Women's Christian College B.Com Review By Parimala Ar

Magical is what I would call my life at WCC. Women's Christian College is one college that has molded students not just academically but spiritually and socially as well. However, for me personally, the college has made me a nice human being for sure. One thing that saddens or hurts me is that many people ask that are Hindus discriminated at the college because Christian students are given preference. I would like to clear all the air about it because there was no discrimination at all with students related to their cast, colour, or creed. My journey at this beautiful campus started with a cute little orientation segment. I was an introvert and used to live in my own space or bubble but the activities at the college made me come out of my shell. I can proudly say that I reinvented myself. Luckily I was a hosteller and that helped me discover the true beauty of the college. WCC is better known for the rules and discipline they have. The college rules are strict and the hostel rules are even stricter. On the whole, Women Christian College is a great place to be at.

The curriculum designed was perfect and the strict and on-time classes made sure that we were always way ahead of our schedule. The college is 100 years old and its academic values are its testimony. The college is autonomous and has its own syllabus that is much advanced. Once you enter the campus, you won’t be allowed to leave the campus without a reason. You must have known about 60, 70, 75% attendance compulsory but at WCC, it's 85%. It was a real deal-breaker because bunking by any means was just not possible for the hostelites.

The faculty laid a rule book for the students and stern action for violating any of those. Sisters is what called to most of the faculty members were strict but so professional because they never had any favorites among us and the students with weaker grades were given extra attention. The faculty encouraged us thoroughly to be a part of extra-curricular activities but the ratio of academics and activities was divided in 80:20. You got to give the priority to academics and only then you were sent to socialize at the inter-college levels. Talent didn’t matter at WCC as your grades + talent were the criteria set by the faculty to present oneself with a chance to showcase their talent.

B. Com (Hons) had decent placements as we used to have a specialized subject and as per the subjects chosen we were presented internship opportunities. WCC is one of the finest names and recruiters have realized the importance of having girls in their organization and therefore most girls during our batch were presented a placement opportunity during the internships. The placement was not 100% but it was equivalent to the attendance required. Banks, IT, Cement, and Tyre companies that are the core companies of Chennai were invited to interview WCC students. A pay package and the roles of business co-coordinator or the role of assistant manager were provided with an average salary of 25-30k a month.

There are 7 hostel buildings inside the campus. This is where the rules start taking place as the hostel gates open at 8.00 am on weekdays and 7.00 am on weekends. The hostel gates closing time was 6.00 pm and I have never seen Chennai nightlife all 3 years as we couldn’t step out of the hostel. Even if our parents are okay the hostel rules were such that we can’t enter after 6.00 pm and we can only stay at our local guardian place. 8.30 pm to 10.30 pm was study time and if our mobile rang the rector would take our phone and will only return after 2-3 days. The dining hall was next to the hostel building and we had a dress code like we couldn’t wear shorts or anything but proper casuals have to be worn outside the hostel room. We had both veg and non-veg options and the food at the mess was eatable because it hardly had any spices.

WCC campus is so beautiful and close to mother earth as there were enough plants and trees that the humid weather of Chennai rather stayed away from the WCC campus. The college’s highlight was the Chapel at the center. It wasn’t a compulsion for students to worship compulsorily but since most of the students were Christian they used to offer prayers often and every Sunday, Bishop or head Nun would pay a visit to the Chapel. The college terrace was our best hangout point as that is where we exchanged notes and used to chill. The library was common for all departments and the computer labs were also shared by students of all streams.

I never in my life thought that I would wear a saree but at WCC we were supposed to wear a saree for most of the events. If it wasn’t for the great academic and social values that the college provides one would feel it as a jail where we can’t even breathe with our own will. My parents though were so happy that they tried their best that I enroll for PG at the same college but I knew I was done. Overall, WCC is best for studies but the enjoyment factor will be badly missed.