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The peer environment in the Interior Design department is collaborative and supportive. Students frequently work in teams on studio projects, workshops, and competitions, fostering a culture of shared learning. Seniors mentor juniors, providing guidance on technical skills, project execution, and portfolio development. Peer interactions also include brainstorming sessions, critique circles, and joint participation in exhibitions and design challenges. This collaborative setting encourages students to exchange ideas, experiment with materials, and refine design concepts collectively. Many students report that such interactions boost creativity, problem-solving skills, and confidence in presenting their work. Friendships formed during collaborative projects often extend to networking in professional settings post-graduation. Overall, the peer environment at Chandigarh University nurtures teamwork, professional ethics, and mutual support, which are essential qualities for success in interior design careers.

Field visits are an integral part of Interior Design at Chandigarh University. Students regularly visit furniture manufacturing units, construction sites, heritage buildings, and commercial interiors to understand real-world applications of design concepts. Such visits provide insights into material selection, modular furniture integration, space optimization, and lighting. For example, visits to modular kitchen setups and sustainable furniture workshops have enabled students to directly interact with craftsmen and learn techniques used in modern interiors. Industrial exposure also includes participation in expos like INT-EXT, where students observe the latest trends in interior products and materials. These experiences help students contextualize classroom learning, build portfolios, and develop professional networks. Field visits are structured alongside workshops and practical assignments to maximize learning outcomes, ensuring students gain comprehensive knowledge of both theoretical and applied interior design practices.

Industry experts frequently visit Chandigarh University to deliver lectures and conduct workshops for Interior Design students. In the past semesters, the department hosted over 19 expert sessions covering areas like sustainable design, modular furniture, retail spaces, and lighting design. Professionals from firms such as PIDILITE, HATIL Furniture, and Gyapak Design Studio engage students with practical knowledge, client-handling techniques, and innovative trends. Sessions are interactive, often including hands-on activities, demonstrations, and Q&A segments. These lectures complement lab work, allowing students to apply theoretical insights to real-world projects. Experts also guide students for competitions, research projects, and exhibitions. This consistent interaction ensures that learners stay updated with industry practices, emerging tools, and current design trends, helping them develop professional portfolios and practical skills required in residential, commercial, and hospitality interiors.

Chandigarh University provides reliable transportation facilities for students commuting from nearby towns or cities. Interior Design students often utilize university buses for daily travel, ensuring timely arrival to classes, labs, workshops, and industrial visits. Transportation is scheduled to coordinate with academic hours, including early morning sessions in CAD labs or afternoon workshops in design studios. For industrial exposure, buses also transport students to sites such as modular furniture factories, heritage interiors, and exhibitions. Safe and organized transport reduces stree and allows students to focus on learning and creative projects. faculty often use trips to discuss design ideas or review project requirements, turning travel into an additional learning opportunity. Accessibility of transport ensures students from small towns get equal access to all academic and co-curricular resources available on campus.

Interior Design students at Chandigarh University have access to several creative and professional clubs that complement their academics. Clubs like the Design Club, Art & Craft Socienty, and Sustainable Interiors Club provide platforms for collaborative projects, workshops, and competitions. These clubsorganize events such as mini exhibitions, student-led design challenges, and sustainability-focused design activities. For instance, students have engaged in projects exploring eco-freidnly furniture and interior products through club initiatives. clubs also encougare research, with members contributing to academic papers, industry showcases, and innovation competitions. Participation enchances collaboration, leadership, and networking skills while exposing students to multidisciplinary approaches by interacting with peers from achitecture, product design, and fine arts. This integration helps students expand creative horizons and prepare for professional opportunities in diverse sectors of interior design.

While the Interior Design programme is newer, it has rapidly gained recognition due to strong industry collaborations and student achievements. The department is affiliated with the Institute of Indian Interior Designers (IIID), ensuring curriculum and training meet professional standadards. Students regularly participate in national competitions, industrial visits, and workshops organized in collaboration with brands like Blum, IKEA, and Asian Paints. research-oriented projects have been published in journals such as the International Journal of Creative research thoughts and Asian journal of Applied Science and Technology. Achievements like first place in North Zone Youth Feestival, recognition in Kitechen design competitions, and contribution to international events like Venice Biennale showcase the program.s growing credibility. These initiatives ensure students graduate with practical experience, exposure to industry strandards, and a professional protfolio recognised in their interior design community.

Chandigarh University ensures that Interior Design students have access to advanced labs and software for comprehensive learning. The CAD Lab supports training in AutoCAD, SketchUp, Revit, Vray, Lumion, and Adobe Photoshop, enabling both 2D and 3D design visualization. Students also work in the Digital Rendering Studio and Design Lab for project development and conceptual exercises. Industrial visits complement lab training, helping students understand practical implementation. The programme encourages experimentation with sustainable materials, lighting, and furniture design through workshops and project-based learning. Access to there facilities ensure students develop technical proficiency alongside creativity, preparing them to meet industry standards. Regular mentorship and software-oriented exercises make learners confident in handling client requirements, design visualization, and real-world project execution.

Interior Design students find hostel life at Chandigarh University comfortable and supportive. The hostels provide basic facilities such as clean rooms, study areas, and common spaces where students can collaborate or relax. Living on campus also helps students maintain regular schedules for classes, labs, and workshops. The friendly atmosphere encourages peer interaction and learning beyond academics. Students often discuss projects, share creative ideas, or practice skills together. Hostel life also makes it easy to attend industrial visits or participate in exhibitions without worrying about commuting. Overall, it provides a safe, inclusive, and motivating environment that allows students to balance studies, creative work, and social activities effectively.

Students in the Interior Design programme are encouraged to participate in various competitions at both national and international levels. These events provide a platform to demonstrate creativity, teamwork, and design skills. Engaging in competitions also helps students understand industry trends and expectations, while gaining recognition for their efforts. Faculty members support and mentor participants, guiding them through concept development, presentation, and project execution. Participation can involve anything from space planning challenges to thematic design showcases, helping students explore multiple facets of interior design. Even if the student is new to competitive settings, these opportunities gradually build confidence and understanding of professional standards. Competitions act as a learning experience that complements academic curriculum, ensuring that students develop practical, creative, and professional skills needed for successful careers.

Chandigarh University regularly organizes hands-on workshops and exhibitions for Interior Design students, providing practical exposure beyond classroom learning. For instance, workshops like “Modular Kitchen & Hardware Application” by Blum and “Paper Honeycomb Sustainable Furniture” allowed students to explore material handling, construction techniques, and sustainable practices. Students also attend Lumion visualization workshops to learn 3D rendering and interactive virtual walkthroughs. Exhibitions like INT-EXT EXPO and in-house showcases provide platforms to display creative concepts to peers, faculty, and industry experts. These events also encourage participation in competitions, helping students gain recognition. Past students have presented projects on adaptive reuse, lighting design, and sustainable furniture, enhancing both technical and conceptual skills. Participation in such events fosters collaboration, creativity, and industry readiness, bridging theoretical knowledge with practical implementation. The combination of workshops and exhibitions ensures a continuous learning loop where students gain confidence in their professional abilities.