An Interaction with VIT Chennai student: Pradhyuman Arora (BTech CSE)

Careers360 brings you an interview with Pradhyuman Arora, a fourth-year student pursuing Computer Science at VIT Chennai. In his interview with Careers360, Pradhyuman shares his experience at VIT Chennai, the activities offered at VIT, the faculty-student ratio, VIT Chennai facilities, clubs and societies and more. To know more about VIT Chennai from a student's perspective go through the complete interview of Pradhyuman Arora.

About: Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Chennai was established in 2010. Courses at VIT Chennai are offered at undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral levels in multiple disciplines. Students every year clear their board exams and admissions at various colleges open up, arts and engineering colleges receive numerous applications. Admission to the VIT Chennai BTech programme is done based on candidates' rank in the VIT Engineering Entrance Exam (VITEEE). According to the VIT Chennai placements 2023, 904 companies visited the campus for recruitment. VIT Chennai highest package stood at Rs. 1.02 Crore per annum. However, the average salary package was Rs. 9.23 LPA respectively. Major recruiters of VIT Chennai are Microsoft, Uber, Adobe, Intel, Amazon, JP Morgan, Accenture, Nokia, Deloitte and more.

Q. Tell us something about yourself such as from which place are you from?

A: Hello, I'm Pradhyuman Arora, a fourth-year student pursuing Computer Science at VIT Chennai. Hailing from Mathura, a city in Uttar Pradesh, I have the privilege of belonging to a place known for its rich cultural heritage and historical significance, particularly as the birthplace of Lord Krishna.

Q. Presently which course are you pursuing and in which year are you?

A: I am currently enrolled in bachelor's programme in Computer Science with a specialisation in Cyber Physical Systems, and I am in my fourth and final year of study.

Check details about: VIT Chennai courses

Q. Did you face any difficulty in the initial months when you joined VIT Chennai?

A: No, I did not encounter significant difficulties during the initial months of joining VIT Chennai. The transition from school to college was smooth, largely due to the student-friendly curriculum and supportive environment provided by the institute. Additionally, the orientation programmes and support services offered by the college helped ease any concerns or uncertainties I may have had.

Q. What activities are offered in VIT Chennai? Are there any clubs for the various extracurricular activities? Which ones have you taken up and are a part of?

A: The institute offers a wide range of activities, both indoor and outdoor. There are facilities for activities such as carrom, table tennis, cricket, football, basketball, badminton etc. Additionally, there are over 100 clubs that organise various extracurricular activities, including hackathons, open mics, and awareness campaigns.

Personally, I have been involved in several clubs including HackClub, Dramatics Club, Android Club, and Microsoft Innovations Club. During my first two years, I dedicated my time to learning from senior members and then passed on that knowledge to new members who joined the clubs.

Q. Describe a typical day at VIT Chennai – what do you do from the time you wake up till you go to sleep?

A: A typical day at VIT Chennai follows a structured routine. We usually wake up around 7:00 AM, especially if we have classes starting at 8:00 AM. After waking up, we get ready for the day and have breakfast before heading off to classes.

During any free slots in our schedule, which might occur between classes, we have the option to either return to our rooms for some rest or hang out with friends in common areas like Northsquare or Gazebo.

Once classes for the day are finished in the evening, I often spend time with friends. This could involve playing games, attending events happening around the campus, or simply taking a leisurely walk around the campus to unwind.

After socialising, I return to the hostel to have dinner. Following that, I dedicate time to completing assignments, daily assignments, and working on project tasks. Typically, this keeps me occupied until around midnight to 1:00 AM when I finally retire for the night.

More about: VIT Chennai admission

Q. Tell us about the faculty-student ratio here and about the teacher-student relationship in your understanding.

A: From my perspective, the excellent faculty-student ratio at VIT Chennai has been instrumental in shaping a highly conducive learning environment. With a manageable number of students per instructor, I've found that I can easily approach faculty members for guidance, clarification, or additional support whenever needed. This accessibility has fostered a sense of mutual respect between teachers and students, where open communication and collaboration are encouraged.

One aspect that stands out to me is the emphasis on mentorship within the teacher-student relationship. Faculty members don't just impart knowledge during lectures; they also serve as mentors who are genuinely invested in the success and well-being of their students. Through one-on-one interactions, academic advising, and mentorship programmes, they provide invaluable guidance, encouragement, and career advice, helping us navigate our academic journey and prepare for future endeavors.

Moreover, the collaborative nature of the teacher-student relationship extends beyond the classroom. I've had the opportunity to work closely with faculty members on research projects, extracurricular activities, and community initiatives. These experiences have not only enriched my learning but have also allowed me to develop meaningful connections with my professors, forging lifelong mentorship bonds that extend beyond graduation.

Q. What facilities do you have in VIT Chennai? What do you like here the most which you feel is unique and differentiating?

A: VIT Chennai offers a wide array of facilities designed to cater to the diverse needs of its students, fostering holistic development and providing a conducive environment for learning and growth. Here's an overview of some of the VIT Chennai facilities available on campus:

Advanced Labs: VIT Chennai boasts state-of-the-art laboratories equipped with cutting-edge technology and high-end equipment. These labs cover a range of disciplines including IoT, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Biotechnology, Electronics, Robotics, and Environmental Science, among others. Students have access to specialised software and instruments, enabling them to conduct experiments, research, and projects under the guidance of experienced faculty members.

Sports Facilities: The campus offers excellent sports facilities to promote physical fitness and recreational activities among students. These facilities include indoor and outdoor sports complexes, gymnasiums, tennis courts, basketball courts, cricket grounds, football fields, and more. Students can participate in a variety of sports and games, both for leisure and competitive purposes.

Library: The library at VIT Chennai is a hub of knowledge and resources, housing a vast collection of books, journals, periodicals, and online databases. It provides students with access to academic literature, research materials, and reference resources to support their studies and research endeavors.

Hostel Accommodation: The campus provides comfortable and secure hostel accommodation for students, offering both single and shared room options. Hostels are equipped with modern amenities such as Wi-Fi connectivity, laundry facilities, recreational areas, and 24/7 security, ensuring a conducive living environment for students.

Dining Facilities: VIT Chennai has multiple dining facilities and food courts serving a variety of cuisines to cater to diverse tastes and preferences. The campus cafeterias offer nutritious and hygienic meals, snacks, and beverages at affordable prices, ensuring that students have access to wholesome food options throughout the day.

Health Services: The campus has a well-equipped health center staffed with qualified medical professionals to provide healthcare services to students. The health center offers medical consultations, emergency care, first aid assistance, and basic diagnostic facilities to ensure the well-being of students.

Academic Support Services: VIT Chennai provides academic support services such as tutoring, counseling, career guidance, and mentorship programmes to assist students in their academic and personal development. These services aim to help students achieve their academic goals, overcome challenges, and make informed decisions about their future.

Q. How comfortable are your hostels and how about the cleanliness factor over there?

A: The hostels at our institute are exceptionally comfortable, offering ample space for students to reside comfortably. The rooms are well-designed and spacious, allowing for efficient storage of personal belongings. Moreover, the hostels are meticulously maintained, with regular cleaning carried out by dedicated staff members. Rooms are cleaned daily, ensuring a hygienic environment for residents. Additionally, washrooms and bathrooms undergo cleaning multiple times a day to uphold cleanliness standards and promote hygiene.

Furthermore, the hostels are equipped with modern amenities to enhance the living experience of students. Wi-Fi facilities are available throughout the hostel premises, enabling students to access online resources and study materials conveniently, even in areas where mobile network coverage may be limited.

Q. What about the medical facilities at VIT Chennai? Can you avail requisite medical attention if needed in an emergency?

A: Yes, we are fortunate to have excellent medical facilities available on campus. VIT Chennai has a dedicated health center staffed with professional doctors who are available to provide medical assistance to students whenever needed. This health center operates 24x7, ensuring that students can access requisite medical attention at any time, including during emergencies.

In addition to the health center, the institute also provides ambulance services to transport students to medical facilities if necessary. This ensures that prompt medical care can be administered to students, regardless of the time of day or night.

Q. How do you balance your studies, projects, exams and other activities?

A: Balancing studies, projects, exams, and other activities requires effective time management and prioritisation. One strategy I employ is dedicating specific time slots during the night to cover projects and study materials thoroughly. This allows me to focus without distractions and ensures that I can complete my academic tasks efficiently.

Additionally, I find it helpful to make proper notes during class lectures. Taking detailed and organised notes not only helps me understand the material better but also serves as a valuable study aid during exam preparation. Reviewing these notes regularly allows me to reinforce concepts and stay on top of my coursework.

Furthermore, I prioritise tasks based on deadlines and importance. By setting realistic goals and breaking down larger projects into smaller, manageable tasks, I can make steady progress while ensuring that I allocate sufficient time for studying, completing assignments, and participating in extracurricular activities.

Moreover, maintaining a healthy work-life balance is crucial. I make sure to schedule time for relaxation, socialising with friends, and engaging in hobbies or activities that help me recharge and destress. This not only prevents burnout but also enhances my overall well-being and productivity.

Q. Tell us about the clubs and societies at the VIT Chennai campus and how significant are they from your point of view or students' point of view.

A: The clubs and societies at the VIT Chennai campus are incredibly significant from both my perspective and that of other students. With over 100 clubs covering various domains including social, technical, and cultural, they provide a diverse range of opportunities for students to engage in their areas of interest.

These clubs play a vital role in students' lives by offering exposure to different cultural and technical aspects beyond the traditional academic curriculum. For example, participation in technical clubs can provide hands-on experience with projects related to robotics, programming, or engineering, which can be invaluable for future career prospects.

Moreover, special teams representing the college in international events such as formula car racing, off-road cars, and drone/rover competitions offer students a unique chance to apply their skills in real-world scenarios and showcase their talents on a global stage. Involvement in these special teams not only enhances technical proficiency but also fosters teamwork, problem-solving abilities, and project management skills, which are highly valued by employers.

Furthermore, cultural clubs contribute to the holistic development of students by providing platforms to showcase talents in arts, music, dance, and theatre. Participation in cultural activities helps students hone creativity, communication skills, and cultural awareness, which are essential qualities in today's interconnected world.

Overall, these clubs and societies play a crucial role in shaping students into well-rounded individuals by offering opportunities for personal growth, skill development, networking, and leadership experience, making them an integral part of the college experience.

Q. Is there any in-house magazine or journal for the latest events or happenings at VIT Chennai?

A: Yes, we have an in-house magazine called "Capsule" that serves as a comprehensive platform for capturing all the events and latest happenings at the institute. This magazine provides coverage of various activities, achievements, and initiatives undertaken by students, faculty, and staff. Additionally, "Capsule" includes messages from alumni, the Student Welfare Director, the Vice President, and other dignitaries, offering insights and perspectives on the institute's development and progress. It serves as a valuable resource for keeping the campus community informed and engaged with the ongoing activities and accomplishments at the institute.

Q. What are the popular hangouts at VIT Chennai? What, according to you, are the most-visited places nearby?

A: The most popular hangout spots at VIT Chennai include Clock Court, MBA Amphitheater, Northsquare, Gazebo, and AB1 Portico. These areas often buzz with activity and provide students with spaces to relax, socialise, and enjoy their leisure time.

As for nearby places outside the campus, some of the most visited spots include nearby cafes where students often gather for coffee or snacks. Marina Mall is a popular destination for shopping and catching movies, offering entertainment options for students looking to unwind. Additionally, Vandalur Zoo is another attraction that sees many visitors, providing an opportunity for students to explore and connect with nature outside the campus environment.

Q. How do you spend your leisure time at VIT Chennai campus?

A: During my leisure time at the campus, I engage in various activities to unwind and socialise. I often hang out with friends in common areas like Northsquare or Gazebo, where we chat, play games, or simply relax. Sometimes, I also attend events happening around the campus or take leisurely walks to explore different areas. Overall, I make sure to balance my academic commitments with moments of relaxation and social interaction during my leisure time at the campus.

Know more about: VIT Chennai Placements

Q. Do you have any Facebook page of VIT Chennai campus where the students express their views, jokes or ideas, or maybe even a blog where they write about their experience of life at campus?

A: Yes, we have an Instagram handle called "vitrendz" where students express their views, share memes, and post reels about life at VIT Chennai and their experiences. Additionally, VIT Chennai has its own social media presence on platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook, where they showcase student achievements and provide insights into college life. Furthermore, the Student Welfare Office also manages an Instagram handle where they regularly post about various events organised by clubs throughout the year.

Disclaimer: This content was distributed by VIT Chennai and has been published as part of Careers360’s marketing initiative.