A Veteran Speaks

Wai Sing Yong has been involved with the OSA since 1995. In the 5 years that he was actively involved in the OSA council he has the position of President twice and has also held other positions such as that of Media Officer. He has given the OSA all his dedication and has ensured the continued welfare of international students with an unmatched passion. Many OSA members have learned from his wisdom.

University life can be considered as a "crash-course" into society. There are many expectations and pressures on you being able to perform, especially when your fees run in the thousands of dollars. However, coping with university life is not as hard as you think. In fact, it's going to be the best time of your life, so enjoy it while you can!

Coping with your studies:
You lead an independent life while you are a university student. So this is the best time and probably the only time for you to practise implementing your time management skills. Those of you who are not used to using a diary, you'd better make that change. Your diary will become your best friend.

Studying in university requires a bit of discipline. Lecturers and tutors give deadlines for all your assignments, but they can be very flexible if you are having problems handing them in on time. Just approach them and talk to them. Don't do it too often though, or take them for granted. Put enough time in to do your studies.

Social activities:
Life in university is not all about studying and no play. This is going to be the best time of your life, and one that you will be talking about till you're old. There are many activities which the University provides to spice up your life. There are heaps of clubs and societies for you to choose from. Learn outdoor skills from the Mountaineering Club, improve your French in the French Club, learn dazzling high kicks from the Taekwondo Clubs, the options are virtually endless. All international students are especially encouraged to participate in the Overseas Students' Association because you are already a member, don't have to pay an entry fees, and are entitled to the many services which are provided by the peak international student representative body in this university.

Here's a tip. Get yourself involved in organising some of the events by the OSA. You'll be able to acquire skills that are not provided by your course. Trust me, I was involved for 5 years and I learnt so many skills like leadership, public relations, organising activities, and so much more. These skills will definitely come in handy in the future.

Making Friends:
One of the most important things to do when you are in the university is to make friends from both the local and international communities. The people you meet today could very well be working along side you when you enter the workforce. Like my dad always tells me:

'Son, when you graduate, you must have friends that are 1/ a doctor, 2/ a lawyer, 3/ an accountant, 4/ a dentist and 5/ a banker. The advice: Go out and make friends.

However, don't just stick to one or even two circles. While you are here in a foreign country, a useful piece of advice you should heed is to be able to see things from a different perspective as well as getting your degree. The ability to see things differently will be the added edge that many employers look for in their employees.  And in order to attain that ability, you need to mix with the local crowd. Learn their culture and their ways of viewing and doing things. They may not always be right but it is definitely different to the way our own culture brought us up. Make comparisons and strive to understand them.

So don't just come here to get a degree, get an education which covers you academically and socially. Studying in university is a fun time, so make it a fun time.

Wai Sing Yong, Singapore