15 March 2011

Battle of the Monashians Help Students Adjust To The Sunway Campus

Story and pictures by Michelle Kiob

New students at the Monash University Sunway campus hardly stand out as the excited and disoriented ones, as most of them have assimilated into the same pace as their senior university mates, rushing from one lecture hall to another.

This transition was made flawless as just recently, the fresh batch attended a week-long Orientation Session organised by the Monash University Student Association (MUSA) and the Student Services Unit, which ended with the adrenaline-pumping Battle of the Monashians.

At the event, each School formed their own team, complete with a life-size mascot, and competed in a marathon of games to win the grand title and prize. The new MUSA team for 2011 impressed their mates with unique games that were spread out to all four corners of the campus.

Deputy President (Academic) Prof Chris Messom officiated the event.

“The Orientation Week is a great chance for new students to get familiar with university life and meet staff and students in a fun and exciting environment,” he said.

He added that the Battle of the Monashians showed how serious the students were about having fun and enjoying themselves.

“I’m sure they will be able to take that attitude through their academic studies in the weeks and months ahead,” Prof Messom added.

Sasan Amari, a 20-year-old from Iran, actively participated in every game on behalf of School of Science.

“The games they organised are fun and really get students to interact and work together,” he said.

On a more serious note, the Biotechnology student said: “I did my research for a good university and decided on Monash University Sunway campus for its standard and reputation. My visa application went smoothly and I noticed once I got here that the university provides top facilities for us as well.”

Another international student who has adjusted well into his new home in Malaysia is Mathew Mathews, 20, from Zimbabwe.

“I heard that the Environmental Management program under the School of Science is one of the best, and that was exactly what I wanted to pursue. The campus is great and I love how easy it is to move around here,” Mathew said.

Therese Chong, 21, may be new to the Sunway campus, but is accustomed with the Monash standard, having moved from Monash University Australia to continue her Bachelor of Business and Commerce.

“I absolutely love this campus. It may not be as widespread as the Melbourne campus, but that means I am in a smaller student community. The Orientation Week also helped to get the students adjusted to the campus and its facilities.”

Therese, who didn’t expect the games at the Battle of the Monashians to be physically challenging and exciting, was also in the winning team as the Purple Team of the School of Business bagged the Grand Title and Prize, for the fourth consecutive semester.