Where it is at: ‘Sri Lanka’ is at a sweeping curve beyond the Department of Linguistics. ‘Ooty’ is further up from ‘Sri Lanka.’ The long divider is by the college entrance gate. Sarovaram is in front of the University College of Engineering.

Rush hour: 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Says journalism student Praveen Kozady: “Ours is a vast campus and it offers a number of hangouts; ‘Sri Lanka’ and ‘Ooty’ top our list though. ‘Sri Lanka’ is located near the Department of Linguistics.” Nestled amidst Acacia trees, ‘Sri Lanka’ offers large canopies and is ideal for long walks. Students bag cosy places under the trees to catch up with friends. A small house near ‘Sri Lanka,’ which has been rented out to a couple of students, is another hot spot for students. Here is where they gather for their discussions on politics, literature, films…

“And on holidays, we friends cook kappa, kanji… here,” says Sreejith Menon, researcher, who adds that ‘Ooty,’ which is a little further up from ‘Sri Lanka’ is also a popular hangout point. Located on an elevation, ‘Ooty’ has lush cashew and Acacia trees that keep it cool throughout the year.

Shahul Hameed M.S., who recently shifted his hangout point from the newly erected Campus Library (located in front of the canteen) to a long divider at the entrance, is happy with his new comfort zone. “As the divider is at the college entrance, it has many takers from various departments. Rush hour to this spot is from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., after college hours,” says Shahul.

While Arun Kumar prefers chilling at Sarovaram, a small garden in front of the University College of Engineering, Vimal Raj A. votes for his third-floor room in the Research Hostel.

What’s not to love: “It is sad to see the shady trees on our campus being cut down for various reasons. Why don’t the authorities plant new trees in their place?” asks Shahul.

Arun Kumar is worried about the presence of ‘outsiders’ and the arrival of unruly gangs on the campus.

Alternative: Although the campus is far away from the city, the students enjoy going to the beach. The Men’s Hostel is also a favourite.

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