This Law School Experience has been shared by Danish Chandra, Campus Leader at Lawctopus.
Full name of your college
Vivekananda Institute of Professional Studies (VIPS)
What are some good things about your college?
The college offers a diverse range of societies catering to various interests and aspects of law. Students can engage in intellectual discourse through the Debate Society and Moot Court Society, while also exploring specialized legal areas through organizations like the Centre for Alternative Dispute Resolution (CADR), Centre of Excellence for Cyber Laws (CECL) and Centre for Criminal Justice Administration (CCJA).
For hands-on experience, the Legal Aid Clinic provides students with valuable insights into the practical workings of legal aid.
The college also promotes social responsibility and leadership through the National Service Scheme (NSS) and National Cadet Corps (NCC). As a member of the first NCC batch at VIPS, I cherish the memorable farewell given to us by our juniors, which capped off a fantastic experience.
Adding to the college’s appeal is its well-designed infrastructure, with every hall equipped with air conditioning, ensuring a comfortable learning environment even during the hot summer months.
Are there any bad things about your college?
The college, unfortunately, lacks certain amenities that could enhance student life. The rectangular ground, devoid of proper grass, offers no recreational opportunities during break times, limiting students’ options for physical activities or sports.
The canteen’s food quality is subpar, and attempting to eat outside the college premises is hampered by dust from the student parking area, making it difficult to enjoy a peaceful meal.
The absence of a well-developed parking facility is another significant concern, forcing students to constantly worry about potential damage to their vehicles. These issues collectively detract from the overall college experience and create unnecessary stress for students.
How has your experience in your college been till now?
My experience at VIPS has been akin to a roller-coaster ride. My first semester coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in online classes conducted through the Teams App following a fixed timetable.
This virtual format initially left me feeling disconnected from the college experience I had envisioned from movies. The second semester brought a welcome change as we were allowed to return to campus, finally experiencing the college atmosphere.
However, as we progressed to the second year, the pressure of exams and vivas began to mount, revealing a stark contrast between the reality of college life and its cinematic portrayal.
Some faculty members, including one or two with particularly unconventional teaching methods, added to the challenges. Throughout my academic journey, I’ve engaged in both online and offline internships and participated in various VIPS-organized events.
Now, as a third-year student, I find myself an NCC alumnus and part of the NSS Admin Department, both experiences I believe will be beneficial for my future endeavors. This diverse range of experiences has shaped my time at VIPS, offering a mix of challenges and opportunities for growth.
How’s the faculty at your college?
The faculty at VIPS is generally supportive and helpful in many aspects of student life. However, a notable issue arises with some professors who mistakenly believe students can independently comprehend intricate legal concepts.
These faculty members often rely heavily on distributing PowerPoint presentations and research papers without providing sufficient explanation, leaving many new law students feeling lost and overwhelmed.
To cope with this situation and make the most of their time, some students opt to study independently in the library or pursue internships for practical knowledge, rather than passively attending lectures.
Despite efforts by my batchmates and me to voice concerns about these teaching methods, our complaints have unfortunately not led to significant changes.
This situation underscores the need for a more balanced approach to legal education that combines theoretical knowledge with adequate guidance and practical application.
How’s the infrastructure of the college?
VIPS provides excellent library facilities for its law students, featuring two dedicated libraries that offer comfortable environments for studying and research. The librarians are particularly helpful, offering guidance on book complexity and assisting students in navigating the resources effectively.
The library building is fully air-conditioned, making it an ideal retreat during the hot summer months. Additionally, the libraries are equipped with computers, allowing students to conduct online research, prepare last-minute presentations, or work on moot court memorials.
This combination of resources, knowledgeable staff, and comfortable surroundings creates a conducive atmosphere for academic pursuits, enabling law students to enhance their learning and productivity.
How’s your hostel experience?
VIPS does not provide on-campus housing, as the institution lacks hostel facilities for its students.
How are your peers?
The peer environment at VIPS college can be complex and challenging. Some peers present a facade of helpfulness while actually engaging in fierce competition, often reluctant to provide genuine assistance in person.
I experienced this firsthand during my first internship in the first semester when I needed help with a research paper. Upon asking a senior for guidance, I was met with the discouraging response that, as a law student, I should figure things out independently to “push myself.”
This unhelpful attitude, suggesting that rejection is necessary for growth was particularly disheartening for a newcomer facing their first internship.
However, it’s important to note that not all peers are like this. I’ve also encountered genuinely supportive classmates who have been instrumental in helping me secure internships, offering valuable guidance, and generously sharing notes and books.
These positive interactions have significantly contributed to my academic progress and overall college experience, highlighting the diverse nature of peer relationships at VIPS.
How are the co-curricular activities in your college?
VIPS offers a wide array of co-curricular activities to enrich student life. These include the debate society, moot court society, essay competitions, youth parliaments, Model United Nations (MUNs), and various cultural societies tailored to each course.
The college also demonstrates its commitment to social responsibility through annual blood donation camps held in April, organized in collaboration with AIIMS and supported by NSS volunteers and members. For new students, it’s advisable to explore and participate in multiple societies during the initial semesters.
This approach allows you to gain diverse experiences and helps you identify which activities align best with your interests and academic goals. By doing so, you can make informed decisions about which societies to focus on in higher semesters without negatively impacting your studies.
What are some of the things you’d advice to a 1st-year student?
As a law student, it’s crucial to actively participate in various societies such as debate and moot court. This involvement will help you gauge how much time and effort each activity requires, allowing you to better manage your commitments.
By the time you reach your second or third year, you’ll have a clearer understanding of which societies complement your academic pursuits. Make it a goal to publish a research paper annually, observing how your research skills develop over time.
Prioritize offline internships in courts over online opportunities, as they provide invaluable hands-on experience. Explore the legal system from lower courts to higher courts and seek out government internships to gain insight into the functioning of various ministries and departments.
This comprehensive approach will not only enhance your understanding of the legal field but also provide a solid foundation for your future career, helping you to become a well-rounded legal professional.
This law school experience is a part of our experience series wherein our campus leaders share their experiences of their college. Stay tuned for more!
Disclaimer: Law School Experiences are opinions shared by individual law students and tend to be personal and subjective in nature. The law school experiences shared on Lawctopus are NOT Lawctopus’ official views on the law school. We also do not edit law school experiences (except to ensure readability) to ensure that the author’s voice remains intact.
Source: Lawctopus
