Students gear up for a fresh start at university

Zayed University stages orientation in Abu Dhabi to help them begin a new phase of life, urging them to ‘get engaged’.

First-year students register for orientation at Zayed University in Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi, on Tuesday. Christopher Pike / The National

ABU DHABI // University classes will not begin until next week, but back-to-school excitement filled the air at Zayed University on Tuesday as first-year students met advisers to prepare for the new academic year.

Academic leaders and returning students held a day-long orientation session for the 1,358 first-year students to guide them on everything from navigating the maze-like hallways at the Abu Dhabi campus to selecting classes and where to park.

Orientation for 740 youngsters at the Dubai campus will be held on Wednesday ahead of classes starting on Sunday.

“We’re starting fresh, it’s a new year,” said Professor Reyadh AlMehaideb, vice president of Zayed University. “We want to help realise all the hopes and aspirations of the new generation.”

Prof AlMehaideb congratulated the students on the new phase of their lives and advised them to make the most of their academic careers.

“If they are engaged, they will benefit,” he said.

“This is the whole message. Try to engage as much as they can.”

The university has more than 20 clubs at its campus in the capital and students are encouraged to volunteer outside of school.

“We have a large community of volunteers,” said Prof AlMehaideb, adding that hundreds of students take up voluntary activities each semester.

“Once they get engaged, they learn the issues of the country, they get to know what’s happening and they become positive individuals.

“Life is not only classroom education, it’s also getting involved in what’s happening in the society, what’s happening in the business community, what’s happening with the government – all of that. Once they get engaged, they find their way.”

Dr Fatima Al Darmaki, assistant provost for student affairs, said students should set academic and personal goals and regularly consult counsellors who can provide guidance.

“Every student will have an adviser,” she said.

“Consult with your adviser first before you decide on anything. Don’t listen to other students because each student will have their own experiences. Listening to them may not be helpful for you.” Naser Al Mansouri, a 23-year-old university senior, attended the orientation to offer tips to new students and introduce them to the international club, of which he is president.

He said learning to be independent was key to achieving success at university.

“In high school, the adults get everything ready for you. In university life, you have to wake up, do your schedule, attend your classes. No one is going to tell you go there or go here,” said Mr Al Mansouri.

First-year student Maitha Al Hajeri, 18, said she was nervous about attending university but was looking forward to starting a new phase of life. “I’m really nervous because I’m meeting new people here,” said Ms Al Hajeri.

Maitha Al Dhaheri, a fellow first-year student who plans to study environmental science, said she was motivated by the presentations during orientation.

“I’m excited. I feel like I want to be in challenged by someone,” she said. “They put in my mind that I should have high expectations, not normal expectations, and I really want to achieve that.”