If there’s one thing that you cannot miss at NIFT, it has to be the architectural designs that dot the entire campus. However, if there’s one thing that the students will not miss, it has to be their most favourite spot on the campus and that’s Zea -- their canteen. Zea not only serves as the go-to-place for all the hungry souls, it is also the go-to place for all who want to just hangout and chill inside the campus. The campus of National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), on Old Mahabalipuram Road, has well-equipped labs, classrooms, hostels, halls, canteens, etc. Near the entry gate is one of the canteens, named Zea, where students go to grab a bite of toast every morning. Nivesha, II-year knitwear design student, says, “Canteen is a fun place to be. College works from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. So, not a day goes by without grabbing a snack at Zea. Also, it is situated near the entry gate which makes it convenient for us to rush for morning breakfast.
Multiple use
Located on the other side of the canteen is the outer courtyard which is highly populated with students, some sitting on the stairs while some playing their favourite sport. It is a huge area and is always teeming with students. Students spend most of their time here and prefer this space to the cafeteria.
Aishwarya, student from the leather design department, says, “This is where all of us gather after our classes. From exam preps to gossiping to DJ nights and other festivities, this is the most favoured spot. Most of us gather here to celebrate birthdays and have our dance and music sessions too. The best part of the campus is its architecture, which from every angle is unpredictable.”
However, the most interesting use of the courtyard is as a playground. Vinayak Ravindran, a final- year student from the department of knitwear design, says, “Every day after 6, we use this courtyard to play basketball and football. I’m a passionate dancer and I come here with my team to have practice sessions and meetings. Also when we are in the final year of college, we are constantly under the pressure of completing assignments, and hence, make the most of the time we get! It’s a lively place and it brings in all of us a sense of togetherness.”
