Gate Politics 101

The Journey Begins Before the Gate

Your daily Somaiya experience doesn't start at the campus gate. It starts the moment you step onto the platform at Vidyavihar Station.

Act 1: Vidyavihar Station Survival

The Station Reality

Vidyavihar Station is your daily obstacle course. It's crowded, chaotic, and somehow smells like a mixture of chai, sweat, and determination.

The Escalator Situation:

• Two escalators exist
• At least one is always "under maintenance"
• The working one moves at the speed of existential dread
• Students just use the stairs

Peak Hours Breakdown:

Pro Tips for Station Survival:

1. Board from the right station: If you're coming from CST/Churchgate side, stand in the right position on the platform
2. Door positioning is key: Don't stand in the middle of the compartment, stay near the door if your stop is soon
3. Ladies' Compartment: If you're a female student, use it. It's less crowded and safer
4. First Class: If you have a pass, use it during peak hours. Worth every rupee.

The Exit Strategy

Once you're out of the train:

1. Follow the crowd (they're all going to college anyway)
2. Avoid the slow walkers (overtake on the left)
3. Watch for the sudden stoppers (they will stop without warning)
4. Navigate the stairs with purpose

Act 2: The Rickshaw Stand Politics

Right outside the station, you'll face your second challenge: The Rickshaw Stand.

The Rickshaw Economics

Standard Pricing (But Nothing is Standard):

• Off-Peak (Morning, early): ₹20-25 to campus
• Peak (8:00-8:30 AM): ₹30-40 (because they can)
• Rain: ₹50+ (supply and demand, baby)
• Late Entry Panic: Whatever they ask (you're desperate)

The Sharing Culture

How It Works:

1. Rickshaw driver spots you
2. "Somaiya?" (Yes, obviously)
3. "Wait, I'll find 2 more people"
4. You wait 2-5 minutes
5. He finds 2-3 more students
6. Everyone shares the fare
7. You make awkward small talk or scroll your phone

Sharing Math:

• ₹30 ÷ 3 people = ₹10 each (not bad)
• ₹40 ÷ 4 people = ₹10 each (even better)
• ₹60 (rain) ÷ 4 people = ₹15 each (painful but necessary)

Pro Tips:

• Make friends with regular commuters, form a sharing group
• Have exact change (drivers hate breaking ₹500 notes)
• UPI is accepted by some rickshaw drivers now
• Keep backup cash anyway

The Walking Route (The Free Option)

Distance: 12-15 minutes from station to campus
Cost: ₹0
Benefits: Exercise, fresh air, saves money, independence
Challenges: Mumbai heat, rain, carrying heavy bags

Landmarks on the Walking Route:

• Tea stalls (for morning chai)
• Xerox shops (you'll need these for notes, projects, assignments)
• Stationery stores
• Small eateries (backup breakfast/lunch spots)
• The unofficial "student route" everyone takes

Walking Pro Tips:

• Morning walks are pleasant (before 9 AM)
• Afternoon walks are hell (12-3 PM heat)
• Rainy season? Just take a rickshaw
• Wear comfortable shoes (heels are a terrible idea)

Act 3: The Gates Themselves

Now you've made it to campus. But you're not in yet. Welcome to Gate Politics.

The Three Gates You Need to Know

Gate 1 (The Formal Gate):

• Main entrance
• Used for official events, parents' visits
• Least strict (because it's ceremonial)
• You'll barely use it

Gate 3 (The Real Gate):

• THIS is your daily gate
• Strictest security
• ID card checks are serious
• 8:00-8:30 AM = Absolute chaos
• The guards here have seen it all

Gate 5 (The Backup Gate):

• Alternative entrance
• Less crowded
• Sometimes closed randomly
• Useful if you're coming from a different route

The Players: Security Guards

These people are legends. They've seen:

• 10,000+ "I forgot my ID" excuses
• Students trying to sneak in (always fails)
• The dramatic phone calls to parents
• The tears, the pleading, the negotiations
• Everything

How to Get on Their Good Side:

1. Be polite, consistently. Not just when you need a favor.
2. Have your ID ready. Don't make them ask.
3. Greet them. "Good morning" goes a long way over time.
4. Don't argue. Rules are rules. Negotiate calmly if needed.
5. Remember, they're doing their job. Don't make it harder.

After a Semester:

• They'll remember your face
• "Forgot my ID" becomes less of a crisis
• They'll let small things slide
• You've earned trust

The Holy Document: Your ID Card

Your ID card is:

• Your campus passport
• Your identity proof
• Your access to literally everything
• Somehow always in the wrong pocket when you need it

Why It's So Important:

• Gate Entry: No ID = No entry (usually)
• Library Access: Can't borrow books without it
• Exam Hall: Forget it, you're not writing the exam
• Events: Some require ID for entry
• Canteen Discounts: Some offer student rates with ID

ID Card Protection Protocol:

1. Keep it in the same spot ALWAYS: Front pocket, bag pocket, lanyard
2. Take a photo of it: Backup on your phone
3. Consider a lanyard: Uncool? Yes. Effective? Extremely.
4. Never lend it: Ever. To anyone. Not even your best friend.
5. If lost, report immediately: Get a duplicate ASAP

Common Gate Scenarios & Solutions

Scenario 1: "I Forgot My ID"

Reality Check: You will forget it. Everyone does. At least once.

What to Try (In Order):

1. Check thoroughly: All pockets, all bags, your hand (seriously)
2. Photo on phone: Some guards accept this as backup
3. Friend vouching: Call someone inside, they vouch for you
4. Parent call: Last resort, call home
5. Admin office: Get a temporary pass (time-consuming)

What NOT to Do:

• Argue aggressively (you'll lose)
• Try to sneak in (they will catch you, and it'll be worse)
• Cry (doesn't help, just embarrassing)
• Claim you're related to someone important (they don't care)

The Long-Term Solution:

• Lanyard + ID card = Never forget again
• Morning routine checklist: Phone, wallet, ID, keys
• Spare ID photo in your phone

Scenario 2: Late Entry (After 8:30 AM)

The Problem: Gates get stricter after class starts. Guards track repeat offenders.

How to Handle:

1. Be honest: "Local train was delayed" or "Traffic problem" (usually true anyway)
2. Be polite: Attitude matters more than excuse
3. Have a reason ready: Don't fumble when they ask
4. Don't make it a habit: Frequent late entries get flagged

If You're Consistently Late:

• Adjust your commute time (leave earlier)
• Use a different gate (rotate, don't abuse one gate)
• Talk to your professor directly (explain the commute situation)

Scenario 3: Re-Entry (Leaving & Coming Back)

The Situation: You want to leave for lunch, bank work, or quick errand and come back.

The Process:

1. Some campuses require sign-out/sign-in register
2. Keep your ID visible when re-entering
3. Don't take too long (guards remember faces)
4. If asked, have a valid reason ready

Pro Tip: If you're leaving for lunch, go in a group. It looks less suspicious, and you split any costs.

Scenario 4: Forgot ID but Have Exam

This is Critical.

1. Don't panic (yet).
2. Go to admin office immediately. Explain the situation.
3. Get a temporary exam pass. They usually accommodate this.
4. Bring any other ID proof: Aadhar card, PAN card, anything with your photo.
5. Call your parents to bring ID: If admin says no, this is your only option.

Prevention: Night before exam, keep ID with exam hall ticket. Check before sleeping.

Gate Timing Strategy (The Cheat Sheet)

The Ultimate Gate Hack: Build Rapport Over Time

This is the long game, but it works.

Month 1: Be Consistent

• Same gate, same time (as much as possible)
• Always have ID ready
• Polite greeting every day

Month 2: They Recognize Your Face

• They'll stop checking your ID as thoroughly
• You're now a "regular"
• Small talk starts happening

Month 3: You've Built Trust

• "Forgot ID" becomes less of a crisis
• They'll let small things slide
• You've earned goodwill

Year-End: You're Campus Family

• They know your name
• They ask about your exams
• They'll genuinely help you when needed

The Commute-to-Campus Survival Checklist

Before Leaving Home:

• ✓ Phone charged
• ✓ ID card (CHECK TWICE)
• ✓ Wallet with exact change
• ✓ Water bottle
• ✓ Umbrella (if monsoon season)
• ✓ Earphones
• ✓ Books/notebook for the day

At Vidyavihar Station:

• ✓ Exit quickly, don't dawdle
• ✓ Know your route (walk vs rickshaw)
• ✓ Have change ready if taking rickshaw

At Campus Gate:

• ✓ ID card in hand (not in bag)
• ✓ Polite greeting to guard
• ✓ Walk confidently (you belong here)

"The gate is not your enemy. The gate is your training. Master the gate, master the college."
— Wise third-year student who's never been denied entry