Today started lazily, like most days in the hostel. I woke up at 10:17 AM, not too early but not too late either. The comforting rhythm of hostel life made me stretch out my morning. It felt good to stay under the covers for a bit longer, knowing that there were no immediate obligations pressuring me to get up.
Once I was awake enough to start my day, the first thing I did was reach for my phone and open BGMI. It's become a bit of a ritual, a way to shake off the sleepiness while diving into a virtual battleground. Time seemed to disappear as I played match after match, fully immersed in the game. Before I knew it, it was already 12:45 PM, and I decided it was time to actually get out of bed and start moving.
The bathroom routine was my next stop. Hostel life has a way of making even the most mundane tasks feel unique, from waiting for your turn in the shared bathroom to hurriedly brushing your teeth while exchanging brief nods with other sleepy-eyed hostel mates. Today, though, I managed to avoid any major delays. After taking care of the essentials, I headed out to the mess for lunch at 1:00 PM.
Lunch in the hostel mess is never extraordinary, but it serves its purpose. The warm rice, dal, and vegetables felt comforting in their simplicity. Sitting there with other hostel mates, sharing casual banter and a few laughs, is always a highlight. It's moments like these that make the distance from home feel a bit more bearable.
After lunch, I found myself back in my room, caught in a loop of games and entertainment. I alternated between 8 Ball Pool and BGMI while letting New Amsterdam play in the background on Netflix. There's something soothing about multitasking like this, having a show keep me company while I focus on games. The storylines of New Amsterdam have been gripping lately, and I find myself appreciating the way the characters navigate life's challenges with resilience and heart.
By 5:20 PM, I realized I needed to do something more productive with my time. My room had started to look like a whirlwind had passed through, with clothes scattered everywhere and surfaces gathering dust. I began folding my clothes, each piece feeling like a small step toward creating order. Cleaning my room always brings a sense of accomplishment, a way to reset my environment and my mind.
At 5:45 PM, I decided to head to the gym. Working out has become a crucial part of my routine, a way to channel my energy and stay fit amidst the demands of hostel life and my BTech studies. Today's session was intense but rewarding—I pushed through sets with determination, feeling the burn in my muscles and the satisfaction of progress. The gym was buzzing with familiar faces, and the collective energy in the room was contagious.
When I returned to my room around 7:50 PM, I wasn't ready to relax just yet. The earlier cleaning had only scratched the surface, so I grabbed a broomstick and started cleaning properly. Sweeping the floor, watching the dust disappear, and seeing my room transform into a neat and inviting space felt incredibly satisfying.
After cleaning, I treated myself to a long, refreshing bath. Hostel bathrooms might not be luxurious, but there's something therapeutic about standing under the water, letting it wash away the sweat and grime from the day. By 8:35 PM, I was clean and ready for dinner.
Dinner in the mess was quick and uneventful, but it served its purpose. By 9:05 PM, I was back in my room, ready to unwind. It's funny how hostel life has its own rhythm, a mix of chaos and calm that somehow balances out.
Throughout the day, I stayed connected with my family. Being away from home at NIT Rourkela can feel isolating at times, but these conversations bridge the distance. I talked to Mom in the morning right after I woke up. She always knows how to start my day on a good note, her voice full of warmth and encouragement. Before dinner, I called Dad—it was a brief conversation, but hearing his updates always makes me feel grounded. I also had a quick chat with Grandma before my bath. She has this way of making even the smallest interactions feel meaningful. And finally, I ended the day with another conversation with Mom. These calls are like little anchor points in my day, reminding me of the love and support waiting for me back home.
From 9:30 PM onward, I gave myself permission to fully relax. I scrolled through Instagram, losing track of time as I watched reels and laughed at memes. Social media has a way of pulling you in, and tonight was no exception. At the same time, I kept New Amsterdam playing on my laptop and occasionally switched to the Webnovel app to read. It's been a while since I've dived into a good novel, and tonight felt like the perfect opportunity to get lost in a different world.
While scrolling through Instagram, an idea struck me—why not start a diary? It's something I've thought about before but never followed through on. With the New Year just around the corner, it feels like the perfect time to begin. Writing down my thoughts, capturing my days, and reflecting on life might just be what I need to bring more clarity and focus to 2024.
Starting this diary feels like the first step toward something meaningful. As I sit here, putting today into words, I realize how much I've experienced in just one day. It's easy to let the hours slip by unnoticed, but writing them down brings everything into sharper focus—the laughter, the hard work, the small joys, and even the quiet moments.
Hostel life isn't always glamorous, but it's shaping me in ways I'm only beginning to understand. Every game I play, every conversation with my family, every task I complete—it all adds up to the person I'm becoming.
As the clock ticks closer to midnight and the New Year, I'm filled with a mix of excitement and hope. Here's to making 2024 a year worth remembering, one diary entry at a time.