BY ERİNÇ ADA CEYLAN (ME/II)
For most of us, a new role in life presents a variety of challenges and some surprises, too. Advice from someone who’s already been there can help get us through the rough spots. In the case of university students, who better than seniors to offer the benefit of their experience?
This week, Melike Nur Gürsoy, a fourth-year Mechanical Engineering student, has some words of wisdom for this year’s freshmen.
Q. What advice would you give freshmen about the Bilkent experience?
The first year is a great opportunity to discover Bilkent’s enjoyable features. It will be a lot of fun to participate in as many social communities as you can this year, when the course load is relatively light. You’ll meet new people from all over the world and learn about their cultures. The first year is also a good opportunity to discover the facilities that Bilkent offers its students. You can take part in various sporting events or borrow books from the Bilkent library that are not offered in any other library in Turkey. You should keep your academic side strong while working on your social skills. You will be able to participate in the academic work of your department if you have high averages and enough interest by the end of your second year. So, during your time at university, you can see a “trailer” of your future career. Finally, I don’t think you should graduate until you have walked the entire campus to discover all its unique views.
Q. What’s something students should keep in mind throughout their time at Bilkent?
Everyone faces challenges during their Bilkent education because there are always deadlines. Despite this stress, keep in mind that your efforts won’t be wasted. As a fourth-year student at Bilkent, I can say with certainty that our education advances us more than that of many other university students. “No gain without pain” could be your guiding principle for surviving at Bilkent.
Q. Any tips or tricks to surviving life at Bilkent?
-Do not ignore BAIS e-mails and make sure to attend events and seminars that are suitable for you.
-Do not hesitate to contact the academicians, they will always do their best for you.
-Don’t forget to take a break when you’re overwhelmed.
-Party! Don’t graduate until you’ve thoroughly enjoyed the fun.
Q. One word about your experience at Bilkent so far?
Development.
