St. Xavier's College BJMC Review By Aryaman Sharma

"It's not just a college; it's a way of life." The Xavier's motto echoes loud and wide in every hall of the institution. What drove me to Xavier's is their distinct style. A style that spans across every aspect of the college. Its British architecture, their commitment to values, it's lavish yet traditional canteen and old-school yet maintained classrooms are hallmarks of the college life offered by Xavier's. Established in the heart of Mumbai, the college has a certain reputation in the country for excellence. However, it's their emphasis on cultural activities such as their iconic Malhar fest, one of the biggest student-run fests in Asia, and co-curricular is an exciting prospect for the applicants. As for the education, Xavier's has some specialty courses such as Management Studies and Mass Communication (the one I am pursuing myself) which has also stood the test of time really well, thanks to their commitment to refinement to keep up the pace with the rest of the pack. Add in the fact that Xavier's has adopted New Education Policy, a student learns way more than just the course they opted for. Consequently, it finds itself as one of the premier colleges in the country for arts program with incredible facilities to provide practical, real-life element to their courses aided by its excellent faculty. Not only that, students here can try their hand at various hobbies and skills that might greatly differ from the course they are pursuing. Photography and Videography is the most prominent example that comes to my mind when I think of exciting opportunities to learn anew at Xavier's. While I am a student of Mass Communication and Journalism, things could have panned out very differently for me as I was looking to study BBA as well and had secured admission in top colleges of the country in like Narsee Monjee, Symbiosis and Delhi University. However, it was the best media course I can find offered by Xavier's that swayed me away. Don't get me wrong it isn't easy to get in, given that there are only a handful of seats available to the General category. But as nervous is the whole process, once you get in there's no looking back. At the end of the day, as an aspiring sports journalist, it was imperative for me to lay a solid foundation in the world of media and communication and I am glad I am able to conjure a base for my ambitious future. Lastly but not the least, Xavier's belongs to the students. It's a way of life that will annoy and excite in equal measure but it's definitely worth it all.

The Bachelor of Arts Mass Communication and Journalism course (BAMCJ), formerly Bachelor of Mass Media (BMM) is for those who want to entertain, create and ideate. A hub of bustling talent in areas of photography, oration, social media talent, film-making, and journalism, the course provides extensive theoretical learning combined with practical hands-on elements to prepare its students for the voyages in media. For the Mass Communication and Journalism program, the applicant will be eligible to proceed given they pass their 12th standard exam or equivalent. Then they will need to score considerably well in the Xavier's Entrance Test considering the number of seats. A final score combining 60% of an applicant's XET score and 40% of their Class XII exam will decide whether they secure admission or not.

Things happen a bit differently here at Xavier's. The faculty, acknowledging the advent, emergence and existence of internet related sources has regularly groomed their teaching style to suit that of learning of the modern generation. With more emphasis on learning through the internet, the faculty implores students to be more aware of the happenings around them through any source possible, ranging from Instagram to newspapers. Less used are the textbooks, class plans are designed with focus on open-ended discussions through thought-provoking sessions, while the practical sessions provides the hands-on learning that complement the classroom teaching incredibly well.

Yes, indeed the college has a placement cell which is committed to getting students their dream jobs by providing intensive internship opportunities as well. All in all, it has an impressive placement rate as well in accordance with their industry or even cross-industry if the talents suffice other areas.

As a hosteller, it was the best part of my time at Xavier's. While I succeeded in making some friendships for life, the hostel facilities aren't particular exciting. There is no A/C in any of the rooms there. In addition, there are common washrooms on each floor with sufficient number of stalls. The hostel residency consists of three floors in the hostel building. The first three are occupied with classrooms and the following floors consist of double-sharing, triple-sharing and quadruple sharing rooms. It's relatively cheap too so it's great for first-year students who are settling.

The infrastructure is a highlight. As mentioned above the British era architecture instantly catches the eye of any bystander and it's something to behold. The stairs, the classrooms are certainly nostalgic and iconic as well considering the huge array of films shot in the college. If it wasn't impressive enough for the students, the bollywood industry certainly appreciates it greatly.

It couldn't get better. The fests in Malhar, the clubs such as Marathi Vangmay Mandal, societies such as Theory Club, Xavier's has something for everyone. Participation in these clubs and fests provide students with a lot of professional experience as well, equipping them with skills which could result into internship opportunities later on. It's fair to expect a huge wave of footfall at these fests and exhibitions considering the size and stature of Xavier's at least locally. The college also is a breeding ground for arts such as musicians, dancers and even sports. Not to mention, the canteen, that is the hub of all life at the college. Not a day goes by where the college doesn't have an event going on. It almost never sleeps.