DUBAI - For several high school passouts, entering the portals of a college could be both unnerving and exciting. This year as the local and international universities welcome the new batches, it is no different.
Students say college means no uniforms, freedom, responsibility and a whole new journey.
“It is a new step for me,” says Krishna Dixit, a high school passout. “I don’t have to wear uniforms now and it is a lot of freedom with responsibility. Parents and teachers change the way they treat you since you are no more in school. I have made new friends and the journey has just begun. I am really looking forward to my college life.”
“I was a little nervous on the first day of college,” said Steffi Nisha Anand of BITS Pilani Dubai.
“I feel more responsible being a college student. At the same time, it is exciting to enter this new phase,” she says, adding that she didn’t expect the pressure of studies to ease.
Several international and local colleges in the country held their orientation day this week. The purpose of orientation is to make students feel welcome and facilitate the transition from school to college.
Dubai Men’s College (DMC) — a part of Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT), for instance, introduced its students to the faculty and college rules, procedures, policies and facilities on Sunday.
“Starting college can be a daunting prospect, but we will help to make the transition to life in the HCT as smooth as possible,” says Peter Hatherley-Greene, Foundations Chair at DMC.
“To help students settle in, we offer a comprehensive orientation programme where students learn all about studying in HCT and how to use all the facilities on campus.
“It is especially developed for students who are new to academic life,” he adds.
American University in Dubai gave its students an overview of its health services, housing, student activities, academic support, athletics, counselling and career services.
Bushra Finaish, AUD Assistant Dean of Student Services and Student Support Manager, says, “Orientation at AUD is a student-led introduction to university life this year.
The freshers are being initiated into the college experience during WOW, or Week of Welcome, which will provide them with the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the rights and responsibilities of being a college student.”
Preeti Kannan