Bhopal, May 24: Chasing their dreams, aiming to make it big in their lives are some of the driving forces which lead the youngsters of small towns towards cities. Our city Bhopal too is the destination of thousands of youngsters who come here to pursue higher studies. They stay back here as hostellers or paying guests. How's life being a hosteller, how much they miss their family let's find out.

Arti Upadhyaya, a student of MA Previous Music says, 'in my school days I was always fascinated with the idea of leading a hostel life. But now, actually being here and staying away from the family seems not so easy task. As a hosteller there are so many problems that I have to solve all by myself. When I was with my family I never had to worry about anything but the day I landed here I became more responsible and independent. I stay in a girls' hostel and we are all like one big family, enjoying the festivities and sharing our sorrows all with a spirit of unity. I miss my mother's delicious recipes but the words of encouragement coming from my father's side always inspire me to move ahead.

Kavita Rajput pursuing studies in Biotechnology as a student of BSc 1st year says, 'I always wanted to do some significant work in the field of Biotech and since my place Khirkia District Harda, where I come from could not offer a proper platform I had to move to Bhopal. This is a city where there are recognised institutions and coming here and staying in a girls hostel was the best option for me. In the beginning I was not comfortable with the hostel life but with the passage of time I have made good friends who are there for me all the time. This place has made me more responsible and independent. Earlier I was all-dependent upon my family for everything, but staying alone has taught me how to handle situations and face challenges.

Vibha studying in BE second year says, 'I miss my parents a lot, but hostel life has been an enriching experience for me. I have come from Sarni with an aim to secure a degree in Engineering and would love to contribute my share towards the development of our nation as an Engineer some day. As a hosteller like all the other's I too have my opinions, like it's good that here you come to view life with a more mature outlook, you know how to make decisions and learn from them. So its helpful in shaping your personality. I do miss my family but if I have to achieve something in life adjustments are bound to be there. All I can say that these days spent in a hostel will be the most memorable for me.

Poorvi Shrivastava studying in class XII, says 'hostel is a place where I have made friends with girls coming from different places. We share our joys and sorrows, go for shopping, enjoy holidays and celebrate the various festivals together. Since I fall in the younger lot, as most of the hostellers are College going girls, I am looked after and cared a lot by all of them. I have come here from Sehore and I adore this place.

Hostel life has become a common feature among the youngsters in today's world. It teaches them, to be independent, face real life challenges and prepares them for the future. There are so many advantages of being a hosteller and once they are out of College these positives help the youth in shaping their destiny.