Hows life at Grant Medical College? Why did you choose it over any other state college?

So, you've probably heard about the massive events and the awesome hostels at Grant Medical College. These are definitely some of the things that make the place stand out. But let me share another angle with you.

I joined during the monsoon, right at the start of August, and it felt like stepping into my dream college. The Dean's speech made me feel like I was exactly where I was meant to be. Trust me, once you get in, you'll understand why it's special.

Right from the get-go, things were exciting. We had elections coming up for positions like General Secretary, Cultural Secretary, and Sports Secretary. There was talk about someone from our batch possibly becoming the CR, who would then vote in the elections. So, I had to quickly make friends with this person in just three days. Imagine feeling like a secret agent, trying to gather intel and make connections fast. And yes, I pulled it off.

If your college life kicks off like this, just think of all the things you'll learn. Even the first few days are packed with opportunities. It's important to leave your ego behind and soak up as much as you can. The hostel life is upbeat and lively, with lots happening all year. You have the freedom to be whoever you want to be.

As for why I chose medicine over engineering, I spent a good amount of time deciding. The idea of understanding life and the human body, and eventually helping people, was too appealing to pass up. It was like the cherry on top.

There are tons of things to explore here. If you're into spirituality and the mind's role in healing, you can dive into that at the ISKCON base. Or if tech and entrepreneurship are more your thing, MICE labs have got you covered.

One thing you'll notice about students and alumni here is their immense pride in being a GMCite. Is it the lively lectures? The vibrant campus? The rich stories and legacy? Maybe it's the respect from being associated with JJ hospital. There's even a unique spirit known as "chakaraka" magic, giving GMCites a distinct way of thinking.

There's no peer pressure here. You're free to find your own way. That's why you'll see notable figures like Aditi Govitrikar, Devdutta Pattanaik, and politicians like Subhash Bhamre and Hena Gavit coming from GMC.

The college's legacy is so vast that many books have been written about it, like ROOM 000 and Medical education in Western India. Plus, GMC now has its own podcast, "THE GMC SHOW," featuring interviews with successful alumni.

You'll meet all kinds of people here, but if you're someone who loves engaging in new and bold ideas, if you're a bit of a rebel against the ordinary, this bustling campus in the heart of Mumbai is where you want to be. It's where you can truly nurture both your mind and body, living by the motto "MENS SANA IN CORPORE SANO."

Ketan here, sharing my experience at GMC where I've studied for nearly 11 years, from MBBS to MCh. Back in the 70s, being part of GMC was truly delightful. Nestled in the bustling heart of Mumbai, the campus was like a peaceful retreat, complete with charming staff housing and spacious buildings surrounded by ample open areas. The hospital stood out for its cleanliness, and the staff was notably friendly and caring, especially when compared to other public hospitals.

Life at Grant Medical College has been quite an experience for me. I chose this college because it has a good reputation and the faculty is highly experienced, which was important for me being a first-time medical student. The curriculum is well-structured, and the exams are held every 3-4 months, which makes it manageable.

I appreciate that there are at least 20 faculty members for each subject, so we get plenty of support. Plus, the campus life is vibrant with events like Astitva and various clubs like the book club. Overall, I feel like I made the right choice coming here over other state colleges.

Now that you've wrapped up NEET and the whole admission chaos, it's time to dive into your new journey at Grant Medical College, Mumbai. You wave goodbye to your parents, gearing up for your first day. You're feeling a mix of nerves and excitement as you step into the Anatomy hall, known as “Munna-Bhai Hall," for the Dean's welcome speech.

The place fills up with other med students and their proud families. As the GMC anthem plays and the Dean speaks, you feel proud to be part of India's second-oldest medical college, known for its doctors serving both in India and abroad. The days fly by, blending sleep and medical studies, and soon you might find yourself a bit tired of the M.B.B.S routine.

But then the cultural buzz kicks in. Enter Auxesis: workshops and talks by famous folks on everything from stress management to relationship advice. And then there's the much-anticipated Dandiya-Pyrexia. You start to feel like the GMC gymkhana by Marine Drive is your own hangout spot. Dancing with your classmates and seniors, you think back on all those rehearsal hours. You enjoy a buffet on the terrace and spend the night by the sea.

As you look forward to the Fresher's party, your first terminal exam hits hard, but seniors help ease the way, and you pass, maybe not with top marks, but you make it. With Fresher's party auditions coming up, you wonder if you should try out for yoga, dance, singing, or something else. But you decide to let your talented classmates shine. Finding a prom partner adds to the excitement; the catch is, they can't be from your batch. So, you work up the courage to ask a senior, and guess what, you succeed. It's a blast. You’ve gotten to know GMC well and learned a lot, from dealing with heartbreaks to understanding how much family means.

Just as life starts to feel routine again, College week arrives. It's a week-long celebration with rose day, traditional day, clone day, and more. Make sure you're stocked up on roses. On Clone day, you might see someone with a towel wrapped around their head, just owning it. DJ Night is all about dancing and having fun. And then, there's GMC's Holi. Don't judge the folks who play with mud; it's one of the best Holis ever. You'll have some crazy photos to share.

In the background, you'll notice your super seniors. Can you believe it? There's also a small event by the anatomy department called “Microteaching Anatomica,” where students give short talks on medical topics, judged by experts, and win books. Here are a few pics.

But wait, there's more: Astitva, the biggest cultural fest in Maharashtra, and Antarang. Unfortunately, the pandemic put a damper on things, and we had to head back home. But next year, we're planning to make up for it and have twice the fun. Thanks for reading!

Honestly, life at Grant Medical College has been a mix of challenges and rewards. I chose this college because of its long-standing reputation and the opportunity to learn from experienced faculty. The exams can be tough, but I appreciate the regular assessment every few months.

The internship is valuable; it gives us hands-on experience while earning a stipend of 10,000. The campus life is also nice with many events and clubs, which helps to balance the rigorous studies. I think this was a better choice than other state colleges because of the comprehensive education offered here.