My Raw First Year in Engineering
Prolayjit Biswas
One year ago, I started my journey as a first-year B.Tech Electronics Engineering ( VLSI Design & Technology ) student. Unlike many of my classmates, I hadn't studied computer science in Class 12, so my programming knowledge was limited.Initially, I lacked an understanding of core electronics as well. However, within the first few weeks of college, I quickly became familiar with programming languages and hardware concepts.
The Freshman Myth : Expectations vs Reality
Before starting college, I imagined engineering life as a picture-perfect, almost cinematic experience, much like the scenes from the college website.
One of my biggest fears? Semester exams. I was worried because I had heard horror stories like :
“Engineering drawing will destroy you."
“One backlog means year loss.”
However, I found the system to be quite student-friendly, with supportive teachers, internal assessments, and well-organized exams. Another pleasant surprise? The professors. Many are IIT-qualified, highly experienced, and more importantly — they are approachable and genuinely helpful.
I wasn't sure what to expect from my batchmates. Would they be serious? Disinterested? Maybe too competitive or hard to connect with? Turns out, most of them are fun, motivated, relatable, and creative in their own ways.
Despite the disappointing Tier 3 label and placement statistics, I discovered that skills are more important than the college tag.
Not going to lie, the canteen is a bit of a disappointing. But the campus itself is clean, open, and full of potential.
"College did not meet all my expectations — some disappointed me, while others surprised me.”
Academic Area
Lectures, Labs & Learning CurvesI enjoyed Mathematics and Engineering Drawing. Physics and Chemistry were okay. I studied a new subject, Basic Electrical Engineering, and revisited the horror of my life, Biology. The Language Lab helped me improve soft skills like group discussions and interviews. I gained knowledge about design thinking and also learned 3D printing. I studied Human Values and joined NSS activities. I gained IoT experience at the Idea Lab workshop. In C Programming, I discovered Linux and loved the terminal interface and commands, which opened a new world for me.
😅And of course, I bunked a lot of classes too …Semester Exams & Study StrugglesTo be honest, internal exams were hectic. There were days when I had three class assessments back-to-back. My strengths are strong and steady math skills, enjoying engineering drawing and 3D printing, and gaining confidence in C programming and IoT concepts. However, I need to get better at basic electronics, which I'm still not very confident about.
💡“Engineers study just before the exam."The biggest surprise? In Semester I, I got a 9.2 SGPA—something I honestly didn't expect. For Semester II, while writing this blog, the results weren't out yet. I thought I did okay. And then surprise number two, my Sem II results came out while I was writing this blog, and I topped the department with a 9.63 SGPA, ending my first year with a YGPA of 9.41. It's safe to say, this first-year journey had more surprises than I could have imagined.
From Hello World to Hardware : Code & Circuit
I still remember my first code. It was back in October 2024 when I wrote it for the first time. When it ran successfully, it was such an amazing feeling. That simple print statement started a journey that gradually went from typing on a keyboard to working with a breadboard.
I began with C programming. It was tough at first, but I gradually understood the logic and structure. From there, I explored web development, diving into HTML, CSS, and a bit of JavaScript, building simple web pages and learning how the internet works.
But things really got exciting when I entered the Arduino world—working with sensors, LEDs, and circuits. Soon, I was exploring Arduino and ESP and creating IoT projects. Over time, I wasn't just writing code, I was combining software with hardware.
It's not code or circuit; it's code and circuit.
My curiosity didn't stop there—I explored 3D design, got hands-on with 3D printing, and even tried PCB designing.
The Online Parallel World
YouTube University
YouTube, the all-in-one platform, from time pass to complex study. I've spent more time here than in the classroom. From coding help to development tutorials, from sensor basics to advanced electronics project demos, it’s all there. Even my semester labs and theory concepts were explained here. Plus, there are free mini-courses, playlists, and late-night marathons. The OG YT University doesn't disappoint.
My Digital Footprint
This year, I got into the online tech world, and I realized social media branding is crucial for growth. One can create amazing things, but if no one sees them, it doesn't help. So, I decided to share, show, and document my work so it can reach others—whether for internships, job opportunities, or collaborations.
LinkedIn: Grew to 5,000+ followers
Hashnode: Wrote blogs on my journey and wins
X (Twitter): Shared projects and ideas
Discord: Joined communities and found hackathons
GitHub: 20+ repositories (and counting)
LeetCode: Still untouched (still trying)
Obviously, I have Instagram too, but I don't know why I am mentioning that.
ChatGPT Moments
College was when I truly stepped into the AI world. I’d heard about ChatGPT before, but never actually used it.Then one day, I used ChatGPT out of curiosity, it became part of my daily routine. From MCQs to complex questions, from creating Ghibli-style image to preparing exam notes, from summarizing PDFs to fixing code, it became my all-in-one problem solver.
In the meantime, I explored other AI tools too, Perplexity for research, Claude for code debugging, Gemini APIs for integrating it into one of my projects, and creative tools like Gamma and Napkin for presentations. I even tried Veo 3 for video creation.
These tools made my work quicker, my projects smarter, and helped me learn more rapidly. But remmeber one thing:
AI is most effective when you used it as an assistant. Depending too much on AI could lead to job layoffs.
Beyond the Syllabus
Clubs & Communities
The first club I discovered was Hackout — the official coding club of MAKAUT. They organized tech events during the college fest, hosted seminars, and held a few contests.
Then I discovered other communities like the Google Developer Group (GDG) on Campus. They held sessions and provided cloud credits, swag, and programs, although I wasn't very involved.
Our campus also started a GeeksforGeeks Student Chapter. There's also the Coding Ninjas 10x Club, which was pretty good. I took part in two hackathons associated with them, won one, and was a finalist (Rank 6) in the other!
But if there’s one community that really stood out for me, it was Async Devs, a student-led community started by third-year seniors Arindam da and Swapnoneel da, along with second-year seniors Tuhin da, Sounak da, and Olivia di. These weekly sessions were special. They taught us Git & GitHub, open source contribution, UI/UX design, DSA, Generative AI, and even technical writing and social media presence, guiding us step-by-step throughout the year..
Hackathon & Learnings
If there’s one thing that pushed me beyond the classroom, it was hackathons. In my first year itself, I participated in 10 hackathons, both online and offline. Out of those, I was proud to :
Win 2 hackathons
Reach the finals in 3
Clear the second round in 2
Hackathons taught me more than just coding. They weren't just competitions, they were crash courses in real-world problem-solving, teamwork, and creativity. Whether it was learning to work with new teammates, balancing project work with exam stress, or staying up for late-night sessions, hackathons provided valuable experiences.
First hackathonThe very first time I heard about a hackathon was during a college fest campaign. At first, I struggled to find teammates. I wasn't fully prepared and felt unsure if I fit in. Eventually, I teamed up with Debopama and Priyanka, and we decided to give it a try—just for the experience. We did our best and to our surprise, we jointly won the "Best Fresher Team" award.
💡The first is always special.HackentineHackentine was one of those hackathons that really tested me. It happened during our semester exams, which made it harder but also memorable. I, along with my team, Debopam and Snehasish, passed the Ideation Round, created and submitted our solution for the Prototyping Round, and finally made it to the Finalist list, finishing at Rank 6 out of 250 participating teams. Initially, it was a major achievement in my journey.
Solution ChallengeThis wasn't just another hackathon; it was a national-level event. Even though we knew it would be tough, my teammates Debopam, Debangshu, Tanay, and I joined the Google Developer Group India – Solution Challenge 2025. This event lasted six months, where students were asked to create AI for a better future. We spent weeks working on everything from backend logic to UI design.
We created with the Gemini 2.5 Flash API to classify raga and tala, Beethoven AI to create classical-style music, a Modern UI/UX for easy learning and exploring, and a library with a collection of ragas, talas, and artist profiles.Our hard work paid off, and we were excited to be among the Top 105 teams in India, moving to the second round! Although we didn't reach the Top 14 finalists, the experience was incredibly rewarding.
💡Hack 4 Bengal 4.O Virtual HackHack4Bengal 4.0 was an event I was really excited about. It's known as the biggest hackathon in Eastern India, and I was hoping for the in-person, large-scale hackathon experience.I applied as a team with Sheetal, Shreyaushi, and Debangshu, aiming to pass the virtual shortlisting round, but sadly, we didn't make it.
😊Better luck next time.At first, it was disappointing. But it helped me understand my current level and where I needed to improve, from the idea to the details of our prototype. Even my personal profile and project portfolio need a lot of improvement.
Project-A-ThonOrganized by Robocrae, Project-A-Thon was a milestone for me as it was my first hardware hackathon and also my first solo one. The theme was open, and I decided to make a Smart Blind Stick,a tech-assisted walking aid to help visually impaired people move around safely.
I used a GPS module for real-time location tracking, a GSM module for emergency texts, ultrasonic sensors to detect obstacles, and a vibration motor with a buzzer for feedback. The stick could detect objects, alert the user with vibrations and sound, and send their location via text if needed.Summer Hack 1.OI discovered Summer Hack 1.0 through our college’s Coding Ninjas 10x Club. It was a solo hackathon, and I almost quit because the deadline was the next day. Luckily, the deadline was extended, motivating me to continue. I developed the Campus Connect platform for organizing college activities, featuring sections for clubs, communities, student profiles, announcements, and more.
💡Live : https://campus-connect-vercel.app
Two days later, I got a call from the organizers asking for my photo. I assumed maybe I was in the Top 3. But then the email came — I had actually won the entire hackathon. The prize? A DSA book by Coding Ninjas, a cool t-shirt, a bottle, and a backpack!
MakathonAmong all the hackathons and events I've joined so far, MAKATHON, organized by the MAKAUT Institution Innovation Council, has been the best experience.
The event began with a call for innovative ideas, and my team submitted our concept for a women’s safety wearable device. 11 teams were shortlisted, and we were excited to be one of them. After receiving mentorship and presenting our idea, we passed the round and moved on to the prototype and final pitch. We made it to the Top 5 finalist teams, which was very rewarding.
With my amazing teammates Arghya and Ankan, we created a smart wearable safety device to help women in emergencies. Our device includes GPS for live location sharing, Bluetooth connection with a mobile app, automatic Call/SMS alerts with a Google Maps link, and a self-defense shock feature.
I developed the companion Android app using MIT App Inventor, featuring Bluetooth communication and GPS integration. I tested GPS accuracy, worked on Bluetooth logic, contributed to the shock module prototype, assisted with CAD design, and created the presentation deck.We had a working prototype ready for the finals, and as soon as we presented it, the judges, guest audience, and fellow participants applauded loudly. Then came the biggest surprise: we received an immediate offer for funding from the college. The next 6 months will be intense as we work with an officially approved budget to complete this final device.
Projects & Mini Wins
Beyond assignments and exams, my first year was filled with small experiments, passion projects, and practical learning. Each one taught me something new and boosted my confidence to create.
Personal Portfolio PageAmid coding and exams, I started building my personal portfolio website from a blank screen with a few lines of HTML and CSS, aiming to share my work with the world.
But the truth is, it’s still a work in progress.
I've been trying out different layouts to find what truly represents me. I've added sections like about, skills, and contact, but I still want to include more of my projects, achievements, and experiences before I press the Publish button.
GPS Tracking with Email AlertOne of my proudest first-year projects was a real-time GPS tracker using the ESP32 and a GPS module, which evolved from a simple location trigger into a full IoT system with email alerts, map previews, and a live dashboard.
I built the system using the Arduino Cloud IDE. I used CircuitDigest’s GeoLinker for live maps and Google SMTP for HTML email alerts with dynamic map previews from the LocationIQ API. The system updates to the cloud every 30 seconds and sends an email every 5 minutes.💡Documentation : https://github.com/Prolayjit-B14/GPS_Email_Map💡Arduino Skethch File : https://app.arduino.cc/sketches/previewFrom coding and connecting hardware to syncing with the cloud and using APIs, this project taught me how different technologies can come together to solve real-world problems.
Smart Agriculture MonitoringAs part of our Idea Lab & Innovation course in Semester I, we were assigned a team project to design a smart agriculture solution. Our group was tasked with developing a system to monitor soil moisture, temperature, and humidity using Arduino. We worked on the project report, made a circuit diagram, and built an online simulation on TinkerCAD to show how it works.
💡But I didn’t want it to end at theory.Right after the final semester exams, I decided to build the physical version of the system myself. I used an Arduino Uno R3, DHT11, and soil moisture sensor, along with basic parts like relays and a water pump model. After some debugging and trial-and-error, I got the system working. Seeing the project go from paper and simulation to real hardware was very satisfying. It was my first real experience with IoT and using technology to solve real-world problems.
3D Model of Raspberry Pi 5As part of my Digital Fabrication Lab coursework in Semester II, we were assigned a mini-project under an open-ended theme. My team chose a technical project: designing a microcontroller model. Specifically, I took on the challenge of building a 3D CAD representation of the Raspberry Pi 5; not the actual PCB or electronics, but a visual model created using Fusion 360.
💡CAD Model : https://a360.co/4lk56E0
The Other Side : Friends & Fest Nights :
Now comes the fun part: campus life and friends. From mass bunks to college tours, fest nights to decorating the campus, we enjoyed every moment to the fullest. We often skipped physics class to play badminton and missed biology and chemistry lectures to play cricket on the field. Along the way, I made some really amazing friends, not just from my department, but from others too, and met some great seniors who became our mentors. Beyond the fun, we also teamed up for hackathons, studied for birthday celebrations, had late-night practice sessions together, and just hung out in the canteen, making memories together.
Breaking Down : Challenges & Setbacks
The first big challenge I faced was deciding what to focus on: should I stick to my core domain, Electronics, or switch to CS/IT and focus on software?
I decided to explore different things, and I explored a lot. That's when I realized I can't just code all the time, nor can I only draw circuits all the time. I realize that I feel excited at the intersection of hardware and software, where I get to work with both code and circuits.
At first, learning new subjects was hard. Some topics seemed to be tough, but I got used to them and managed to overcome them. Honestly, there weren’t any major setbacks in my first year. The whole year felt like a learning journey — no regrets, just knowledge gained.
Tech I Touched
In my first year, I explored many technologies. I started with C programming, then learned HTML/CSS for web development, and gained knowledge about IoT. I learned the basics of PCB and CAD design, then started learning and experimenting with ESP and Arduino, and used simulation software to design circuits. I also attempted to learn MATLAB, but it remains a work in progress.
Along the way, I started writing blogs to document and share my journey. I also explored different AI tools for productivity and, yes, did some “vibe coding” too.
It wasn't a long list of technologies I learned this year, but what I learned was fully in my grasp.
Tech I Still Fear
As much as I’ve explored different areas of tech, there are still areas that scare me:
DSAI know DSA is important, especially for job interviews, and I've seen many friends working hard on LeetCode and GeeksforGeeks. I want to learn it, I really do, but I haven't found the confidence or routine for it yet. Coming from an electronics background, it's already hard to balance software development and hardware skills, and adding DSA sometimes feels tough.
AIAnother area I'm not fully into is AI development. I enjoy using AI tools for productivity, design, and debugging, but AI development isn't my focus. I'm more interested in data science, analytics, or smart applications that use AI as a tool. While I'm not deeply involved in AI development, I remain part of the ecosystem.
Looking Ahead : Version 2.O
Stepping into my second year, my plan is clear. The main electronics subjects are here, so I'll need to work harder than ever. Besides my studies, I'm also starting to prepare for GATE.
For the next six months, I'll focus on our Women Safety Project, which is now officially funded by the college. This is a great chance to use both my hardware and software skills.
I'm planning to go deep into IoT and embedded systems, build a solid foundation in VLSI, and master PCB design and circuit connection at a pro level. On the software side, I've planned to start learning DSA in C++ and will continue to improve my skills in that area. I'm also focusing on app development and continuing with the remaining part of web development, specifically the backend.
Tools & Productivity Stack
Generalized content: Chat GPT, Gemini
Research: Perplexity, IEEE Journal, Research Gate
CAD: Fusion 360, AutoCAD
PCB: Fusion 360, KiCad, Altium, Proteus
Coding: GitHub, VS Code, Arduino IDE, Arduino Cloud, Claude
Simulation: Tinkercad, Circuit Diagram, Woki
Learning: YT, ChatGPT, NPTEL
Presentation: Canva, Napkin, Gamma
Social Media: LinkedIn, X, Discord
Blog: Hashnode, Dev.to, Medium, Daily.dev
Final Note
Let’s wrap it up. It took me almost 7 days to complete this blog, writing, rewriting, adding memories, and flashbacking. This blog captures my journey with wins, challenges, experiments, friendships, technology, and lessons, filled with curiosity, creativity, fun, and surprises, from hackathons and exams to learning AI tools and coding all night long.
First year was Version 1.0: Exploring, trying out, making mistakes, learning.
Now it’s time for Version 2.0: More focused, going deep, aiming for bigger goals.
The journey doesn’t end here. It’s just getting started. One part is done, now three more to go.
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Written by
Prolayjit Biswas
Prolayjit Biswas
From Hello World to Hardware : Building with Code and Circuit.