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SAMBA MASALA, led by business student Gerald Wu (right), performing at SMU's open house to give visitors a sense of the 'fun and vibrance' of the university. -- ST PHOTO: WANG HUI FEN
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EVERY university in town wants to be a class act.
And to attract the cream of the students who received their A-level results two days ago, the four universities - NUS, SMU, NTU and UniSIM - are holding open houses this month.
Although their websites already give plenty of information, including on recent fee increases, the open houses will allow students to get a better feel of campus life.
Brochures and invitation letters were sent out to students weeks in advance, trumpeting the open house events and activities.
The Singapore Management University (SMU), for instance, is trotting out unconventional co-curricular activities like muay thai (Thai-style kickboxing) and a Latin music band.
'We want to let students be informed while having an enriching and fun experience,' said admissions director Alan Goh.
Yesterday, salsa band Samba Masala wooed freshmen-to-be at SMU's open house. The two-day event ends today.
Formed in 2002, the all-student band is now 35 strong and has performed at events such as the Chingay and the Youth Olympics party at the Padang two weeks ago.
Said 23-year-old artistic director and business student Gerald Wu: 'The music's energy is infectious and we want to represent the fun and vibrance of our university.'
His bandmate Clara Tan chimed in: 'This event gives a glimpse into what our student culture is like.' The 20-year-old business student plays the agogo bell.
Mr Goh said: 'The event is an open-concept affair where students have the freedom to choose where to roam around.' Previously, students had to follow a set route during the open house.
SMU, located at Bras Basah, expects up to 8,000 visitors. Last year, it hosted 6,500 visitors.
Over at the National University of Singapore (NUS) in Kent Ridge, those feeling peckish after all the talks on academia can head to its Food Bazaar.
Its two-day open house will take place next weekend.
The 20 stalls at the bazaar include Botak Jones, famous for its beef sandwiches and Belgian chocolate waffles. Some student chefs will also man stalls selling food such as nasi lemak.
Third-year engineering student Goh Ghim Song, 24, will be selling desserts and drinks. 'We satisfy those who are hungry to know more about university and those who are hungry after walking around,' he said with a laugh.
There will also be performances by bands whose members come from the various hostels, as well as a special exhibition on the upcoming University Town, which will house athletes for the 2010 Youth Olympics.
NUS expects some 20,000 visitors to its open house this year, an increase of 2,000 from last year.
Second-year engineering student Tan Kian Leong, 22, an NUS Student Union member, coordinates the event as its director, together with 16 other students.
'It will be exciting, with 200 interest groups showing their stuff and promoting our rich school culture,' he said.
Nanyang Technological University (NTU) is holding its open house this weekend.
Among other highlights, the event at the School of Biological Sciences and the Nanyang Auditorium features breakdancers and dragon dancers. Radio DJs like Daniel Ong and Dennis Chew will tour the campus to report on the activities.
NTU expects to attract about 10,000 visitors, roughly the same as last year.
The new kid on the block - the Singapore Institute of Management University (UniSIM) - held its open house on Friday and yesterday. One highlight was a basketball clinic run by the Singapore Slingers, a semi-professional Australian League team with two locals in its ranks.
Several visitors who took part in the clinic walked away with attractive prizes in three-pointer shootouts.
Said Ms Cheng Lee Ching, corporate communications director of UniSIM: 'Such activities allow prospective students to get a taste of the lively diversity here.'
Fun and entertainment aside, the focus of the open houses is also on academic studies.
All four universities have roped in lecturers and students to field questions from prospective students.
Among the students GenY spoke to was Stephanie Chan, 18, who has been to SMU's open house and will head next week for the event at NUS.
'It's like an outing with friends and you get to find out more about your education too,' said the Victoria Junior College student, who wants to study medicine.
But Meridian Junior College student Earth Poon, 19, is giving open houses a miss. 'The information we have from, say, their websites, is adequate. Perhaps some people go for the freebies.'
alexliam@sph.com.sg
English As It Is Broken has been held over this week.
'We satisfy those who are hungry to know more about university and those who are hungry after walking around.'
ENGINEERING STUDENT GOH GHIM SONG, who will be selling desserts and drinks at the NUS Food Bazaar
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