Learning + Fun = College

I think my college stay has been a huge learning experience in all directions. We had our challenges and were always tested by our teachers and the admin. But at the same time, the also paved the way to future for us. We realised all this after college was over and we got settled in our lives.

I took OJEE (Orissa JEE). I scored 834 rank. I opted for Gandhi Engineering College because it is known for its emphasis on discipline. This college also pushes its students forward both in academic, as well as, extracurricular directions.

I worked in Birla(Balasore branch) as an intern. I was given a stipend of rs.8000. I did not opt for internship through college. We were allowed to go for internship in companies of our own choice but had to obtain written permission from college authorities.

Companies that came were:-Cognizant,TCS, Infosys, Hexaware, Tech Mahindra, L n T, Syntex. There were other companies too. I don't remember them all. CTC offered by all companies was around 3 lakhs 50 thousand.

There were celebrations going on all the year round. Some of these were:Annual function(singing, dancing, drama, band). Performers from other colleges are also invited. Robotics- we were encouraged to create our own robots in an intercollegiate competition.Diwali party- Only college I have heard of that actually throws a diwali party for its students and teachers. We all assemble in the grounds and burst crackers, light lanterns, feast.basically have fun.Saturday evening parties- Oh yes, thats true! Our college actually hosted parties for us every Saturday evening. Performers were invited and almost every party ended with a DJ night.Farewell parties, fresher parties, new year parties and some pujas were also held each year.

I have spent approximately 5 lakhs on my 4 year B-Tech course(including mesh and hostel charges). I think its feasible. And if one does not opt for hostel, then the fees will be reduced considerably.

My study was completely sponsored by my parents. So, I have no clue regarding scholarships and loans.

As i have already mentioned, we used to have a lot of parties. So much so, that the day scholars were envious of us and would look for excuses to stay with us in hostel. Issues regarding gender, orientation, race, economic status have just never come up among us. These things hardly mattered. Or it hardly mattered among the people that I knew.

Hostel fees get revised regularly. Hostel seats were abundant for the batches. We had 2, 3, 4 sharing rooms. Fees for every room is the same. The rooms are spacious. Each has an attached bathroom. Every room is furnished. The food is also good in terms of quality and quantity. The menu was also changed on a regular basis and the hostelites were asked to decide menu each time.

The college seniors have been very supportive and encouraging. They have always pushed us forward be it regarding participation in blood camps or sports or literary events. During placement too, we were in touch with them and they would always advise us in the right way. Our college also holds an alumni event every year where students get to interact directly and ask queries to there seniors who have actually faced the corporate world.

We had a very balanced timetable. We did not have labs every day and even on days that we had lab, one half was scheduled for lab and another for theory.Exams were also well spread out so that we had ample time to prepare and get hang of all things. We had a number of lab tests. So, the pressure of lab test actually got divided in those exams.

The faculty in our college is chosen with much care and consideration. The faculty is highly disciplined and punctual. They give special emphasis to classroom teaching.