Info pack for freshmen

Reema Saffarini and Rania Al Hussaini put together tips essential for the survival of freshmen

Today is the first day of classes for students at the American University of Sharjah and the University of Sharjah and there are a lot of things on your plate.

If you do not know how to manage your finances, are feeling homesick, are looking to make friends or are simply not sure what to do with your free time, just read through the information Notes has compiled especially for you.

Student activities
Extracurricular activities are a must in college. By taking part in students activities you will let all your hidden talents shine and grow.

Abdullah Al Muzaizel, Dean of Students at the University of Sharjah, stressed on the importance of these activities saying: "They will help hone students' skills, shape their personalities and fill their free time."

He added that a lot of students tend to suffer from depression when they first come to college. "This is one way for these students to occupy themselves." said Al Munaizel.

Ahmad Sharif, supervisor of student services at Dubai Men's College, listed the positive outcomes from joining activities.

He said:

Zero-tolerance for hazing
We know of universities abroad where students are ragged and harassed by seniors when they first join college. These "initiation parties" are just common there.

However, it is different when they take place next door. Hazing can be a tradition many students, freshmen and seniors, enjoy and think of as a college necessity. However, universities in the UAE are against any form of bullying or harassment that may occur on its campuses.

Bits-Pilani Dubai Campus has made all its students and parents sign an undertaking stating that those caught bullying on campus will be expelled.

This comes as a result of a hazing incident that occurred last year on its campus, which resulted in the suspension of a student and the expulsion of another. Twelve other students were temporarily suspended.

The American University in Dubai also is against any orientation activity that involves the manipulation, the coercion or the harassment of a student. It is also against all activities that can entail mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment or ridicule.

Dubai Men's College said that they have not witnessed any problems with newcomers and hazing.

"Bullying cases are really rare and if any happened, the college has taken care of it and worked with the parents. The college's stand on bullying issues are clear and students who come looking for this kind of trouble soon find that the college is against this attitude," said Ahmad Sharif, supervisor of student services at Dubai Men's Colege.

Dorms policy
"Room-mates in the American University in Dubai (AUD) dorms are carefully assigned to ensure utmost compatibility and avoid conflicts that might arise in the future," said Raya Al Barazi, housing manager.

New students need to fill in the student housing questionnaire. It includes questions about room-mate preferences, which are taken into consideration during the room-mate selection process.

Senior residents need to inform the housing manager prior to the start of the semester of their housing plans and preferences.

Residents, who face problems with room-mates, or want to change should get in touch with the manager.

Peer pressure
One of the biggest worries students have when they first enter university is making friends. After all, who wants to sit alone in the cafeteria, when everybody somehow seems to enjoy themselves with friends.

Making friends in college is just as important as breathing, however, watching out for people who are known for their bad influence and falling under peer pressure are as important.

"Freshmen come to universities from different areas and making friends starts from the orientation day then, extends to meeting people while organising events and working on student activities," said Ahmad Sharif, supervisor of students services at Dubai Men's College.

"During this, students get to meet people who are similar to them in the way they think, and their outlook on life, etc."

Abdullah Al Munaizel, Dean of Students at the university of Sharjah, said: "When choosing friends just watch out for people's behaviours. You learn a lot about their beliefs from the way they act. Don't fall under peer pressure."

Money management
Now that you are in charge of your finances and are enjoying your newfound freedom, it is important to find a way to manage your money and not end up penniless by the 10th of each month.

Making a monthly budget and maintaining it is how to go about it, according to Abdullah Al Munaizel, Dean of Students at the University of Sharjah.

"Students need to learn how to spend their money, especially if they are depending on their parents. They need to think of the other financial responsibilities their parents have," he said.

One way to get extra pocket money, said Al Munaizel, is for students to find on-campus jobs."Many work in the library or assist in computer labs, however they should not depend on that to make a living while studying," he said.

So if you are wondering how to manage your money while in college, here are some tips from College Recruiter - an online recruitment website for college students and graduates.