My capability and interest in experimenting and trying new things have increased tenfold, says Amrita

I've always been a confused soul. Having a range of preferences and talents, a flexible programme, and overwhelming encouragement from my family led me to have ample subjects to study at the undergraduate level. I selected the Science stream, which had English, Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry, and Biology as its subjects. With the Science Stream, I could comfortably choose either Biology or Architecture as a career choice.

After the Class 12 board exams were over, I appeared for several entrance exams, seeking to make a decision about both the college and the course. I've been given admissions and scholarships in two of my top options for Biology and Biotechnology, but as NATA, the Architecture entry test, takes place in July, I haven't been able to validate my decisions until taking the exam.

I was more interested in architecture because of how it combines a variety of fields: physics, mathematics, social sciences, construction, sculpture, history, and cultural studies. Being an intrinsically artistic individual, I was also appealed to the potential of expressing myself in the built world.

After NATA, I thought about many colleges all over the country. I found out about Anant National University quite by mistake, in an email where they told me that I was qualifying for a full NATA score scholarship. In addition to an enticing course, a strong faculty and a well-designed infrastructure, this automatically attracted me to it. The uniqueness of the batch, made up of students from diverse backgrounds coming from all over the country, was also a unique selling point, as one of the main things I desired in college life was a chance to meet different people.

NATA, the National Aptitude Test in Architecture, is the primary entrance exam for the five-year BArch programme. It is a combination of basic Science (physics/chemistry/maths), Logical Reasoning, basic Architectural aptitude, and Drawing. While preparing for the exam, I studied 10 years of question papers for the theory section, doing some extra reading where appropriate, and brushing on stuff like colour theory and construction elements. I also took three weeks of professional drawing lessons from a professor. Though I've already done a few years of art lessons, but drawing in NATA is specifically architectural, which requires dedicated practice.

My NATA rank made me eligible for a full scholarship at AnantU, and also allowed me to bypass the private entrance test and interview rounds. So I suppose I cracked the admission in my college just by preparing for the entrance exam!

College life at AnantU is rich and versatile. I am currently in my fourth semester of architecture (the third was completely online). In my first two semesters, I wrote for the University newsletter, took part in a few of the college festivals, joined some of the many clubs on campus, and explored Ahmedabad, a cultural and historical city. I enjoyed classes that were more design-oriented, such as Elements of Design and Exploring Design Disciplines, as well as more linguistic courses, such as Written & Verbal Communication.

Post the first year, courses were largely Architectural, including a Studio course, Environmental Studies, History, a few electives, and Building Construction. There is enough versatility in the course outlines to cater to the interests of most students.

I am currently a co-host of the university podcast, I edit the university newsletter, I head two clubs on campus (the TEDxAnantU Club and the AnantU Debate Club), and hold the post of Unit Designee for my college as a part of NASA India. Given the opportunity, I would like to explore various mixed media (such as literature, films, and art), and work more on graphic design. Additionally, I would like to study in-depth the works and writings of established and upcoming architects and build my own bank of knowledge and skill set.

College life made me much more outgoing, and much more adventurous. My capability and interest in experimenting and trying new things have increased tenfold. I have also learned how to better manage my time, as architecture is not a course for the faint of heart, and involves many long nights and gruelling hours of study. However, it is an extremely rewarding field for those who are willing to put in the effort.

About the author

Amrita is a second-year architecture student at Anant National University. In addition to being an enthusiastic student and learner, she is an active participant in several campus activities and events, enjoy writing, reading, and graphic designing. She has always been a curious and vivacious person and believes that college has enhanced both these facets of her personality. Amrita enjoys experimenting and trying new things, and exploring above and beyond the confines of my course.

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