Somewhere between back-to-back lectures and figuring out what to eat today, students are building tech that works. Not unclear. Not group projects that, after being submitted, are forgotten. We are talking about real, functional models that are built from scratch, put through lab tests, and shown off at events like Projections. It's not flashy. It's not flawless. But it is real.
On the campus of Parul University, artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and the Internet of Things aren't just fancy words; they're a part of how students study and create. You won't see holograms lecturing or robots walking around, but if you enter the labs, you'll see students working on projects that make you pause and ask, "Wait... you built that here?"
AI: From Class Notes to Code
First, let's talk about AI. The majority of people believe AI to be a huge, complex thing that only exists in corporate offices or tech labs. However, Parul University starts simply, with digital classrooms that use AI-powered tools to track progress, personalize learning, and offer further materials when needed. Easy ways to make learning easier and a little more effective.
The real interest lies in labs with AI. Here, students can practice the basics by working on models, understanding how AI responds to various data, and figuring out how to build from scratch. It’s less about showing off and more about understanding how it all works, trial and error included.
A lot of that learning ends up on display during Projections: the university’s annual tech fest. Students bring in the projects they have been working on; some show how they have used concepts they learnt in the lab, while others show AI models they have constructed. All of it shows true dedication and study, whether it succeeds or not.
AR: Small Steps, Big Experiments
Though it seems like something that only exists in science fiction or video games, augmented reality, or AR, is starting to show up in more subtle and practical areas. In campus labs, students are learning how to use AR tools to build basic overlays, visualize content, and turn flat ideas into something you can interact with.
It's especially helpful for students studying architecture. To get a better idea of space and structure, they may attempt to see models through augmented reality (AR) rather than just looking at drawings or static 3D models. It is very helpful, particularly when trying to learn how a design presents itself outside of paper.
Most students start with tools like Unity or ARCore, mess around with the basics, and build small applications just to see what works. It’s not something that’s pushed; it’s more about seeing what you can do if you're into it. You'll figure it out if you're curious enough, and the tools are always there.
IoT: The Projects that Look Like Chaos
If you've ever walked into a lab and seen wires, sensors, code running on random laptops, and three people arguing over what's wrong with a blinking LED, congrats, you've found the IoT crowd.
The Internet of Things is more about everyday objects communicating with each other than it is about large machines. Likewise, PU's labs provide room to investigate that.
Students are creating things like smart systems that track stuff, trigger alarms, or automate basic tasks. These are handcrafted, trial-and-error setups that may malfunction in the beginning but teach you far more than theory ever could.
Projections: The Fest Where Tech Takes the Stage
If there’s one event on campus where everything turns lively, it’s Projections. It’s not your usual “poster-board” tech fest. Students set up tables, make last-minute repairs, test devices, and explain their work to anyone who passes by, transforming the campus into a live lab for a few days.
Every stall gives off something unique, ranging from sensor-based systems and AI models to crazy prototypes and augmented reality walkthroughs. There are lots of people simply walking around, as well as curious first-years testing out games and seniors giving demos like they've done this a hundred times.
There’s also an artsy edge to it: live performances, DJ sets, a lot of crowd, and yes, a big artist or two. It’s not overhyped, it’s the most anticipated fest. You get to display what you've created, give your explanation, and see how others react. Whether your project runs perfectly or crashes mid-demo, it still feels good to be part of something more than just an assignment.
What's It Actually Like?
It’s not like the entire campus is automated. You’ll still wait in line at the printer. And no, AI doesn’t help you find lost tiffin boxes (yet). What is new, though, is that you can now build anything if you want to.
You don't have to wait if you want to learn more about AI than just a PDF, create an app that employs augmented reality, or connect a little IoT circuit that can control stuff. There are labs. If you seek out the teachers will assist you. You get a platform at the fest. And the rest is just you and your idea.
