The College Fest Checklist

✔ College ID + one govt. ID

Every host college checks IDs at the gate. No ID, no entry — bring both.

✔ Printed / phone copy of your registration passes

Wi-fi at 2am on pro-night is a myth. Screenshot everything.

✔ Power bank (10,000 mAh+)

Between DSLR-quality photos and QR-ticket checks, phones die by 4pm.

✔ Comfortable shoes (not the aesthetic ones)

You will walk 15,000+ steps. Trust.

✔ Light hoodie / jacket

Night stages and open-air pro-nights get cold, even in the south.

✔ Refillable water bottle

Most host colleges have refill stations; venue water is overpriced.

✔ Portable snack (protein bar / dry fruits)

Food queues at popular fests can hit 40 minutes.

✔ Small crossbody bag / anti-theft sling

Crowds get intense at concerts. Front-loaded bags only.

✔ Cash + UPI (both)

Some stalls only take cash; some only take UPI. Cover both.

✔ Basic first-aid: plasters, painkillers

Blisters + headaches ruin more fests than bad DJs.

✔ Register 2 weeks out

Most events close registration 3-7 days before. Don't gamble.

✔ Book stay + travel first, then the fest

Sold-out hotels post-registration is the classic mistake.

✔ Check accommodation offered by the host college

IITs, NITs and BITS often offer subsidised hostel stay to registered participants.

✔ Save the fest in FESTOOO

Get automatic reminders 3 days and 1 day before registration closes.

✔ Pre-form your competition teams

Solo entries get bounced from team-only events. Form teams 10+ days out.

✔ Follow the official handle for schedule changes

Pro-night line-ups change last-minute. Set alerts.

✔ Plan a rest day after

3-day fests are marathons. Block a full recovery day before class resumes.

✔ Signing up for 8 events on day 1

You will attend 3. Pick well, don't spread thin.

✔ Waiting for pro-night gates to open on schedule

They never do. Show up an hour early.

✔ Trusting unofficial reseller passes

Fake QR codes are common. Only buy from official channels.