Through My Eyes: From College to University

Shruti Sunil Jose, 25MPSY54, Member of the Writers' Association Kristu Jayanti (Deemed to be University)

The week of my graduation was unlike any other. Just two days before the ceremony, news spread across campus that our college had been conferred the status of a Deemed to be University. The announcement carried with it a palpable sense of excitement and anticipation.

On graduation day, the atmosphere felt different as we gathered in the Jubilee Auditorium. We realised we were not just celebrating the completion of our studies, we were marking a historic moment. We were the final graduating class of the college, and at the same time, I was stepping into the very first postgraduate batch of the newly formed University. When faculty and dignitaries congratulated us on stage, it felt like we were part of something much larger than ourselves, part of history being remade.

That sense of transition stayed with me as I returned for my postgraduate studies in Psychology. Though the campus was familiar, the institution had already begun to reshape itself with a renewed vision and purpose. I quickly understood that I was not just continuing my academic journey in the same place, but in an institution that was evolving into something greater.

A Return That Felt Different

One of the first changes I noticed was in the academic environment. With the transition to university status came a renewed focus on curriculum design, research opportunities, and academic rigour. As a postgraduate psychology student, I saw this shift firsthand in the revised syllabus, which felt sharper, more inclusive, and more aligned with current trends in the field.

The teaching now carried a different energy; professors were instructing and encouraging us to explore, question, and connect our learning to real-world contexts. It felt like the classroom had widened its boundaries beyond four walls and into the larger academic community.

However, academics were not the only area that transformed. Extracurriculars, which had once been occasional highlights in the college calendar, suddenly took centre stage. Events began to multiply, each designed not just for entertainment but also for growth, collaboration, and showcasing talent. There was a visible push to ensure every student found a space to express themselves. Walking across campus, I could sense a new vibrancy —a youthful enthusiasm that was coming from students and the institution itself.

The physical campus, too, began reflecting these changes. Infrastructure that once seemed modest was gradually being upgraded. New spaces for learning, interaction, and creativity began to take shape. It was not about flashy buildings or grand displays but about subtle shifts that enriched student life. I remember noticing how each corner seemed to hold more promise and possibility than before. It was as though the campus was breathing differently, preparing itself to hold the weight of its new identity.

What touched me most was the collective spirit driving these changes. It was not just about administrators announcing new policies or teachers adjusting their methods; it was about a shared effort. Everyone, from faculty to staff to students, seemed united in a single purpose: to make this university experience meaningful. There was reassurance in how doubts were addressed, how systems were explained, and the constant reminders that we were part of something evolving, something bigger than ourselves.

A large part of this transformation has been the shift toward digital systems. From registrations to academic portals, from event sign-ups to resource access, everything feels more structured and accessible. As a student, this has alleviated many minor frustrations and freed up space to focus on what really matters: learning, growing, and engaging.

Of course, there have been moments of uncertainty. The pace of change sometimes left me questioning whether the old familiarity I cherished would fade, or whether the institution would become too big, too formal, too distant. However, time and again, I have been reminded that the essence of what I loved about this place remains intact. The people's warmth, the faculty's dedication, and the sense of community remain, only magnified by new opportunities.

As I look back on these past months, I realise how fortunate I am to witness this transition so closely. Spending five years in the same institution, first as a college student and now as a university student, is an experience not many people have. I carry with me the nostalgia of what was, and at the same time, the excitement of what is yet to come.

This journey has been more than just about an institution changing its name or status. It has been about growth, resilience, and embracing change. Just as the University stepped into a new identity with courage and ambition, I, too, learned to step into mine. Moreover, in that parallel, I find comfort, knowing that as we evolve, we shape each other's stories.

The transition from college to University has not just given me more opportunities; it has given me perspective. It has shown me that change, though overwhelming at first, can be deeply rewarding. As I walk across the familiar yet ever-changing campus today, I know that I am not just part of this institution's history but also its future.