The heavy downpour experienced in Suva failed to dampen the spirits of newly enrolled College of Engineering, Science and Technology (CEST) students, who packed the MB Hall this morning to participate in the 2019 Orientation program.

The new students were welcomed to Derrick Campus by the Associate Dean Research, Dr Jimaima Lako who provided participants an overview of the College.

Dr Lako congratulated the students for successfully registering and enrolling in their respective programmes and encouraged them to observe the University regulations at all times.

“Now you are one step higher in your education. There will be a big transition from high school to tertiary life,” said Dr Lako.

“I must reiterate to you all that tertiary education requires more commitment than high school. In high school you are actually guided by teachers at every step but at the University you are mostly on your own. Therefore, you will have to use a lot of your own initiatives to understand the content of the programme and submit your assignments on time.”

“Successful education leads to successful work place attachments and job prospects,” Dr Lako added.

It was an informative day for friends Abhishek Kumar, Ramneek Kant Chandra and Pranil Ravitesh Ram.

The trio, who have studied together from Penang High School in Rakiraki, have enrolled in the programme of Bachelor of Civil Engineering (Honours).

Kumar acknowledged the academic and student support services for the presentations on the University regulations and expectations.

“The expectations, regulations and study environment at tertiary level is quite different from high school and the presentations made today have given me an insight on how certain procedures need to followed in order to get things done.”

“It will greatly assist us new students in adjusting to university life,” Kumar added.

Chandra said he was looking forward to experiencing the transition from high school to university life.

“After the presentations today, I am confident that this journey is going to be interesting and much more than what I had expected,” he said.

“We were told about the extra curricula activities such as debate competition, inter campus sports and so forth that we can participate in.”

Ram, on the other hand, was fascinated with the facilities at FNU’s Derrick Campus, Samabula.

“When I came for enrolment at Academic Services I did not realise the campus is this big with such amazing workshops for practical sessions. After the campus tour today, I feel even more confident in my decision to join FNU for my tertiary studies,” said Ram.

Semester One starts on Monday 4 February, 2019.