You're here! Take a deep breath and accept our congratulations on getting a place in the Foundation Studies Programme. After all the effort you will have to made to get here, we want to make it as easy as possible for you to enjoy your time and success in your studies. That's why I created this short guide.
Getting to know people
Unless you were the first person to arrive at your hostel or corridor, it is easy to assume that all the people you see talking to each other have been friends for years. That is not true! Most new arrivals will actually be speaking to family members or friends from home. Other new students may simply be sticking with the first person they met. Either way, they'll be very happy for you to introduce yourself. Our top confidence tricks are:
Do go up to people and say HELLO! Even if you feel boring just asking them where they've travelled from, they'll wish they had had the confidence to make the first move.
Do knock on doors and pop your head round. Some people are too intimidated to stand in the communal areas and are secretly hoping someone will rescue them.
Do offer to make tea for everyone. It's the easiest way to get a large group relaxed.
Do suggest a group outing - a trip to the movies or a walk round town.
Don't ask everyone what they did for SPM or A-Level. It doesn't lead on to other topics and they may already have been asked a hundred times.
Getting your Bearings
Homesickness can be avoided if you make an early effort to get to know the place as well as people. There are lots of activities in the first week for you to enjoy, but if you want to become the person that everyone else comes to for information (always a good ego boost!), then try the following"
Do go on bus tour of the local area. Make notes of the places you'd like to visit and then try and find them on weekends.
Do go to the local supermarkets, or shopping complexes in KL, Seremban or Nilai town rather than relying on the campus cafeterias or the local chip shop. If you get into the habit doing a weekly shop, you'll not only save money but can also turn it into a regular social event for the people you share with.
Do join some clubs and societies so you aren't totally reliant on the first friends you make in your accommodation area. If you're not a 'group' person, why not get some work in one of the accommodation office, student affairs, campus bars or cafes instead? That way you can meet loads of other students and get paid for it!
Don't be afraid to ask for help around the campus. in the first week there will be lots of helpers in the student union to guide you. After that, grab anyone. ( When someone asks you for directions, you will know that you are starting to look at home!)
