The good and the bad about Pondicherry University

The curriculum has both theoretical and practical aspects to it. For the first three semesters we have a destination field visit. The first semester DFV is a one day trip comprising of visiting destinations around and in pondicherry. The second semester DFV comprises of visiting destinations in south india and the third semester DFV comprises going on a national tour. The theoretical part is relevant to the current trends in the tourism industry and provides the student with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in this industry. The curriculum could be improved by updating it more often due to the fast changing trends. The exams are held thrice in a semester with the first two being internal exams and the last one being the Main external exam. The exams are not tough and comprises of what has been taught in the class.

Intership is offered during the summers. Faculty offers help in securing internship but most of the work is to be done by the students. The opportunities are vast due to the alumni network with everyone getting an internship offer at reputed tourism and hospitality firms.

Students become eligible to sit for placements in the 4th semester during December when the placement drive starts. Most of the major travel agencies like Thomas cook, make my trip, etc come for the drive. The university boasts about 70% of the students are placed. The package ranges from 3,00,000 to 6,00,000 p.a. the average package is around 3.5 lakhs. My plans are to get placed in a reputed company.

For the first semester, the fees is 66,742 which includes a caution deposit of 2000 rupees and group medical insurance of 142 rupees among other expenses. For the second semester it is 8000 rupees and for third semester it is 62600 rupees. The final semester also has a fee of 8000 rupees. There is also an examination fee payable before exam which is 16 rupees per credit. There is a scholarship for top 3 rankers of a department. For first rank it is 2000 per month, second rank it is 1500 per month and third rank it is 1000 per month. For handicapped students education is free.

The diverse culture in Pondicherry University leads to a pretty much regular fests and events celebrating all the major festivals. DJ nights are a common thing. Every department hosts their annual festival during the Jan-April time. Our department hosts the much awaited Akansha every year in the March- April month. The library is well stocked with books on all subjects. Fictional books are less. There is also a air-conditioned study hall functioning till 3 in the morning for students to study and do their assignments. The classes are air-conditioned but some may not work. They are also fitted with smart boards and projectors. There are multiple grounds and stadiums for all types of sport activities. There is no swimming pool. Student run clubs are there to join if you're interested like music, dance, theatre, technology,etc.

The hostel rent is about 1000 rupees per year but has all major facilities. The hostel is clean and bathrooms are hygienic. If you're opting for hostel you'll need to pay for mess as well which comes to about 15000 per semester. The mess food is okay with taste varying every day. It is hygienic sometimes. Hostel is alloted when you come for admission. Most of the students get a room even in dormitories inside the campus. There are also Hostels, PGs and rented rooms available near the campus

I had applied to many other central universities in india like CU kerala, CU Karnataka, CU Tamil Nadu, CU Himachal and BHU. I got into all of them. I chose Pondicherry University because of the department of tourism studies. The placements offered is also better. The ranking is also in the top 10 and it is nearer to my native place. It also boasts a diverse student culture. The admission process to get into Pondicherry University like other central universities is to write the CUET examination and score well. Eligibility depends on the course you have taken. For my course it was a bachelor's from a reputed college. The cutoff for the first list was about 150 for general category and 100 for OBC.

In our department there are mainly 6 professors and about 20 research scholars. The faculty are approachable with them maintaining a friendly relationship with the students. Classes are taught by both professors and research scholars. Prof. RC Anu chandran is the head of department who has a vast knowledge in many aspects of tourism. Prof Venkata Rao is another such faculty boasting a great resume with years of experience.

Pondicherry city is around 10km away from the campus. Most of what you require is inside the campus with its own shopping complex popularly referred to as ponlait. Students can roam around the campus 24/7 without much restrictions. Even going outside late night is allowed but you have to write in the the register. The famous hangout spots around pondicherry University is spice hut and a local tea shop just near to the gate 1. There is also quick pick which is a shop selling everything for students.