I've always known that choosing the right course is more important than choosing a college, says Cheshta

I finished my schooling at Alwar Public School, Alwar, Rajasthan. Since my childhood, I either wanted to become an engineer or an artist. I have been a participant in as many events as possible that have helped me understand my tendency towards designing.

While choosing the stream in Class 11, I was somewhere stuck between Mathematics and Arts. So, ended up pursuing Science (PCM) and Fine Arts. I always wanted art and creativity to be a part of my profession and therefore I chose Designing.

Choosing a college is a very challenging process. I've been exploring three or four options. Anant National University offered a nice palette to pick from. I was a little confused about the style typology that I wanted to try, and AnantU just gave me the right choices. The university also offered a groundbreaking course called Transdisciplinary, a convergence of all architecture specialisations. I resonated with the purpose of the university and loved the fact that it was located in Ahmedabad as a pioneer in design education. I've always known that choosing the right course is more important than choosing a college, and I still believe that. Yet I am very grateful that my university has offered me a lot more than I've ever expected. It completely changed my life and my personality.

The university also offered a groundbreaking course called Transdisciplinary, a convergence of all architecture specialisations. I resonated with the purpose of the university and loved the fact that it was located in Ahmedabad as a pioneer in design education.

During the admission process, I reviewed the website periodically and the entrance exam schedule. The examination centres were mostly based in Gujarat, which was a little difficult for me. So, I mailed the college admissions department about this and requested them to arrange an exam in Jaipur or Delhi. They were really supportive and considered my submission. So, my entrance test was conducted privately. It was conducted just like any other student's exam. The exam had four sections to assess conceptual reasoning, intuition and ingenuity. It lasted about four to five hours, including a Skype interview with a professor at the university.

Since I was considering three to four options in the beginning, my preparation wasn't college-specific. I got a book of mock test papers to test my abilities and skills and to get an idea about the type of questions asked in the exam. I was preparing along with the Class 12 board exams. Preparing for college was a stress-buster in between the long and lengthy scientific chapters. I couldn't clear entrance for NID but was successful in IIAD, AnantU and two more universities.

College life is nothing like what we see in the movies. It's a lot more intense and a lot better. When I look back at my trip to AnantU, I get a huge smile on my face. It's a well-planned journey that fills me with great memories. Before the semester begins, we are exposed to a module course that seeks to unlearn traditional ways, to create a team, to be innovative, to attempt something different and to engage in debates with large groups of students.

College life is nothing like what we see in the movies. It's a lot more intense and a lot better.

My favourite spots in college are the library, the maker’s room (the clay and potter's wheel), the canteen, the lovely green land and the plantations in the back of the house. I enjoy going out and spending time in nature with my parents. It's still nice to hear birds chirp and squirrels play during classes. I like to attend all the classes. But above all, I feel like I learn so many new things in every class.

As I've always believed in the importance of engagement, I'm seeking to take part in activities that resonate with me. I am a part of the bloom group that is AnantU's well-being initiative. I am organising meetings and programmes, fostering inspiration and inclusiveness under this umbrella. I am also a core member of the AnantU Exhibition Club. We currently have about 25-30 e-sports clubs to discuss.

As I've always believed in the importance of engagement, I'm seeking to take part in activities that resonate with me. I am a part of the bloom group that is AnantU's well-being initiative. I am organising meetings and programmes, fostering inspiration and inclusiveness under this umbrella.

Student facilities are such an essential part of the growth of student personality in our college. It gives us the strength and freedom to come up with new clubs, activities and new team bonding models. This is my favourite part of the university. In addition, the academic department periodically advises us on the current exhibitions and competitions in the area that offer us better visibility.

There is so much more to AnantU and one can only unveil that by being a part of the university.

About the author:

Cheshta Jain is a student of BDes (Space Design) at Anant National University. She likes to read, paint and try her hands-on different types of art and craftwork. Cheshta feels very connected to Indian culture and crafts and is looking forward to unveiling the meaning behind everything.

Note: The views expressed in this article are solely author’s own and do not reflect/represent those of Shiksha