Guide to first year students going to UMS.

For those who have not gotten their surat tawaran. Do not worry. I have not received mine either after so long (go complain to Pos Malaysia). Haha. You can just go there and ask them to print it out for you. Or, just print the online version of the surat tawaran, it is as good as the original. Personally, there is no need for a medical checkup either. In the event that they really need it this year, just do it in the medical clinics nearby.

When you arrived at the airport, there are MSM (Minggu Suai Mesra) seniors that will assist you at the airport. It is around 20 to 45 minutes drive from the airport. Taxis normally charge RM30 (give or take RM5).

Orientation is not so bad. They make you stand and sit and stand and sit and stand and sit and stand and sit... Wake up at 4am (kuliah Islam for Muslims and kuliah Moral for non-Muslims) Personally speaking, you can just ponteng it and run padang one round the next day. Even so, try your best to attend it. Sometimes talk until late at night, then ask you to walk back to your own hostel (10-20 minutes walk depending on your hostel). You will see hundreds of them marching their heavy heads back to their rooms at 1am to 2am. During orientation week, you can "curi-curi" change room, because the room given during to you during orientation week is not permanent (but still 80% chance you will remain in the same kampung). After your rooms are fixed, cannot change already. Do not worry too much either, they tend to fix students of the same race together (though not all the time) Bring two sets of formal wear (guys and girls alike) They provided the batiks for previous years. (someone mentioned about an umbrella a few pages back, they do provide during my year, but broken already  ,buy it there as you will not need to pack an extra umbrella for rainy days)

About packing, do not need to overpack. (15kg luggage check in for AirAsia and 20kg for MAS, RM12 for every extra kilogram if I am not mistaken, pack light and buy it there if you cannot bring it) Clothes, toiletries, laptop (for those who do bring, please be careful even though it is quite safe) Do bring a pair of walking shoes as there are most of the time walking involved (from library to lecture halls, to faculties, etc) Documents for those who do not intend to apply for PTPTN are IC, birth certificate (not sure), passport size photo (bring 5 or more for library, registration, medical card, etc), result slip. Those who intend to apply PTPTN need to bring parents IC, their income tax form (borang J I think), and the offer letter to UMS. Verify all documents in your school around 5 copies each is more than enough I think. No pillow or blanket or bedsheet is provided. Bring your own unless you do not use it. Bedsheet is a "must" since the mattress seems like 5 years old mattress that looks very dirty.

For those who got courses that they do not want, you can apply with to change course (need approval from dean of the current faculty that you got and the dean of the faculty that you want to apply to). There are quite a few successful cases so do not give up hope. Those who intend to change university, that is a whole new story and it is usually harder.

As some had said, formal wear is during Monday, Wednesday and Thursday (or some three days that I have forgotten, since I never followed even on day 1 itself). Other days can wear casual, but must have collar. For girls, skirt or pants must reach below the knee. Wear proper socks and shoes, no excessive accessories/jewellery. If I remember correctly, even jeans, round collar, cargo pants, low cut, slippers, etc (basic school rules) is against the rules. The same goes for hair, dying it slightly is still acceptable, but those with very obvious unnatural hair colour and untidy hair (long, spiky, etc basic school rules again) will normally be caught. Usually the administration do not care, but we did had a check on all the students once in a while (saman RM10 or student card confiscated or both). Student card (which doubles as a library card that is issued around the second week of lectures) enables you to stay in East Malaysia for more than three months without going to the immigration to renew your stay. Do not lose it.

About finances, you do not need to pay the entire course fee immediately. I forgot to pay mine and paid almost at end of the semester. But do pay or you will not be able to get your results. You pay when registering as a university student or at OneStop Center/Canselori (a place you will visit often if you have to change your subjects, payments, etc administration affairs) There is a CIMB bank with 2 ATM machines for those who does not have an account yet. There is also a new Maybank ATM machine (not bank) at Kampung E that just started at the end of last semester. Do bring at least RM2000 for fees and various other expenditures.

There are seven hostels (called kampungs) in UMS. Five of them in the campus and two of them out of campus. A, B, C, D, E are those that are in campus with E being the newest and the best (hope you get a place there, it has not only the better cafeteria, but also a small cyber cafe for web surfing and a mini sundries shop). The other two are Kingfisher (KF) and Indah Permai (IP). (There are rumours that KF is closing down this semester or very soon in the near future, but these rumours have been there every year) An additional information, if I am not mistaken, you are not compulsory to stay in campus even for the first semester. (I know I did not) You can apply for non-resident status and be waived of the hostel fees. Areas to stay outside of campus are Kingfisher and Indah Permai. Rental goes from RM60 to RM450 depending on the area and the room (take RM150 for single room, RM300 for a double room and RM450 for a master bedroom for an average estimate)

To those students whose campus is in Labuan or Sandakan and a fourth campus (I forgot where but it is building up soon, correct me if I am wrong), you still need to go to the Kota Kinabalu campus for orientation week. After that, you will be ferried over to Labuan (around 5am to 6am the next day after orientation week).

Courses are mainly conducted in English though mixed with Malay sometimes if the students do not understand, also lecturer dependent (except for those non-core courses like Hubungan Etnik and Tamadun Islam dan Tamadun Asia which are taught in Malay and compulsory to take). Everyone is required to take language for four semesters (two years) as well. If you get band 3 and below for your MUET, you are going to face English for the next two years again. For the rest, you have an option to choose from Japanese, French, Tamil, Mandarin, Kadazan (Spanish was offered during the second semester). You cannot take your own mother tongue language. Japanese and French are the more popular courses for Chinese while Mandarin is popular among the Indians and Malays. Although, Kadazan is an option to consider as they say it is easy to pass and is sort of close to Malay. There are other PPIB (Pusat Penataran Ilmu dan Bahasa) courses where you are required to take as well. Everyone is also compulsory to take a co-curricular subject during the weekend (list available in prospectus book provided during registration). There are two uniformed bodies (PALAPES - Pasukan Latihan Pegawai Simpanan and SUKSIS - Voluntary Police Corp) which actually pays you and gives you an allowance of like RM3.50 per hour or something (average of RM1500 per year). These two unique uniformed bodies needs a minimum participation of 3 years and is mainly filled with Malays. In my opinion, just skip it and choose the regular activites that only require one semester unless you are in need of money and like training under a uniformed body. Those who choose to undergo these uniformed bodies can choose to become a corporal (correct me if I am wrong) after you graduated. Everyone is compulsory to take ODEC (Outdoor Development Center) to graduate with exemptions given to PALAPES AND SUKSIS people. It is some sort of mini NS where you spend a day during the weekend doing four activities (rakit out in the sea, flying fox, jungle trekking, and high rope for my year). You can do it anytime during your course, though they have limited seats (once again, register early). Do check it in the Pusat KoKum in the Chancelor's Hall from time to time as they did not announce it.

Registering subjects is like hell previously. For those who are good at pushing and cutting lines will come up to the top.  There is no need to line up at 12am (there will be students doing that, believe me) since the line will be gone once the door is opened and everyone will just rush in anyway. Make sure you actually register early if you are taking the more popular subjects (Marine Science for the science subjetcs, St. John Ambulance for co-curricular activities, etc) Since seats are limited for every subject (except your major core courses), you will get to know your university friends in close up (literally, imagine a thousand students pushing through a hall like all the aunties rushing into a Malaysian Mega Sales, it makes rushing for Mini Buses in the 90's looks like child's play)

Of course, there are internet addicts like me (since you are in Lowyat.NET, you should be!) There are wireless access in the foyer area of SKTM (Sekolah Kejuruteraan dan Teknologi Maklumat, personally getting 350+ kB/s from Microsoft's site, cannot torrent), third floor of SST (Sekolah Sains dan Teknologi, not sure where exactly), library (inside and outside there is a 24 hour study zone, slow and need to register with the library UMTP - Unit Media dan Teknologi Pendidikan) and Kampung E (private cyber cafe there, it was like RM30 for 13 hours or something like that, sorry I cannot provide more information since I do not use it and it is slow). They said there is wireless access in Kampung A, B as well (TM Hotspot) though I have never tried it personally. There are wireless access areas out of campus as well. The nearest cyber cafe is at Kingfisher and some other wireless points at comic shops there.

Your average daily life would be attending lectures and finishing assignments. The average day starts with squeezing into the morning bus (7am for the first bus as lectures starts at 8am - varies for different courses) with all your new found friends. Attending tutorial sessions and boring afternoon classes while having lunch at Di Bayu (a cafeteria near the lecture halls) Do note there is a photocopy/binding service next to the cafeteria (5 cents per page though you can get it cheaper outside at 3 cents per page) For those who got night lectures (usually apply to students taking English), do not miss the last bus back to the hostel at 10pm. You will be walking if you do miss the bus.

Library is usually a hang out spot for students who wish to have peace and quiet. The library is very cold though (bring a jacket as this applies to lecture halls as well) as the glass is often found with water droplets forming on it during colder seasons. The 24hour study zone available there allows students to study there as well as go online as well (very slow and sometimes problemetic connections with MSN). Usually, it is better off to use the computers available inside the library (booking in advance, one hour per slot)

Life during the weekends is normally spent in dormitories catching up with assignments and studies. Of course, all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. There are buses that goes to KK town from UMS everyday (at least one every hour). It ranges from RM1.20 to RM1.50 per trip and drops you near Center Point (take the OMO company buses, they cost RM1.20) For those who intend to rent a Kancil, the prices average from RM6 per hour to RM60 per day. Center Point, in my opinion is worse than Leisure Mall in Cheras, but still acceptable. There is a supermarket there and your basic shopping complex shops. Popular book store is on the fifth floor where you can get your stationaries (instead of the expensive ones in the university's korperasi) There are two book stores where students normally take note as most text books are bought here in Kota Kinabalu town (Penguin and Eaton - not sure about the correct name) Do not worry if you do not find them, as usually after the first lecture, shopkeepers from those bookstores will be waiting outside the lecture hall selling the textbooks that you need for that subject. Though, students normally just photocopy the books since it is expensive ranging from RM40 to RM150. There are McDonalds, KFC, Starbucks, Secret Recipe and a GSC cinema here as well for those who miss the city life of Kuala Lumpur. Wisma Merdeka is well known for buying cheap clothing so do not fret if you underpacked. Karamunsing Complex is another area near Center Point (mini Lowyat plaza) where you can get computer related items. A PC fair will be held in Center Point just like the ones in KL and Penang, so do not worry if you still have not gotten a laptop, printer or any other computer related items for your studies.

Of course, those who do not wish to travel to KK town can always drop by KF or IP via university buses. Kingfisher has a newly renovated Giant Hypermarket (not that big but still two floors). There are restaurants around here as well for those who are bored of campus food (BTC Cafeteria anyone?) A 10 minutes walk will bring you to a nearby McDonalds. A KFC outlet can be found at Indah Permai as well. There are hair saloons, photocopying shops and other various shops in both areas as well for the convenience of the students there.

Those who are health concious, you are not left out. There are people playing football or jogging in the Sports Complex. You can always head there and relax your tensed up muscles during the evening. If you do feel sick, go visit the nearby clinics (bring along your medical card, you paid for it, collect it at your kampung's JAKMAS - department for hostel affairs). A note to those who did not use it, you can claim health products from these clinics. (vitamins and such, again since you have paid for it, make the most out of it)

For the Muslims, do not worry about your prayers as there is a mosque in the campus itself. As for Christians, there are numerous cell groups (seniors) that will go to dormitory rooms or approach you in cafeterias during orientation week informing you about their weekly prayers/activities.

There are other activities such as Pesta Keamatan, Pesta Tanglung, Pesta Angpau, Pesta Cahaya, etc organized by students where you get to join in the festivities. Maybe join in as a committee member and help in organizing as well. Not forgetting the Students Council (MPP - Majlis Perwakilan Pelajar) where students get to voice out their complaints (university bus always late). Other clubs and societies such as Robocon (those interested in robotics), JCS (Japanese Cultural Society), dancing classes, yoga lessons, fencing, or even MSM (Minggu Suai Mesra for next year's juniors)

Those who are adventurous can go visit the places nearby. Kundasang is about an hour or two hours drive away from UMS. Somewhat like Cameron Highlands, it is where the tallest mountain in South East Asia lays, Mount Kinabalu. You can normally find flyers on bus stops in campus promoting some packages for climbing the beautiful mountain. Other places in Kundasang are like the botanical garden, Poring Hot Springs, etc. Other places of interesting activities are like Padas River Rafting, scuba diving, etc. Planning on a simple night out with some friends? Just rent a car and head over to Tanjung Aru First Beach Resort (next to the airport) where you get to see the beach, enjoy some satay or chicken wings, watch the locals dance, etc.

Generally, life here is a pace slower than those who stay in KL city. Although, you will have some nights staying up to 2am till 5am (doing assignments, students famous for doing last minute work) It is still fun and enjoyable.

Here are some important links for your stay in UMS:
http://www.ums.edu.my/ (UMS main site)
http://www.ums.edu.my/go.php?sect=sitemap (UMS sitemap)
http://wwwkal.ums.edu.my/ (UMS Labuan campus main site)
http://bpa.ums.edu.my/ (Bahagian Pendidikan Akademik, where you get your exam schedules, subjects offered for the semester, etc)
http://bpa.ums.edu.my/takwim.mht (Time table for the coming year, only in IE7)
http://lms.ums.edu.my/ (Learning Management System, most lecturers do not bother, but some do post their lecture notes and announcements here, the username and the password is your matrix number without the dash, activated around second week after your registration)
http://www.ums.edu.my/go.php?sect=cstud&p=download (Some forms to download if you have not received your offer letter, can be ignored but just print a copy just to be safe)
http://webmail.ums.edu.my/ (Webmail that I have personally never touched)
http://www.airasia.com/ (Book your return tickets, Hari Raya/Chinese New Year/Deepavali/next year's tickets now while it is still cheap)

The above information is written based on experiences in KK campus. Correct me if I am mistaken anywhere. Attached together is the university song (Bertekad Cemerlang) Do learn it or the seniors might "torture" you. Good luck to you all furthering your studies in UMS! (I wish I had a senior that told me all these before going)

http://download.yousendit.com/78A2D1CD62307CD5

Bertekad Cemerlang

UMS lambang puncak jaya
Pancaran perjuangan semangat waja
Pembentuk citra pelindung budaya
Memandu bangsa memaju negara

Di sini dicanai segala fikiran
Di sini dikaji segala wawasan
Ilmu iman sumber pedoman
Bakti curah kasih budiman

Bayu bertiup nafasmu sejati
Bumi terhampar tubuhmu abadi
Samudera biru wajahmu berseri
Suria menyinar tenagamu murni

Kaulah harapan bangsa maju
Kaulah jambatan nusa bersatu
Berdiri megah kekal bermutu
Menunjuk arah bakal dituju

UMS kaulah tunggak negara
Warisan sejati Malaysia tercinta
Bertekad Cemerlang menjadi budaya
Semoga unggul dan sejahtera

Lagu: Prof. Madya Abdul Jamal Abd. Hamid
Lirik: Tuan Haji Salleh Haji Yusof