Life at NIFT Colleges: Campus Life, Hostels, Events, and Student Experience

Campus Life at NIFT

The students’ feedback on life at NIFT indicates a life which is a combination of study, projects, creativity, and industry visits. The focus is more on experiential learning supported by good infrastructure, which the NIFT campuses are known for, and industry professionals who guide the students during guest lectures and industry visits.

Going beyond studies, Students have the option of staying in a hostel provided by the campus. Alternatively, they can also look for their own accommodation.

What Does the Curriculum at NIFT College Look Like?

The curriculum is rigorous with a mix of theoretical and practical work. The NIFT authorities also make it clear what students learn during their study at NIFT. Given below are the curriculum details for the NIFT programme-

• The syllabus and modules have been geared towards the current and future demands of an industry that is constantly changing.

• The students are provided with Majors, departmental electives, interdisciplinary monitors, and general electives, which are aimed at providing students with depth and expertise in their own subject as well as increasing their knowledge width about other domains.

• The curriculum also provides opportunities for experiential learning and practical exposure through initiatives such as the Craft Cluster Initiative and regular interaction with industry professionals.

• Students also have to complete an internship and design projects as part of the course.

  
  

A Day in NIFT

Khushi Yadav, a BDes student at NIFT Mumbai, says in a YouTube video that the classes start at around 9:15 am and end around 4 pm, with sessions in between that can involve design and practical work.

In an Instagram post, Kirti Mittal, a student at NIFT Mumbai, shares that the atmosphere at the campus is always buzzing and alive. The brainstorming sessions, projects and collaborating with fellow students constantly challenge one’s boundaries so one can grow as an artist. She further adds in her post about the frequent industry visits and interactions with industry professionals, which prepare students for the real world.

Craft Bazar is another major event organised at NIFT campuses which sees active participation by students during their time at the campus. Craft Bazar is a major initiative by NIFT which provides a platform for artisans and rural craftsmen to showcase and sell their products. It is a platform which allows students to participate and interact with the artisans and gain experience.

Campus Facilities at NIFT

The campus facilities at NIFT campuses vary across different campuses. However, the NIFT is among the top design colleges in India, often considered to be the gold standard in design education. The courses are more oriented towards fashion design and allied fields than technical areas such as graphics or animation design. The infrastructure facilities at NIFT campuses include the following -

• Labs and Classrooms which are equipped with audio-visual aids and equipment such as 3d printers, cutting and knitting tools

• Design studios where students can engage in practical work such as weaving, knitting, dyeing, and designing

• Library with a vast collection of books, journals and research papers

• Auditorium and conference halls to hold cultural events and guest lectures.

• Canteen and medical facilities

NIFT Hostel Facilities

Studying at NIFT is not a fully residential programme. Students can choose to stay at the hostel facility provided by the campus, or they can arrange for their own accommodation outside the campus. However, most NIFT campuses also provide hostel facilities. Students who choose the hostel have to pay the NIFT hostel fees at the time of admission in addition to the regular fee. The NIFT campuses offer single, double and triple sharing rooms with AC and non-AC options.

Placements at NIFT

The placement process at NIFT is a centralised one. It means candidates from any NIFT campus can participate in the placements simultaneously. This ensures that all students get equal opportunities and there is no discrimination for students from newer campuses such as Varanasi or Raipur. With an alumni network of over 45000+ former students, the NIFT campuses have good industry connections which help the students get placed. The top recruiters at NIFT placements include the following companies. Notable NIFT alumni include names such as Sabyasachi Mukherjee, Gulshan Devaiah, Ritu Beri, Rohit Bal, Rina Dhaka among others.

Top Recruiters at NIFT Campuses

• H&M

• C&R Textiles Pvt. Ltd

• Brandstory Solutions Pvt. Ltd

• Hi-Fashion Pvt. Ltd

• Artex Apparels

• Earthen Symphony

• SHR Lifestyle Pvt. Ltd

• Vymo

• Silk Affairs Pvt. Ltd

In Conclusion

The NIFTian tag is a matter of pride for students. As discussed in the article, life at NIFT campuses is a combination of rigour, fun and learning. The study outcomes aim at preparing students for a successful career in the design industry, especially fashion and allied areas. A vast network of alumni is a vibrant and growing community. It keeps the students connected with their campuses even after they have passed out.