Prospective students

Things to know as a freshman

When starting a new chapter of your campus journey, you may face some challenges. We have suggestions for you to ensure a more enriching educational experience in Geiko.

Orientations
Kyushu University holds various orientations for new undergraduate, graduate, and international students. Various information pertaining to the different groups of students are disseminated during the orientations, such as insurance, personal particulars, emergency plan, scholarship, student websites, etc. All courses will also conduct their orientation so that you can get to know the course faculty members and facilities well. So, please don’t miss any orientations.

Make Friends!
Joining school circles, clubs, activities, and events is one of the best ways to make new friends and, perhaps, lasting friendships. One of the most look-forward events in Geiko is our Geiko Festival, which usually happens in early November. You can volunteer to help at the festival or simply join the festival. Take a step forward to make new friends through the various outlets, and you will be surprised by how your life can be enriched by saying “Hello” to someone you don’t know!
You can also check out my article on “Tips to make friends as a Freshman” for more suggestions.

Explore the Campus
Have your own tour of the campus. You can check out the common facilities such as Design Commons, the cafeteria where you can get discounted prices as a student, and there is a grand piano that you can use to relieve your stress or to share your talent with the patrons.  The newly renovated Design Library, which is facinating. Take a seat at the “Frying pan”, the open space between Building 1 & 2. Take a deep breath and enjoy the clear blue clear, have your bento box and chat with your friends over food or just simply observe the activities in the surrounding buildings. Explore the different buildings such as Multi-purpose Hall, Building 1, 2, Acoustic Research Center, etc. You might find exhibitions, lectures, workshops, performances held at these venues especially in February where all graduating students presenting their works. If you walk to the area behind building 5, you can see the field, tennis court and the gymnasium. Maybe you can find like-minded friends to enjoy a sport in these facilities. These areas are lined with Sakura trees which is a popular spot for Hanami (picnic under the blooming Sakura trees). You can expect the unexpected as you take your time to explore the campus. Perhaps you can discover new things and share with us.

Getting advice on research
During your study life, you may face some difficulties. You can ask for advice from your seniors who have more experiences and know the university better. If you have questions related to research, especially for graduate students or Year 4 undergraduate students, you can discuss with your lab seniors and get their feedback or suggestions.

Getting advice on school or daily issues
If you are facing any issues with your studies or life in Fukuoka, you can walk in to the Student Affairs Office (1st floor) or the International Office at the Administration Building (3rd floor) to talk to the staff. Don’t worry about it, they are friendly and always ready to help. So, don’t hesitate to drop by and ask for assistance.

Getting advice on health matters
We have got a counseling health center on campus that is dedicated to promoting students’ mental and physical wellbeing. If you are feeling sick, stress or just disconnected, please visit the center and take advantage of the resources available. You don’t have to go through it alone, so please don’t hesitate to reach out for support.

Attend class regularly
As a freshman, you will be keen to explore everything and might end up missing a class or two. But it is important to balance your time between your adventures and your studies. To get those full credits, make sure you show up to class regularly and turn in your assignments on time.

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About the writer
Hello! My name is Su Yadanar Kyi from Myanmar. I am a Year 1 Master’s student in the Environmental Design Course. I am thrilled to be an author for the university website. My articles aim to share valuable insights, inspire readers, and showcase our university’s vibrant academic and extracurricular opportunities.
I invite you to explore campus life, celebrate achievements, and delve into the diverse perspectives within our university community.