Orientation Day 1: The Semester Begins!

Students gathered in the auditorium, bustling with nerves. It’s hilarious to watch the new students and realize I’m only their senior by a couple of months. They were introduced to the various departments of MUSA before given a tour of the campus by the Monash Buddy Program. Most of us (who went for orientation) know this was low-key a lifesaver for the first week of school and trying to figure out where your classes were.

After a quick (FREE FOOD) lunch, the students were given a speech on financial literacy, split into two parts; the first on financial safety, and the second on setting up a Maybank account and applying for PTPTN. It’s basically free money, so I’d definitely recommend applying for one to help with your studies fees. 

Orientation Day 2: Jom Makan + Concert

On the second day of orientation at Monash, many new and old students, local and international, gathered around the foyer which was decorated and styled to resemble a fancy pasar malam concept for the Jom Makan! event. Mixing around and socializing, this was a perfect place to make friends and memories to kickstart the new semester. With a variety of Malaysian cuisines, from satay (chicken skewers) and char kway teow (fried noodles) to boba (bubble tea) and taufu fa (tofu dessert), it is no wonder that students crowded over each food stall. Hats off to the food team handling each stall as there were so many people crowding each stall, it was impressive to see how fast they could keep up with the crowd! 

To pair with the delicious foods that were offered, there was live entertainment available as well! With fun lights and uplifting vibes at the stage that was set up next to the food area, students were able to really let loose and enjoy themselves before the semester started. Students were able to witness the many talents take the stage that evening! From performances by:

• DJ and Emiri 
• Jesslyne
• Lew Xin Yun 
• Le Lagoo
• Caliph Buskers 
• Loh Jia Quan 
• Reminixx 
• DJ Rex 
• Monash Performing Arts Club
• Monash Cheerleading Club
• Monash Street Dance Community 
• Monash Music Club

Shoutouts to all the hardworking performers that were able to give the new students a wonderful experience (Monash really does carry all the talent!) Overall, the second day was a major success!

Orientation Day 5: Prologue du Voyage and Ice Breaking

Prologue du Voyage

Before orientation week comes to an end, students were able to experience one last fun event, the Prologue du Voyage. A creatively artistic concept that was truly unforgettable! The paintings set up around the entrance was just the beginning, as we entered a beautifully decorated tennis court, you don’t even realize that it was a tennis court to begin with! Lively and amazing, were the first words that our writers could come up with, the vibes were, needless to say, immaculate. 

Our writers had the best time joining in the fun activities such as bracelet making, keychain and tote bag painting! Students could go home with a polaroid picture and even a temporary henna painting. Furthermore, besides these fun activities, there were many desserts and other foods available for purchase as well, as with food comes fuel for creativity.

One writer (and photographer) even took a short nap at the extremely comfortable Starry Night themed rest area.

MBP Ice Breaking Program

We headed straight for the Ice-Breaking Program at 4 pm, sharp, as students began to file into the room. There was an incredible turnout (July intake students are apparently composed entirely of extroverts) as people mingled with classmates, friends and soon-to-be-friends. Each table had around 8 students, snacks and drinks, and a piece of paper. Seemingly innocuous labels were printed on–most flexible, able to down a can of coke in 15 seconds, a good memory, and the students were encouraged to fill it out to the best of their ability. After the papers were filled, the activities began as they actually had to prove themselves to be the best of the best. There were tongue twisters, limbo challenges, doing as many squats as they could in a minute, finishing the song–the crowd burst into raucous applause and cheers as a brave individual rapped out an entire verse of Lose Yourself without even a glance at the lyrics–quick math questions, and more.

The vibes were, again, on point, and we were treated to pizza and a lucky draw at the end of it all! It definitely made for a satisfying and memorable introduction to Monash’s student life. Orientation was an incredible success overall, thanks to MUSA and MBP’s efforts. I absolutely can’t wait to mooch off next year’s Jom Makan and other orientation activities!

Written by: Simone & Erika; Photos by Aaron, Kevin & Sheng Jie