Facilities of Indian Institute of Technology Madras

For first-year undergraduate students, accommodation is typically arranged in shared-style dormitories. Subsequently, students may be allotted single, double, or triple occupancy rooms based on hostel availability. Postgraduate students usually reside in either shared or single rooms. Every room is equipped with internet and Local Area Network (LAN) facilities, and there are dedicated computer rooms within the hostels.

Each hostel is equipped with various amenities including gardens, libraries offering book lending services, washing machines, and some sports facilities. Additionally, there are music, tech, and television rooms available for recreational use. Common rooms serve as venues for hostel-level meetings, while festivals such as Holi, Pongal, Onam, Diwali, and New Year's Eve are celebrated by the students. Furthermore, an annual hostel night is organized by each hostel, featuring food and music festivities, and also serves as a farewell event for graduating seniors.

The institute provides transportation services through buses and mini-autos that connect different parts of the campus, including the hostel and academic zones, at regular intervals. However, students are encouraged to explore the vast campus on bicycles or by walking, as the use of powered vehicles by students is not allowed.

Each hostel operates independently in terms of internal administration, overseen by the Council of Wardens and the Hostel Management. A Warden, typically a faculty member, along with a resident Assistant Warden, supervises each hostel. Hostel Offices, situated within each hostel, manage administrative tasks under the guidance of the wardens. The Hostel Council, consisting of the Warden and elected student secretaries, addresses hostel-related concerns and plans various student activities throughout the year. Additionally, the Hostel Council oversees budget allocations for sports, recreational, and social events, and manages individual messes in collaboration with the Mess Committee.

The General Secretary of the Hostel Council ensures the upkeep of hostel premises and coordinates activities among other secretaries. The Mess Secretary collaborates with the Mess Committee and staff to procure food items, plan menus, and maintain hygiene standards in the kitchen and mess hall.

The cultural scene at IIT Madras is vibrant, offering a plethora of student clubs, regional groups, inter-hostel competitions, and flagship events like the Institute's cultural extravaganza, Saarang.

A rich tapestry of regional clubs graces the campus, orchestrating cultural soirées, gatherings, and communal meals throughout the academic calendar. These clubs, comprising students, faculty, and staff, serve as social hubs, especially for freshmen seeking to forge new friendships and alleviate homesickness. Keep an eye out for campus announcements regarding their events, particularly during the initial days for newcomers.

Sangam serves as the nexus of all student cultural clubs, offering a diverse array of activities spanning cultural and literary realms. These clubs serve as incubators for budding artists and performers, often grooming talent to represent the Institute at various festivals. Additionally, they organize workshops and open sessions, fostering a vibrant creative community within the student body.

Lit Soc unfolds as an epic year-long inter-hostel competition, where dormitories engage in spirited battles across various cultural fronts throughout the academic year. Competing in diverse events, hostels vie for points to clinch the coveted Lit Soc cup at the end of the year, earning the title of champion.

Different events carry varying point values, with special recognition accorded to enthusiastic and talented freshmen. To introduce newcomers to the fervor of Lit Soc, special events are organized at the onset of the odd semester, offering a glimpse into the intensity and enjoyment of Lit Soc engagements.

IIT Madras boasts two guest houses nestled within its campus. The one adjacent to the Gajendra Circle is known as the Bose-Einstein Guest House, while the one situated in the hostel zone is referred to as the Taramani Guest House (TGH). Typically, VIPs, Institute guests, and invited dignitaries find accommodation at the Bose-Einstein Guest House.

TGH, housed in a two-story building strategically positioned at a central location, offers boarding and lodging facilities to Institute guests, visitors, newly appointed faculty, staff members, delegates, and participants attending various academic gatherings like conferences, seminars, symposia, and workshops. With 119 rooms, including 18 suites and 101 air-conditioned rooms, TGH operates at full capacity due to the myriad of activities hosted each day. Therefore, students are advised to make advance room reservations for visiting parents.

Additionally, the hostels feature guest rooms that can be reserved for parents through the Office of Hostel Management.

IIT Madras hosts two schools within its premises: Kendriya Vidyalaya IIT and Vanavani Matriculation Higher Secondary School.

Kendriya Vidyalaya IIT adheres to the syllabus prescribed by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) under the purview of the Central Government of India, offering education from Std I to XII.

Vanavani Matriculation Higher Secondary School, operated by the IIT Campus Educational Trust (CET), follows the Matriculation syllabus of the Tamil Nadu State Government, admitting students from Std I to XII. Additionally, it includes a primary school for LKG & UKG and a newly constructed 'Creche'.

Nestled between the Gajendra Circle and the hostel zone lies the expansive Open Air Theatre (OAT), serving as a venue for the Film Club's weekend movie screenings. Offering a diverse selection of the latest movies in English, Hindi, Tamil, and other regional languages, the OAT also hosts the Saarang Pro-shows.

The lush campus of IIT Madras encompasses several places of worship, including three temples and a chapel. The Shree Durga Peeli Amman Temple, Jalakandeswarar Temple, and Vinayagar Temple host various festivals and religious ceremonies throughout the year. Additionally, there's a chapel behind the Department of Biotechnology and a prayer hall for Islamic students near the Students Facilities Centre, catering to the spiritual needs of the campus community.

Ensuring the safety and security of its residents and visitors, IIT Madras has implemented a robust security system overseen by the Security Wing. Headed by the Chief Security Officer, the Security Wing enforces a set of rules and regulations to safeguard the campus round-the-clock.

The Institute's health center, located near the central workshop, offers comprehensive medical services to students, staffed with regular doctors and visiting specialists. Equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including laboratories, x-ray services, and inpatient care, the health center provides quality healthcare services. Additionally, students are provided with medical insurance coverage for access to affordable healthcare services.

Recognizing the significance of mental health, IIT Madras provides a Wellness Center staffed with licensed mental health professionals, offering confidential support and guidance to students on various mental health concerns.