A dream university

Growing up in North India I always had a curiosity to visit other parts of India. So I was always very sure that either I am going to South India or Western India for further studies. I wanted to experience a different culture. When I first visited Vadodara I fell in love with the city. It felt like home. It was so much like Dehradun (my home town). I knew at once that this is where I wanna do my graduation from. Choosing Parul university was a very conscious decision that I made. There were many reasons, the major one being the "semester exchange programs" they offer. The second reason for me was the affordable education. The fees of the course I was opting for was very minimal as compared to many other universities (especially the universities in North India). After entering the campus and seeing the vibrant campus, I was sure that this is exactly the kind of place I would like to be in. The exposures you get in the university is immense and something worth experiencing.

I have always had a liking for painting and I knew I could not really study. That's just not for me. Hence, I was sure that I have to become an artist. Being a fine art student and studying at a fine art college I have no complaints. I would say I got to interact and learn from the very best teachers. One thing you should know when you are entering a fine art college is that your teachers are your friends. Being artists in the first place, they are very open-minded, very thoughtful and extremely kind and friendly. My experience with the faculty was amazing. Not only I learnt so much in-depth about art and artists, but I also developed a new perspective to look at things. We have one internal exam in each semester along with an external exam which happens at the end of the semester. The jury is the most important exam where you have to display your work and the juror will examine and ask you questions related to it. Being in a fine art college, there's Nothing that can go wrong.

University does provide campus jobs and internships for its students. For example, the job at admission cell, the job as social media coordinator etc. The stipend ranges from 2500-17000 depending upon the job you are doing. Not aware of the other companies providing internships on the campus.

I am currently in 2 years, so I don't have enough knowledge on placements provided by the university especially in my field. I know that it does provide really good placements in other fields like engineering, medicine, business etc. After getting the degree I would most probably like to go to Europe for masters.

The fees of the college are very minimal. It's 40000/ per annum. There is some additional amount of about 6500 that you have to pay as examination fees just one time every year. This is one of the most affordable universities which is why I really like it. You also get campus jobs if you have the knack for it. If you are someone who is active, have good communication skills and good technical skills university provides you with a campus job with a really good stipend. I am currently working as an official social media manager for my faculty.

Parul has a really vibrant culture and campus life. Sure you cannot possibly like everything about the university, but most of it is really amazing. The university has crowd not just from different states of India but from all around the globe. We have students from Most African countries, Afghanistan, Sri-Lanka, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Russia, Thailand, Germany, Nepal, Cambodia etc. On top of this, there are numerous semester exchange programmes where students from many European and American countries come for few weeks to a month or more. There is enormous exposure which helps you to learn about different cultures and grow as a person. The two major fest's of the university are Dhoom and Projection. I have never seen anything this grand and vivacious like that fest at Parul. Celebrations never stop at Parul. There's always something going on. You will have numerous opportunities to showcase your talents and hone your skills.

The hostels are pretty good. Depending upon the individual's needs and budget there are many options available. I opted for Indira Bhavan - B. It is a flat which has two attached bathrooms and can accommodate 10 girls. The hostels are equipped with bed, almirah, chairs, tables and mirrors. You have enough space to adjust your items. The mess is closely and provides three times meal/ day. The food has variety and Tastes fine (atleast to me). I would still prefer the mess to provide a little healthier breakfast instead of oily snacks in the morning. A sweet dish is provided on Sunday. Some of the rectors are good, but others are too rude and strict. If you are lucky you will get a good one. Mine was fine so I didn't have any issues during my stay in a hostel. And yes! the electronics are not allowed except for hair straightener. So no kettle, no iron.