After receiving a 90+ percentage in my 10th grade board exam, like the majority of students, I intended to pursue a career in science. I chose the PCM group as my core disciplines, which included Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, and that’s when the rat race for JEE and other competitive engineering began. I was accepted into a good local college after passing JEE and MH-CET (Maharashtra common entrance test for medical and engineering admission).
Post studying for two whole years to crack the competitive environment, and the Bollywood painted picture of college life, the expectations one has are quite different from the reality.
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My Experiences from First Year of Engineering
The first week of college is usually reserved for orientation, which includes a variety of interesting and interactive activities prepared by seniors as well as the humanities department’s teaching faculty. Yes, according to Mumbai University, the first year has a different department. The subjects are mostly common for all branches in the first year, with roots in 11th and 12th grade physics, chemistry, and mathematics themes. In most cases, time flies during the first semester. College has a diversified, lively, and energetic environment and culture.
The number of subjects in each semester varies by university, however most semesters have six subjects. Some difficult yet high-scoring subjects are presented, such as Basic Electrical Engineering, Engineering Mechanics, and Engineering Drawing. The fundamentals of basic electrical engineering and engineering mechanics are based on physics’ mechanics and current electricity.
Engineering drawing broadens and deepens your understanding of objects by envisioning them from various angles and points of view, as well as transforming them from two to three dimensions and vice versa. Good news for all you buddying coders: C/C++/Python is also taught in one of the two semesters, starting with the fundamental syntax, semantics, and definitions of programming elements.
Numerous students may find the pace of lectures to be too quick, however owing to the internet revolution, there are many youtubers who discuss engineering ideas in depth. YouTube channels such as Gate Smashers, 5 Minutes Engineering, Neso Academy, and Apna College, as well as content from tutorialspoint, javatpoint, and geeks for geeks, were usually binge watched for easy explanations of complex and at times repetitive subjects. For placements and further education purposes, it is preferable to maintain a pointer of at least 8 out of ten.
College has a lot more to offer than just academics. Singing clubs, musical bands, regional language clubs, TEDx clubs, toastmasters clubs, literary and debate clubs, periodicals, enewsletters, theatre society, and many others are among the cultural groups and committees. Students who are interested in technical and professional opportunities might volunteer or join the core committees of student chapters of the Computer Society of India, the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers, and SAE India.
The best time of the college is during the festivals, which take place twice a year, usually in August and September and January and February. Mood Indigo (IIT Bombay), Malhar (St. Xavier’s Mumbai), Alegria (Pillai, Panvel), Incident (NIT-K), Saarang (IIT Madras), Riviera (Vellore Institute of Technology), Rendezvous (IIT Delhi), Waves (BITS Goa) are some of the most popular college festivals in. In the categories of cultural, sports, recreational, and technical, a number of inter and intra-college events are held. This will be one of the most memorable times of your college career, as it is during this time that you will get to know your classmates, meet new people, grow your social network, and participate in events.
Seniors, mostly second- or third-year students, are cooperative and assist the juniors in adjusting to their new surroundings. They will support you no matter what your problems are, whether they be academic or personal. They are the ones who will expose you to jugaadu engineering and perhaps save you a lot of time and work.
In contrast to the dramatic movies, real college life comes with a sense of responsibility with promotion to upper semesters; internships and projects will be the primary focus in senior years. Internship opportunities aren’t confined to higher semesters; if you have permission from your college and an interest in a variety of fields, you can look into platforms like linkedin, internshaala, and unstop (formerly dare to compete).
College is a location where you’ll understand that cramming for exams isn’t going to help you score the best. Experience, leadership, accountability, and a desire to try new things are the genuine deal. My three years as an engineering student taught me far more than the classroom and provided me with much more than a pointer.
One of the most important talents to develop here is the ability to think on your feet and to think beyond the box. There will be times when one does not feel at ease owing to the competition, differences due to diversity or culture, but this is the time to buckle up and break the bubble. This is where you will meet one of your greatest friends or groups with whom you will maintain contact even after graduation.
To all the students reading, all the best for the journey of engineering and hope that you cherish the platform making the most out of it.
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Ms. Aaditee D. Pate is a Third year Computer Engineering student from Fr. C Rodrigues Institute of Technology, Vashi. She remains interested in opportunities in the field of Business Development, Management and Entrepreneurial ventures.
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