Vivekananda Institute of Professional Studies

This Law School Experience has been shared by Lavanya, Campus Leader at Lawctopus.

Full name of your college

Vivekananda Institute of Professional Studies

What are some good things about your college?

We have Advocates Legion, our moot court society, it is one of the best societies. It keeps organising events and competitions. We have other societies like that of Gender champions Club, IPR, CADR, VIPS legal aid clinic, etc.

We also have other societies for extra-curriculars like Cultural committees, art and craft committee, photography committee and strong foundations like NSS and NCC. All these provide a plethora of opportunities and an individual gets to experience diverse learnings alongside Law.

The College keeps organising Intra-level and inter-level competitions which helps you with the practical knowledge of the field. The Professional skill development activities (PSDAs) are the coolest part- every semester we have one activity from every subject, this activity helps you develop in your professional aspects, we have moot court activities every semester. The infrastructure is good along with a nice canteen.

Are there any bad things about your college?

The interaction with the seniors is very selective, you usually do not see your seniors around so you have to approach them on social platforms. The college campus is very small. The sports room opens after 4 pm. There are different courses and different buildings, so it does not focus on one course solely. Limited space for a particular department. The cultural fests are not that good compared to other colleges.

How has your experience in your college been till now?

Honestly, It is good. From the first year onwards, you start focusing on yourself. Students are sometimes worried about their future and the opportunities around them. Also, sometimes it gets really stressful. But the friends and the faculty around you make it easier for you to handle.

The PSDAs, Intra-college, Inter-college competitions, working in teams, working with societies has helped in gaining a lot of experience. It has changed me a lot as a person and has improved my personality significantly.

How’s the faculty at your college?

The faculty at my college is one of the best you would find. They are really close to students. They guide us as mentors. They support us with our law school lives and even outside that. They are experienced and they put a lot of effort into making sure we get the subjects right. They even adopt good teaching strategies.

But there are some who are super good at their subjects but are too technical that it gets hard for students to understand. But actions are taken when you explain your situation. The teachers who are not your assigned teachers are also happy to help you with your queries and doubts. 

How’s the infrastructure of your college?

The infrastructure is good. The buildings are new and have ACs even in the corridors. We have a law library and a research centre. The library staff keeps checking on you, if you are studying or busy with your gossip. We have a medical room. The medical facilities are okay. Our college lacks a lot of sports infrastructure. We just had a basketball court, now volleyball is also there.

We have space for Badminton in the basement but the ceiling is too short, and is not apt for badminton. We also have sports rooms for girls and boys for indoor sports but that is closed till 4 pm. Our department building is nice, It has two moot court rooms.

How’s your hostel experience?

We don’t have hostels.

How are your peers?

Peers are good. We get to interact a lot during classes but after that all of them get busy with their work. Especially when it’s our internship and examination breaks. A lot are ready to help you with things but at the same time you will find them extremely competitive. We do a lot of group activities which keeps us binding with each other.

How are the placements in your college?

At present we do not have placements in college. Even if some companies come, they are not that good, so campus placements are extremely less or almost nil. Students have to manage on their own. But the placement cell is there. We are expecting changes in it soon.

How are the co-curricular activities in your college?

At a personal level I have gained a lot because of these activities. Participation in the fields of different laws like ADR- mediation, negotiation, arbitration, client counselling competitions, moot courts, mock trials, debate activities, etc. helps you to grow professionally.

Additionally, PSDAs make you more comfortable with presentation skills, speaking skills with that of writing as well as research skills. It makes you learn the art of teamwork. The Administrative Department is definitely good with co-curricular activities in college.

What are some of the things you’d advise a 1st-year student?

 Try to gain and learn as much as possible. Try establishing a good base of your law subjects.  Don’t compare yourself with others. Just be patient and calm. Trust the process. Don’t be too easy on you and don’t be too harsh on yourself.

First year is where you get to know your peers, make bonds and have a lot of fun. Some activities are specially devised for first years, try participating in those activities. You have enough time to focus on skills like speaking, debating, etc., try utilising this time. Engage in class activities and debates.  They are easier to go with, you get people to have your opinion.

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!