Student Profile |
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| Faculty: NUS Business School Major: Finance and Marketing, Year 4. Madhuri is also pursuing a minor in European Studies Co-curricular Activities (CCAs): |
| Meghna: | I joined the NUS Political Science Society when I was in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences before I transferred to the NUS Business School. I was part of the Singapore Model United Nations (SMUN) Conference organising team in 2007 and 2008, and it was a fantastic experience to work with brilliant people and make great friends along the way. In 2007, I joined the National University of Singapore Students’ Union (NUSSU) and was in the organising team for projects like Union Camp and Matriculation Fair. It enabled me to meet people from different faculties, and a number of us are still in touch. I was also involved in NUS’ campus radio station, Radio Pulze, and though it was a brief stint, I made some amazing friends there. I also joined the Association Internationale des Étudiants en Sciences Économiques et Commerciales (AIESEC) and Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE), and represented NUS in the SIFE World Cup in 2008. |
| Madhuri: |
Like Meghna, I was also involved in SMUN, SIFE, Radio Pulze as well as AIESEC, where I was the Organising Committee President of the Global Village. |
| Why did you decide to come to NUS? |
| Meghna: | I wanted to study in Singapore right from the start. Some NUS seniors shared their experiences with me, and I was impressed with the diversity NUS offered in terms of Faculties and Schools, Halls of Residence and other programmes. I was also drawn to how NUS had close links with many labs, think-tanks, research facilities, as well as with alumni. While I wasn’t entirely sure what my interests were at the time, I knew that whichever route I pursued, the broad spectrum of programmes available at NUS would be able to accommodate my interests. NUS’ vibrant culture, in which people worked hard and played hard, was also the kind of university I was looking for:) Four years on, NUS has lived up to my expectations. The University has given me many opportunities, particularly for my internships. I’ve been very fortunate to get work experience at some amazing companies in different fields and industries. I’ve also made many amazing friends, and learnt beyond what textbooks can teach. |
| Madhuri: |
No other university in Singapore can match the range of courses and programmes offered by NUS. When I considered different universities while being unsure of what I wanted to pursue in the future, I found the large variety and choice at NUS highly appealing. I was also drawn to NUS’ vibrant, inclusive community. Not only have I taken part in a good number of activities that I wouldn’t have if I wasn’t an NUS student, I have also been able to develop strong friendships with the most unlikely of people – definitely a great thing (: |
| Fondest memory at NUS |
| Meghna: | It would be impossible to single out one memory. I loved the times I spent organising events, meeting all sorts of people and working with them. Then there were the planned surprises for friends’ birthdays, even if they were during the exam period. There were also some lectures that were memorable and so enriching that you just don’t forget, teachers who give unexpectedly positive feedback, and the end-of-semester class picture-taking. And then there were the flash dances, pranks on April Fools’ Day, wacky marketing gimmicks I chance upon along corridors, and the Milo van at bazaars. These all make up my fondest memory at NUS. |
| Madhuri: | Going to China with a bunch of strangers and returning with great friends, and learning a little Chinese along the way! |
| The Desai sisters on … Balancing studying, family, friends and work |
| Meghna: |
This is possibly the trickiest bit of university life, and I’m still learning along the way. At any one point, there is so much happening in school, so jugging studies, family and friends, and CCAs can get overwhelming. You may often find yourself with so much to do with so little time. So firstly, prioritise, and stick to the priorities you’ve made. You also need time for yourself, to be alone to reflect or just relax, so you can take stock of who you are and what you’re doing. While many programmes at NUS are open to you – the NUS Overseas Colleges (NOC), Student Exchange Programme (SEP), internships, conferences, etc – don’t hastily jump into everything. Choose wisely, and choose what you, rather than your friends, want to do. University is anything but uni-dimensional. I believe in making the most of university life by dabbling in a bit of everything. Have fun along the way because that will keep your mind off ‘work’ and ‘balance’, and you’ll genuinely enjoy everything you do. |
| Madhuri: | Be careful not to bite off more than you can chew, or your priorities will go haywire. It’s easy to get absorbed in non-academic activities, so keep in mind you’ve only 24 hours in a day. |
| Making Friends |
| Meghna: | Don’t be intimidated by this, and be open-minded when you meet someone of a different mould. They say the one thing about university that you will remember down the road is the friendships you made. It’s usually easier to make friends if you stay in a Hall of Residence or join a CCA. But even within your classes, remember that your classmates are not that different from you. A smile, a greeting and friendly banter can sometimes bond people in unexpected ways. |
| Madhuri: | Don’t be worried about making a bad impression. It beats not making any at all! |
| The Desai sisters’ favourites Pastime |
| Meghna: |
I enjoy watching television, because it relaxes me, and I find some programmes really educational. I also love hanging out with friends at the canteens, outside school, doing random activities or planning new stuff we’ve never tried before. |
| Madhuri: |
Hanging out with friends. There’s nothing quite like catching up over coffee (: |
| Module |
| Meghna: | I love most of my modules, and enjoy the rest :) I tried to think of one I like the most, but really, between the French classes, European studies, political science, psychology, and management and strategy classes, I’d be hard-pressed to pick any favourites. I’ve had some of the best lecturers, tutors and classmates, and these can change how much you like a particular class. |
| Madhuri: |
Gee, this is difficult. They’re all a little hellish! No, I’m kidding (: No favourites, to be honest. |
| Social networking website |
| Meghna: | Facebook. I got drawn to Twitter for a class this semester, but Facebook is still my favourite. |
| Madhuri: |
Facebook for me too. I’m so hooked. |
| Favourite eating place on campus |
| Meghna: |
I’m vegetarian, and my favourite lunches are in the engineering canteen. Munchie Monkey and Subway comes a close second. |
| Madhuri: |
For me, Subway and Munchie Monkey come out tops, but I don’t go there as often as I like. They’re a little far from the Business School. |
| Movie |
| Meghna: | I can watch The Bucket List over and over again. |
| Madhuri: | They’re too many I like to be listed as favourites, and yet none I like enough to call my one favourite. |
| Music |
| Meghna: | I listen to anything except heavy metal and symphonies. |
| Madhuri: | Coldplay (: |
| Thing about NUS |
| Meghna: | The flexibility NUS offers. I was able to transfer from the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences to the Business School when I showed greater aptitude and interest in business and finance. I also love the spaces on campus that few know about – the shortcuts, how following the yellow ceiling takes you on a sheltered path across faculties, etc. Above all, it is the people I’ve met, because they’ve made my experiences memorable in their own special way. |
| Madhuri: |
I agree on the flexibility bit. As NUS students, we enjoy a lot of flexibility and choice, and the opportunities to make our NUS experience rich and vibrant are plenty(: |