KATHMANDU, June 11: Many of you must already be looking at different colleges now that your board exam results are coming out any day.
It’s a bewildering and exhausting experience when you are going through different colleges and all they have to offer but you can’t make up your mind.
Have you chosen the right major?
With so many colleges in the ‘market,’ it’s quite confusing and hard to decide on a college. And finding a good college without certain guidelines is like searching a needle in a haystack. Following are some factors you might want to check before enrolling into a college.
Physical infrastructures of the college
For many students, a great physical infrastructure is one of the first things they look for while choosing a college. A great infrastructure is not just how big or nice the college building looks but the facilities it offers students. At the least, colleges should have a good library and well equipped science and computer labs. The library must host good novels, newspapers, and magazines and not just course books. If everything seems good but you are not convinced by the small size of the college then consider how the small classrooms can provide a cozy and interactive atmosphere.
Extracurricular activities
There is a very popular saying ‘All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.’ So check if your college gives you an opportunity to flourish your extra skills. For instance, if you are the sporty type, find out if a college prioritizes sports or not. The same goes for those who are into performing arts or art. A college that takes care of your extracurricular interests and encourages those talents should be your first choice. You can even find out if the college has organized, participated in or won any inter-college competitions.
Strong faculty
What makes a college good is the team of exceptional teachers who are devoted to helping students find the right track for their future. Teachers must do more than follow the same old teaching methods and explore creative ways to teach their students. The better the teachers, the better will be the production of quality students.
Talk to the college alumni
Made up your mind to study in a particular college? Why not have a chit-chat with an alumnus or alumna of the college? You get to know a lot about the college environment, its teachers and maybe some drawbacks (if any) when you interact with previous students. The alumni will be able to describe the college way better than the college prospectus ever can. So, don’t hesitate to talk to former students if you get the chance.
Location matters
It has turned out that the college location also matters a lot all thanks to the sudden strikes that turn our daily routines upside down. Unless it is a college you have your heart set out on, it would be smarter to select one that is closer to home. Some colleges do not recognize strikes and expect students to make it to class. You don’t want to miss out on classes or attendance. Location also matters because you wouldn’t like to study somewhere where the dust or noise pollution is really high. In addition, you should have easy access to transportation facilities.
Check the hostel facilities
If you are a student coming to the capital for your studies and you expect to live in the college hostel, make sure you check the hostel facilities as well. Your college of choice should have a good hostel where you can live, study and thrive well. The hostel should have good clean dormitories, nutritious and delicious food, and a caring warden to make your living arrangements pleasant.
Major subjects
As a student you choose subjects that you like or the one you believe can help you shape your future. When choosing a college, make it a priority to opt for one that has a great faculty for the subject you want to study.
Jobs placement through college
Many colleges today boast internships and jobs placement after the completion of the course. If this idea appeals to you then look for colleges that promise it all. However, don’t simply take the college administration at their word but make sure they follow through. To do that, you can talk to the college graduates who are supposed to have landed jobs or at least got the opportunity to sit for job interviews arranged by the college. They will be able to give you a clear picture of what you can actually expect.
