For those starting university this year, enrolling for extracurricular activities may be the best way to make friends while displaying your talent. Deepthi Unnikrishnan reports
Happy New Year! It's the start of a New Year this September. Time you armed yourself, not with crackers and party horns, but with new stationery, a whole new wardrobe, carry bags and of course books. For schools and universities alike, September is the start of a new academic year.
'Freshers', as first year students are referred to in campus parlance, are exciting new additions to a campus. Instead of books and lunch, apprehension, curiosity and excitement are what you pack in your bag.
Though the transition from school to university could be a bit difficult for a few, there are always ways that can help you adjust to campus life.
Break the ice
The best way to break the ice and make new friends is by joining various clubs or taking part in extracurricular activities.
"Initially freshers are in awe of their new surroundings. They are full of expectations, and very ambitious to explore." said Uma Prasad, students services officer of MAHE, Manipal, Dubai.
Reem Saudagar, a first year student at the Dubai Medical College for Girls, feels it's best for the students if they achieve a balance between academics and extracurricular activities.
Humaira Kamil, her senior, echoes Reem's thoughts.
Humaira is a member of the science club and like Reem she has put in her name for the basketball team for next year. As much as she agrees that activities are important she admits she doesn't get much time owing to her medical studies.
Make it your decision
Just because you've entered college doesn't mean you need to give up what you love, be it dance, drama or football.
"We think it's very important for students to be involved in activities other than academics. Our goal is not just to deliver knowledge but to provide them with practical opportunities to explore other extracurricular activities as well", said Gayane Avetisian, career adviser at the University of Wollongong Dubai (UOWD).
"First year students are always excited to participate. They are very keen on letting seniors and faculty know that they have a lot of talent. They have this eagerness to exhibit them. You will often find them entering competitions being held in the college. At the same time, since they are coming from a school background, they are still conscious about the fact that they have to study seriously." added Uma Prasad.
"It is a student's personal choice. We provide them with all the advantages of such activities and seniors are always ready to help the junior students.
"Reach-out Programmes, during which seniors help integrate a junior student into campus life, is an extremely useful platform where seniors support their juniors." said Gayane Avetisian.
Navid Refati, a freshman, claims he wouldn't mind if his college didn't have a lot of activities. "I personally wouldn't mind football though."
"Activities certainly give you more confidence and it makes college life more fun," said fellow freshman Mohammad Poonawalla.
"I'm at present a member of the Drama Club and Dance Club in college. It's a good way to meet and interact with seniors," said Vanessa Khan who did a summer course at UOWD this June.
Fear of ragging
But at times, students avoid activities and clubs during their first year for the fear of being ragged by their seniors.
A fear Prasad is quick to abate. "Seniors are naturally more comfortable as compared to the freshers owing to their familiarity with the surroundings. They play the role of advisers and help recognise talent among their juniors"
So, as you prepare yourself to face the challenges of university life, expand and incorporate creativity into your curriculum. Make new friends, learn something new and display your talent. Once again wishing you a very happy new year!
Making use of free time
There is nothing like being your own boss. There is no one to tell you what to do or how to act. One of the greatest benefits that come with going to college is independence and freedom.
However, it is important to watch out not to end up wasting your life or disappointing the people who trusted you enough to sponsor your education.
"Going to college is a transitional period where you move from being a school student to an adult. College students are now responsible for their actions and no longer depend on their parents in every little thing," said Abdullah Al Munaizel, Dean of Students at the University of Sharjah.
Responsibility and freedom should go hand in hand, he said. "Our culture requires us to abide by our religion's teachings with the way we treat people, how we act and what we say," he said.
Ahmad Sharif, supervisor of student services at Dubai Men's College, believes that students need to be moderate when they "live their freedom".
"It's important not to lose control and not to isolate yourself. If you have a lot of energy and do not know what to do, try taking part in activities, but don't waste it by doing useless work, going out and roaming malls," he said.
Tips for freshmen
Orientation Day is the best time to learn more about your university or college. So don't hesitate; question counsellors, professors or whoever is in charge of various activities and clubs that the college has to offer.
- In the first two or three months you are still getting used to your new surroundings, faculty and system of instruction.
- Once you feel settled, slowly involve yourself in in-house activities like inter-departmental programmes, campaigns run by the college, departmental exhibitions etc.
- If you're not sure what activity interests you, choose those that won't have you make a long-term commitment.
- Take part in class debates and competitions. If you're good you can move on to participating at higher levels.
- Once you recognise your talent you can confidently involve yourselves in what you do best and have fun doing it as well.
Sometimes academics can take priority due to time constraints.
Georgina Mathias studies at Heriot Watt, Dubai, and travels every day from Abu Dhabi to attend classes. "I devote most of my time to studies. I don't know many seniors and I have to admit that had I been more involved in the dance groups I would have gotten to know more people."
Another Abu Dhabi student who feels the pinch of time is Zainab Shikari, a second year student at BITS Pilani. "Most of the activities require me to stay back after class hours and since a lot of my time goes in travelling I've avoided activities so far."
The writer is a student of media and communications at MAHE Manipal, Dubai
