University life is a hodgepodge of the decisions you make in every situation presented to you. To ensure that you make the right decision from the start as a freshman here are the top 5 things you should definitely know before coming to IBA.
1. Be informed and make decisions accordingly
Many students blindly apply to the BBA program due to the prestige attached to it. However, all glitter is not gold. A program’s perception among the masses should not be the main factor while choosing what degree to pursue. It would be a good idea to check IBA’s website. This has details regarding each of the programs IBA offers, and then choose the one that suits you the best while applying for admission. If you chose a certain program at the time of admission but want to switch, you should do it as soon as possible. It would be best to transfer before the semester starts so that you don’t have to make up for missed courses during the summers. This would lead to you actually being happy about your degree and not feel guilty about wasting your parents’ hard-earned money.
2. Take part in as many activities as you can
Sometimes, especially during Freshman year, you may end up with a 4-hour gap between your classes. At first, you may not know how to spend that time. So, in times like these, you should try to use as many facilities at IBA as possible. Sit in the library and read a book, or if you’re into sports, start participating in sports such as badminton, tennis, or even cricket. If societies are your thing, then you can even join a few at IBA. They usually have several events almost every week (that is if Covid restrictions are eased).
3. Invest in an umbrella, sunblock, and comfortable shoes
IBA has a huge, well-equipped campus, but it lacks places that could offer some shade from the Karachi sun. There are not enough casual sitting spaces where students could sit without being directly under the sun. There is also a serious lack of trees on the different paths leading to the various buildings. As announced in a recent ‘important guidelines’ email and pictures from the campus, IBA also plans on having some ‘open-air classrooms’ so you might even have to sit under the sun for a class. Hence, it would be good to invest in an umbrella or a hat and ALWAYS wear sunblock. If you plan on taking your classes on campus, you should wear comfortable shoes because you will have to walk a lot.
4. Not-so-great food options on campus
It is to no one surprise that the food served at IBA cafeterias is average at best. This is because of the lack of options and taste (although the fries at Adamjee cafe are surprisingly good). In the previous semester, new food stalls had been set up, but the food there was a bit expensive. There is delicious food available at the KU canteens, which are economical, but you can only get that when IBA-KU are on good terms. So, in conclusion, when it comes to food, your best bet would be to bring lunch from home since that would be a healthy and economical solution.
5. Learn to be okay with spending time alone
Lastly, you have to accept the fact that you will not always be surrounded by people you know. Not every day will be as ‘happening’ as you would have imagined it to be. On some days, there would be so many things happening all at once, whether that be a spontaneous trip with your friends to Safeet or Maskan or whether it be that one day where your social energy level is at its highest. But on some days, you will be alone: you wouldn’t want to be around people, or because your friends are all busy with work. On such days, you need to be at peace with spending time with yourself and not feel restless sitting alone.
Conclusion
I hope the above-mentioned things will help you survive at IBA. It is possible that your experience at IBA may not be as perfect as you would expect it to be. But one thing I can say for sure is that your journey at IBA would be one hell of a ride!
