welcome guys
i am a 2nd year (going to 3rd year in this coming sem) UMS student, found this thread while surfing, so trying to give some infos, i hope this help:

1. about courses:
- if i am not mistaken, pertanian is new course offered by new school, i have not much info about that.
- for those who thinking to change course, it is possible for u to do it, but u sure have to go through tons of tiring and stupid procedure, including find the damn busy dean of ur school, just good luck for those who want to do that.

2. about what to bring:
- passport size photo x 15 (i bring 20 last time, just left a few)
- J form from parents (needed for ptptn application)
- umbrella (u will know why later, but ums properly will free 1 for each newcomers)
- surat beranak photocopy (forgot for what already...)
- spm/stpm result photocopy
- parents IC photocopy
note: all the photocopy documents need signature from school, to verify that the photocopy is true.

3. about how to go sabah:
- do not think of going by ship, it take months
- mas n air asia is popular choices, u always can get cheaper air asia ticket if u book earlier, but u have to pay more if u want to change the time/distination of flight. mas is always more expensive than air asia.
- there will be buses waiting at KK air port, they will send u to ur hostel directly, so no worries.

cant think of anything else to add...thats all i guess, simply drop me a pm or post here if u have any question, will try to help...
hope that helps.