Preparation Tips before Enrolling in a University That You Must Know

After accepting an offer to enrol yourself in a university, what are the things you need to do?  Where to start and what do you look for? Through this article we will share preparation tips before enrolling in a university to make things a lot more easier for you.

1. Identify Your Direction After Graduation

The first thing you need to know is your direction after graduation. If you want to continue your studies to the next level and probably continue your Degree, Masters or PhD, you must be well informed on the courses that are acceptable or eligible to apply based on qualifications later.

There are many instances where students study for a diploma and just as they plan to further their degree studies in a field they like, they find out that the diploma course is irrelevant or not acceptable for the degree enrolment.  Hence, you need to identify your direction after graduation so that there wont be any endless regrets.

2. Review the Structure of the Study Program

Students often overlook the most important component of furthering studies. We understand that you are excited to enrol yourself in a university, but it is VITAL for you to take note of the structure of the study programme. Here are some things you must know:

• What subjects will you be taking? 
• How many subjects you should take every semester?
• How is the academic assessment made according to the CGPA/CGPA/Pointer calculation?
• What about exams and assignments?
• How long is the study period for each semester?
• How long is the semester break, how many months?

You may think that these information are not important and you can always find out after entering a university, but this is a WRONG move.  In order to better prepare yourself mentally, please visit the official website of each public/private university you are planning to enrol and get information about the courses offered. Refer to the course structure, duration of study, compulsory subjects, etc.

3. Check Out the Co -curricular Activities That You Can Join

Each university will require students to participate in co -curricular activities. It is one of the conditions that must be met in order to be eligible for the graduation award. So, for those of you who were previously lazy to participate in co -curricular activities at school, its time for you to actively participate in co -curricular activities at university level. Co -curricular involvement is compulsory and has assessment marks. The assessment score is included in the calculation of your CGPA academic results (pointer). If you fail the co -curricular subject taken, you have no choice but to repeat the co -curricular subject until you pass. Therefore, take note of the co -curricular activities offered and choose some sports or clubs you are truly interested in.

4. Education Financing

Most of us are not born with a mountain of gold, diamonds and gems, so to further our studies we need funding, be it scholarships or education loans such as PTPTN. Therefore, please take note of  scholarships that are offered and see if you are eligible to apply for it. Additionally, you can also apply education loans. For more details on scholarships and education loans that you can apply for, please click the link below to identify the amount of funding, eligibility requirements, date of application, etc:

• PPBU v PTPTN : Which One is Better?
• PTPTN Guide
• List of Latest Scholarships

As seen in the list of scholarships and loans above, the majority will be approved and given only after you have started your studies. Hence, in order to cover the expenses of registration fees, living allowances and others before the scholarship/loan is approved, there are other ways you can get financial assistance especially from the following sources:

• At the Zakat center of each state ( for Muslims),
• At the respective state government offices (Muslims & non-Muslims) (refer directly to the official website of the state government/ state zakat center respectively. There will be a form available for you to fill in manually or online (the contribution will not have to be repaid)
• Local people's representative
• PTPTN Down Payment (WPP)

5. Environment & Facilities in the Surrounding Area and In the University

This next tip is important because the environment and atmosphere of the university will to some extent affect your learning mood. The location of the university, whether it is in urban or rural areas will both challenge you. Among the things you can identify before registering are:

• Transportation facilities from your home to the university (bus, train, flights, grab, taxi, etc.)
• Travel costs to make it easier for you to calculate the budget if you want to go back to your hometown (can check on the online ticket purchase websites such as busticketonline, easybook)
• The nearest hotel/chalet (If the university is far from your house, of course the family will have to stay in a hotel, chalet, homestay, etc. when sending you to register later)
• Banking facilities in the surrounding area and in the university itself
• Cafeteria and food stalls (for instance, if you enjoy fast food, you would want to know the nearest branch for KFC, MCD, Pizza Hut, etc)
• Interesting places to explore or visit, for example jungle trekking, hiking, kayaking, etc

In addition, you also need to identify high crime risk places. Try to avoid going to high crime risk places so that you do not become a victim of crime.  You can just google the criminal cases that occur in the area around your university.

6. Mental & Physical Resilience

The last tip from us is mental and physical endurance. Why is it important? Did you know that many students stopped studying after just one or two semesters?  Some of the reason include feeling homesick, no access to good food, failure to make friends and various other reasons of which most are trivial issues. Therefore, try to make friends during orientation week. You will be able to meet your classmates during course briefing and this is when you can get acquainted. You need to start responding to challenge in a more mature manner and adapt so that you can make the best out of your time in the university.  

As for physical resilience, take your every day dose of vitamins and keep yourself fit by walking and jogging whenever possible. Try to avoid eating junk food all the time like most students do, and learn to cook simple food to eat healthier.

Finally, we wish you the best of luck and we hope that this article can help you to better prepare yourself before entering university. Good luck!

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