Ravenshaw University B.A Review By Parthasarathi Dash

Well, here is how my lust for Ravenshaw began, from my childhood I've always been an admirer of Gopabandhu Das. Partly because of his civic activities and a lot because of his poetry. So, when I heard that, he is an alumnus of Ravenshaw University- BOOM! I fixed that, I've to go to the college. After my boards, I got admission (in the batch of 2017-19), and had a lot of fun during the 2 years of time span. Okay, let's head to the review.

Ravenshaw is considered as one of the finest public universities of Odisha. If we turn the pages of History the name is after, British Commissioner Thomas Edward Ravenshaw. The institution was established by him in the mid-19th century, for the purpose of development in higher studies. The institution provides the motto of; 'Knowledge is Power'. The admission process is simply online, you've to apply and if your luck is with you, you'll get into the prestigious institution.

Ravenshaw offers a LOT of courses, from Science to Commerce to Arts, everything. Apart from that, they've some self-financing courses as well; like- ITM (Information Technology and Management), JMC (Journalism and Mass Communication), Computer science, B.Ed, Law etc. For admission you need to clear an entrance test, but for some courses, you need only merit (in your certificate). You need to score above 80 percentiles (minimum), to get a seat in the intermediate program. But if you want to join the Science stream- things aren't that simple. Your percentile has to be above 90. In terms of Bachelor's programs, I must say- Its' highly competitive. So, prepare accordingly. You don't need to do any extra effort, just studying your course content religiously will be fine.

Library: No doubt, Kanika library in the campus of Ravenshaw is probably the biggest library in Odisha. There you can find some great resources on textual and non-textual books. They're also available in soft copy format, for which you can just request them and the librarian (he's a nice person BTW) will transfer them to your device. The environment around the library area is absolutely calm, so it's definitely a place for your studies. In my time, I used to spend at least 2 hours in the library, everyday.

From my experience, Ravenshaw has a really good and friendly group of faculties. The lectures and professors there are so well mannered and so well educated. Their approach towards teaching is really innovative and creative. Especially in Arts stream. Now they're using some modern methods of teaching like, student-centric education and activity based learning.

There is field vision program in intermediate level as well (If you have Education as an elective subject), which is so cool. In my year, we visited the Saraswati Sishu Vidya Mandir, for field visit. We had some fun by visiting their classrooms and teaching them like an actual teacher. They also provide some remedial classes to clear your doubts.

Now, to be frank, Ravenshaw doesn't offer great placements. But they're not bad either. Mostly, the courses which are under self-financing mode, offers decent enough placements. If you want to gain some experiences or to add a few extra bucks to your pocket money, then you can do some internship here. I've seen students working as research assistants as well. The packages start from Rs. 2 lakh to Rs. 12 lakh in some courses but a lot of courses are dry.

The university has total of 13 hostels, for both boys and girls. Again, Cuttack is one of the safest cities in Odisha, so; It doesn't matter you are a girl or a boy, YOU WILL BE SAFE. Only thing you need to keep in mind is to read the hostel policies, before settling down. If you can, please choose the new hostels cause, the old ones don't have wi-fi in them. In hostel you've to follow a rule, between 10 PM to 6 AM, goes the silent hour. So, you can't make noise or play any kind of loud music in the respective hour.

Hostel fests are another joy, there they celebrate Ganesh Puja, Saraswati Puja, Teacher's day, freshman's day etc. Yes, yearly picnic and farewell is separate. I've stayed 2 years there and I still miss my hostel days. Even while writing this, nostalgia is gripping me.

Hostel fees are really low, it's just Rs. 600 per month. With your progress in academics they provide you the freedom of changing your hostel. Food quality is good, if not best.

Situating in the core of Cuttack, the university is no doubt, a temple for Education. The campus is ultra-modern, with 24/7 ATM, gymnasium, post office, one SBI branch, playground, library, and almost everything you need to live as a fresher. Both from railway station and bus stop (Badambadi), you can reach the college in 10 minutes via Auto.

Cuttack is one of the cheap cities in Odisha, so you need roughly 2-3 thousand bucks PM to stay here, as a student. There is a book market is in Ravenshaw Square, and you can get almost every book at affordable prices. If not really a book market, there are plenty of book stores. So If you're a book lover, its' your paradise. There are bunch of fast food stalls all around the campus, if you're a foodie- here you go.

There is almost no campus politics. Now the government banned student election as well. At the time of your admission you have to submit an anti-ragging affidavit. So, there is no question about ragging. Inside the college you'll find a lot of doors to enhance your creativity. There is open mic, to spread your voice. There are various literary magazines, to dig the writer self inside you. There is dramatic society, to suck the actor/actress from core of you, and a lot more.

Inside the campus equality is in the air. Here you'll find no discrimination among caste, and gender. Everyone going to give you a hand of help.

While summing up my review, my only advice will be- If you are an explorer, choose this university. If you love new experiences, and love to grow; shut your eyes and go for it (I swear, you aren't gonna regret). Ravenshaw is a wonderful institution to being a part of. So, if you can, give this a go. Now, it doesn't matter if you're from Odisha, or some other State, if you have plans of coming here, remember one thing- a beautiful life is waiting for you.