St. Xavier's College BJMC Review By Sara Wadekar

Once you choose the course you want to pursue, the inevitable question that follows is, “where do you want to pursue it?” I was in the same dilemma 2 years back when I had decided to pursue Mass Media but had no clue which college in India would be the best for this course. My research included intense scouring of the internet and talking to people working in the media field. The name that kept repeating was St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai. I had seen its indo-gothic architecture, arches and majestic quad on my screen before in the innumerable films and ads that were shot in Xavier’s. I knew the famous alumni, but since I wasn’t a native of Mumbai, I didn’t know much else. On further research and consideration, Xavier’s became my top choice considering its location in Mumbai, the centre of the media and the high praise of it from the many media persons that I spoke to. Entering into my second year now, I’ve been a part of the college for slightly over a year and in this one year I’ve seen Xavier’s live up to the hype that surrounds it. Xavier’s believes in the practical application of everything that one learns in theory. With fests happening every other month, students are encouraged to be a part of the workforce, choosing to work in various departments ranging from performing arts to public relations and administration. The college offers the perfect balance of extracurricular and academics. In my year here, I’ve never felt overwhelmed by either. Under the New Education Policy, we are the first batch who got the opportunity to pursue a minor along with our major subject. The New Education Policy has also added certain electives, skills and ability enhancement courses. Thus, changing the curriculum. But it requires time adjusting to it, because we are the first batch functioning under this change. The college has tried its best to make the experience smooth and seamless. If you’re a student interested in pursuing mass media, be it advertising, journalism or film, Xavier’s is the perfect college for you as it offers great opportunities to hone your skills and pushes you to step out of your comfort zone to explore the media landscape on your own.

The BMM (Mass Media) course, renamed BA-MCJ (Mass Communications and Journalism) takes in 120 students every year with certain reservations for the Maharashtra Board and Christian Minority students. The college has an entrance exam for the Self-Financed courses which includes BA-MCJ. Admission is on merit basis with 60% weightage given to the entrance test and 40% weightage to 12th board marks. Previously, students had to choose between advertising and journalism in their third year but now with an aim towards holistic education the college curriculum covers both areas and students do not have to choose between the two. For setting a foundation and understanding in-depth of the workings in the media industry, this course is highly recommended.

Our faculty is made up of a combination of permanent and visiting professors, who have experience in the industry. Thus, are able to aptly teach us the skills necessary to thrive in the media industry. They discourage rote learning and rather encourage us to do our own research and come to conclusions through discussions and debates. Peer-to-peer learning is greatly encouraged with the professors stimulating free flowing discussions in the classroom and ensuring an environment where students feel free to ask questions. Our knowledge is tested in multiple ways through the written end sem examinations that test our theoretical knowledge while group projects and presentations test other essential skills like team work and public speaking.

We have a placement cell in the institute. We also have our professors sending in a lot of internship opportunities. Since our college strongly encourages us to intern. Most of the students have done internships in multiple places by their third year, having a strong portfolio and network which means they already have job opportunities awaiting them after graduation and do not need to go through the placement cell. However for certain courses, the placement cell is highly beneficial and provides them with the necessary employment opportunities post graduation.

The college has a boy’s hostel for boys in their first and third years as well as for those pursuing their masters. Thought it may seem limited, space restrictions in Mumbai mean very few colleges even have a campus, let alone a hostel. The boy’s hostel has a curfew of 10:30 p.m. and is clean as well as well-maintained. As for the others, there are quite a few PG’s and private hostels around the college that offer safe and clean housing facilities.

Built in the indo-gothic style, Xavier’s is a 155 year old heritage structure. Its grand design has been seen in various films and ads. It’s just as majestic in real life as it looks on screen. But besides the visual appeal, the college is wheelchair friendly, has washrooms in every building, offers a basketball and volleyball court and has an all-day canteen that offers a wide range of food from American to South Indian to bakery food items. Hygiene and cleanliness is always maintained.

The campus life is truly the highlight of St. Xavier’s. While it’s renowned for Malhar, the annual inter-collegiate fest. The college hosts several other fests throughout the year, including a media department fest known as Zeitgeist. The college also has lots of different clubs and societies, many under the Extra-Curricular Committee. No matter what your area of interest is, Xavier’s probably has a club catering to it. While ragging tends to be a staple of many colleges, Xavier’s isn’t one of them. Seniors are friendly, supportive and are always ready to help when asked. Xavier’s encourages you to step out and explore the world for yourself, to be the best version of who you are. If you want to find yourself, Xavier’s is the place for you.