December 9, 2020, by Communications

What Do Students Do On Campus?

The University announced the extension of online learning for the last week of the semester until the 13^th of December. Many students have chosen to leave campus and continue their studies at home, while some have opted to remain on campus.

We had a talk with three students, Widanage Vinuri De Silva, who is in her third year of  Computer Science; Nur Aribah Atiqah Binti Mohamad Raus, who is in her second year of International Communication Studies; Mohamed Hasan Al-Akraa, who is in his second year of Education, and Jasmin Wee Shiang Ning, who is in her first year of Education (TESOL), who chose to remain on campus during the CMCO and get to know how they went about their daily lives.

“Most of my classes are in the morning, then I take a two hour break, to go to the cafeteria and I come back to my room and continue with my classes for the afternoon, or attend meetings for group work.” said Vinuri, who was academic focused as a final year student. Hasan’s day was spent similar to Vinuri’s, but he jokingly added that he would refuse to switch his camera on because he didn’t want his peers to see his “Morning face”.

Aribah, on the other hand, spent her free time with crafting and cooking.

“I usually cook my own food, mainly Malay cuisine! But on my lazy days I will order take out!” she said lightly.

The students were also being optimistic about their fitness routines, despite the Sports Complex being closed.

“I go jogging around the lake or do cardio in my room once or twice a week.” Jasmin said, determined to not let the CMCO get in the way of her fitness goals.

However, all four of them admitted that they missed the lively hustle and bustle of campus life before the MCO and the CMCO.

“I miss hanging out with my friends after class. I have a group of friends from different courses and after our classes would end, we would meet up at Dapurmas to grab lunch together and talk. Also, I miss going around campus, meeting people and casually talking to them.” Aribah mused, and Jasmin echoed her sentiment in her own reply.

“I really miss the liveliness of the campus, seeing everyone walking around and chatting.”

To move away from the dreary topic of current campus life, Vinuri reminded us all to keep connected with our family and friends by making use of our social media platforms. Hasan chipped in with some valuable advice as well. While his immediate family lived in KL, as an international student Hasan could sympathise with those who could not go back home this year.

“Take this opportunity to do some self-reflection. Do your best to stay positive and if you ever feel depressed, do reach out for help”

Finally, to end things on a positive note, Jasmin and Hasan gave us a reminder to appreciate every day by sharing their favourite spots on campus to visit whenever you need a change of perspective.

“The Trent building’s fountain area. The scenery is breathtaking during the evening.”

“The sunset view by the lake.”

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