus — it’s the people you meet.
My batchmates are a mix of fresh graduates, corporate professionals with years of experience, entrepreneurs, engineers, consultants, and even artists. Everyone brings something different to the table.
That’s when I discovered the real magic of peer learning. It’s not just about what you read in textbooks — it’s about how someone else interprets it through their own lens. One day you’re working on a live case study for a brand you’ve admired for years, and the next, you’re debating strategies for a hypothetical company in a simulation game.
Lessons Beyond Academics
Life at NMIMS isn’t all about academics. It’s also about learning resilience, time management, teamwork, and how to handle pressure without losing your mind.
It’s about those 2 a.m. laughter breaks during group work, celebrating small wins (like finishing a presentation before midnight), and realizing that every bit of the struggle is shaping you into a sharper, more capable version of yourself.
A Message to MBA Aspirants
If you’re an MBA aspirant reading this — keep hope. I know the wait for results can feel endless, and sometimes a scorecard can make you feel like you’ll never get into a B-school. But trust me, if you keep at it, you will get there.
And when you do, you’ll understand that it’s not just about making it to a campus — it’s about making the most of every single day once you’re there.
Final Reflections
As I wrap up my first trimester, I can confidently say — NMIMS is not just a college; it’s an experience.
Yes, it’s intense. Yes, it pushes you to your limits.
But it also gives you memories, friendships, and a perspective you wouldn’t trade for anything.
To all aspiring MBA students — if you’re dreaming of a top B-school, know this: it’s going to be a rollercoaster. Some days you’ll feel on top of the world, and some days you’ll wonder why you signed up for this. But in the end, you’ll realize you’ve grown in ways you never imagined.
And that’s when you’ll know — it was all worth it.
