Ankita Das's Review On St. Xavier's College, Mumbai

St. Xavier's started out as a just a college to me but over the years its turned into a second home. Whatever I have described above about the college is but the tip of the iceberg there is so much more to it. I love this place for its culture its people and its ethos. I will never be able to forget what this institution has done for me and how it has helped me grow into the person I am now.

I did not have to take any entrance exams for my course. Admissions were based on merit. The process was hassle-free and one had to sit for a short interview with a member of the faculty before they were given their desired subject combination. The professors help advise students on the course that is best suited to their interests.

St. Xavier's,Mumbai is an autonomous institution so they are at liberty to set their own syllabus and timetables. I found the course curriculum extremely relevant to current times. Alongside the regular coursework one is also expected to complete a compulsory number of extra-curricular and social involvement hours. This I think is a great initiative as it ensures students get an all-round college experience.

I am studying Zoology and my internships involved working at research institutions instead of companies. Furthermore I did not do any of my internships through the college placement cell so I cannot accurately comment on this.

I have not applied to be placed in any company as I intend to continue my studies further at present. I have heard from friends who have been placed that the companies which come offer good packages. But I have no definitive idea so as to how these opportunities are exactly.

The college celebrates all kinds of events that one could think of. There is always some upcoming event throughout the academic year. The most popular and largest of these is Malhar which is the St. Xavier's inter-collegiate festival. Apart from there are numerous others like Ithaka the english literature fest,Paradigm,the science fest,Terra,the geology fest,etc. The college also has annual sports events and inter-class tournaments in games like basketball,football,table tennis,badminton and volleyball. These diverse range of activities truly allow the students to pick and choose their hobbies and passions and follow them.

The course that I am currently enrolled in is an aided course so the annual fees varies between 5,00-7,000 for each of the years. However I believe for some of the unaided courses the fees does go upto about 20,000. But it is still very cheap when one takes into account the facilities that we get in return.

I have not availed of any sch facilities but I do know that the college does further subsidize its fees for students in need. Such students need to apply for this to the college office where their application undergoes processing before being granted. The college also has numerous scholarships that are awarded to students at the end of each academic year depending on factors like academic performance,cultural,social involvement or participation in sporting events.

The gender ratio is fairly equal overall but does vary considerably from course to course. The college and the students are very tolerant towards any views which might not exactly conform to their own. One can really be at ease while studying here and focus on what they love doing without being bothered by discrimination of any sort. The college also has a Women's Development Cell,a Harassment Redressal Committee and a Student's Council to deal with any problems that might arise. They also provide support for students with disabilities,special needs. As I've mentioned earlier there is a continuous stream of workshops occurring throughout the year and there are numerous cultural societies like the Debate Society the Photography Society, the Social Service League the Marathi Vagmay Mandal etc. There is truly something for every single person one is provided with every single opportunity possible. I have no idea so as to the occurrence of any hostel parties as it is a boy's hostel.

The college currently only has a boy's hostel. Girls who wish to study here can take up accommodation in hostels,PGs or flats nearby. The rent+bills can vary from 8,000 a month to 20,000. It all really depends on what kind of facilities the person is looking for. Since college in located in South Mumbai where real estate is expensive owing to lack of space facilities do get expensive around it. But if one is willing to travel a little by the local trains then cost of living gets progressively cheaper as you head towards the suburbs.The college canteen is extensive with a lot of variety so that people from any part of India can comfortably eat here. The food is healthy,hygienically prepared and subsidized.

I don't think any of the alumni can ever forget what studying at this college feels like. They come to college very often to give lectures conduct workshops and interact with the students very frequently. Infact some of the current professors at the college are xavier's alumni. I found that my seniors were especially supportive. They were ready to advise guide and help us juniors with our coursework and the electives we should take. There isn't any actually barrier between the seniors and the juniors sometimes it just feels like we're all studying in the same class.

As science students we have lab work almost everyday but they aren't the least bit tiring. There are 3 sets of exams in each semester two small 20 markers and one 60 mark end semester. Although they can get a bit hectic at times the frequent exams cause us to constantly be in touch with our academics as all 3 sets exams are taken in to account on our final grade.

The faculties of the departments I studied under were all brilliant. They really go out of their way to help students understand the harder concepts. Infact they even take time out of their busy schedules to take the students out on annual Industrial,Field Visits.