Colours of college

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You’re in a protected world for 14-odd years and then suddenly, you’re exposed to a whole new atmosphere. For those who’ve studied in school till the 12th standard and have just entered college, newness is something they’re getting used to. From a drastic difference in the method of teaching to dress codes, they are seeing it all.
Eighteen-year-old Chaitra M Shenoy joined St Joseph’s College of Commerce in June. Having done her schooling till tenth grade in Baldwins and ISC in St Joseph’s School, she says, “I didn’t feel out of place as I knew quite a few people in college. But it was a new experience altogether. There were 80 people in my class with so many new faces around. We weren’t told what to do and what not to do (like in school) and we had to figure out things by ourselves.”
The big change that she has noticed is that now she has more independence. “We have to go through the syllabus on our own. The teachers won’t tell us what to study. We have to refer to different books while e studying,” says Chaitra, adding, “We also have a dress code. From Monday to Thursday, we have to wear salwar-kameez or leggings and kurtis and on Friday and Saturday we can wear jeans with kurtis. I wasn’t excited about this part ‘cos before this, I had never worn kurtis in my life!”
The large number of people and the huge campus gave 18-year-old Shivani Jagan an all-new feel when she entered college. Shivani, who’s doing her BA in Christ University, says, “On the first day, it was a little difficult ‘cos everything was new and I was nostalgic about school. But I was okay the next day.” While school had a small group of people and an atmosphere where everyone knew each other, college has a humongous amount of people, she says. “You barely know people barring your classmates. It takes time to get to know people and teachers. If one is an extrovert like me, it’s easier to mingle with people,” she adds. As for the studies, she says, “You have to put in a lot of effort. You have to read a lot and do a lot of research. Also, there are a lot of opportunities in college when it comes to extra curricular activities.”
A little bit of apprehension is what Bengalurean Evangeline Charles had when she first entered college. Having studied in an all-girls school till 10th standard and a boy’s college (a college that has ISC only for girls), a ‘proper’ co-ed college seemed completely new to her. “College is very liberal when it comes to things like timing and attendance. I think the friends you make in college stay with you throughout life,” she says.
The way the classes are conducted is a major change for her. “They take attendance every hour and also, there’s a break after every period. The classes are more interactive and have a lot of presentations. Also, students get to bunk in college!” says Evangeline.
College can be super fun with a great set of friends and a whole lot of opportunities to hone your talent. Go ahead and enjoy the ‘best days of your life!’