IIT-Bombay's 'Recharge Zone' to Help Ease Placement Season Stress

In a unique move that could potentially serve as a model for other Indian Institutes, the Student Wellness Centre (SWC) at the Indian Institute Of Technology – Bombay (IIT-Bombay) has launched a novel ‘Recharge Zone’ aimed at easing stress during the demanding placement season, which started on December 1. Going beyond conventional approaches, this initiative provides students with a holistic and multifaceted array of stress-relief options.

The inspiration for the Recharge Zone emerged during brainstorming sessions at the SWC, prompted by a noticeable surge in students seeking counselling appointments amid the annual placement seasons.

Shoukath Ali, acting in charge of the SWC, emphasised the intense pressure associated with placement season, acknowledging the ups and downs, waiting periods, and emotional crises that students often endure. He explained, “We first thought of setting up counselling kiosks. But we wanted to go a little beyond conventional counselling and take a more holistic approach.”

Situated near Hostel 16, where the interviews are conducted, the Recharge Zone, as suggested by the name itself, offers an array of stress-busting stations. Notably, students can engage in pet therapy with two highly trained dogs, receive foot and back massages from volunteers from an NGO, and participate in art or colour therapy. The latter provides a platform for students to express themselves through drawing and colouring while engaging with therapists.

Ali further highlighted that art therapists analyse the students’ creations, offering insights into their mental state and personal traits, making it a mindful approach to destressing.

Sharing her experience, a recently placed student expressed gratitude for the physical relief provided by the foot spa and massage, particularly beneficial after stressful interviews. She acknowledged the emotional challenges, and told TOI, “Many students who have not had good interviews even break down. This recharge zone was really helpful this time.” She went on to add that the students have at least three to four interviews in a day. “Even the waiting period after interviews is very stressful,” she said.

IIT-Bombay took to social media platform X (formally known as Twitter) to officially announce this pioneering move and explain its significance. “In a pioneering move, the Student Wellness Centre (SWC) at IITB has launched “Recharge Zone” as a unique stress-relief initiative during the high-pressure placement season. This zone offers stress-buster stations like pet therapy, foot spas, art & yoga for students to destress,” the post read.

Importantly, all services at the ‘Recharge Zone’ are offered free of charge. This makeshift arrangement meant strategically for the first eight days of the placement season, operates from 4 pm to 11 pm daily.