Delhi University’s oldest men’s hostel a home away from home

Gwyer Hall carries with it a rich history spanning nearly nine decades. Known as the oldest men’s hostel of the University of Delhi, it has been home to generations of scholars, each leaving behind a piece of their story within its walls.

The hostel traces its origin to 1937-38, when it first opened with just 26 residents under the name Law Hall. However, financial constraints led to its closure in 1939-40. The dream of a dedicated hostel for students was revived after the completion of the building in 1948, when it was renamed Gwyer Hall in honour of Sir Maurice Linford Gwyer, the then Vice-Chancellor of Delhi University. Sir Maurice served as the V-C from 1938 to 1950 and was also the Chief Justice of India between 1937 and 1943.

Prof Gajender Singh, Provost of Gwyer Hall, said: “Gwyer Hall is the oldest hostel of Delhi University, offering a total of 158 seats for Cluster Innovation Centre (CIC) graduates, master’s students, law students and PhD scholars. Students from other hostels in DU can also dine here by purchasing a coupon and enjoying meals in the hostel.”

The hostel accommodates 158 full-time students from the CIC graduate programmes as well as postgraduate, law and PhD scholars. The facilities have evolved with time, now including a spacious dining hall with a modern kitchen, a common room, TV room, computer room, reading room, gymnasium and washing machines – all aimed at providing a comfortable living space for students.

For many residents, Gwyer Hall is more than just a hostel – it’s a second home. “I’ve been staying in Gwyer Hall for the past year. The hostel is nice and offers all necessary facilities. The rooms are double-seated and furnished, and we get three meals a day with food being of good quality. All students have to apply every year as hostels are allotted for only one year at a time,” said Rinkesh Chaudhary, a PhD student of History from Bihar.

The affordability of DU hostels is another key draw for outstation students. “This year, the admission process has been centralised. Students from the NCR region generally do not get hostel accommodation. DU hostels are quite affordable and offer basic facilities at a reasonable cost, which is a big relief for outstation students. These hostels ensure a comfortable living environment without putting too much financial burden on students,” said Kamlesh Yadav, a PhD student of Environmental Science.