New Delhi: As Delhi University opened its doors to first-year students on Friday, college entrances across North Campus were teeming not just with excited students but also with their outstation families, including parents, siblings and even toddlers. Many of them had travelled from across the country to ensure that the students had a hassle-free entry to college life.Outside colleges like Miranda House and St Stephen’s, the sidewalks, bus stops and gates turned into makeshift waiting lounges. At Miranda House, where parents were not allowed inside, many families sat at the DTC bus stop with bags and lunch boxes in tow, shielding themselves from the sun as they waited for the orientation session to end.“We’ve come from Nagpur and are staying in a hotel for now. My daughter hasn’t got hostel accommodation yet. We’ll try to find something over the next couple of days, settle her in, and then leave,” said the mother of a student who secured admission in Miranda House.A similar story unfolded outside St Stephen’s, where Kasturi Baruah from Assam met another Assamese parent by chance. “We’re both from Assam and met here while waiting. Our daughters have also become friends. We’re glad they’ll have someone from home as they begin this new journey,” she said.Anu Chaudhary, who came from Rajasthan, added, “We left yesterday and feel exhausted, but seeing my daughter begin college makes it all worth it.”While the atmosphere outside was one of pride and joy, there was also a shared concern among families — the lack of hostel accommodation. Most students hadn’t secured a seat and were scrambling to find PGs or rented flats nearby.Meanwhile, student outfits like ABVP, AISA and SFI had set up colourful stalls outside campuses, distributing pamphlets, bookmarks and bags to woo freshers. Some welcomed newcomers with flowers and tilak. College seniors also ran help desks to guide students through the day.