Preparation for First Year Studies at a University or College in PNG can be daunting for students and parents. For most students, it will be their first time to step into a life of their own leaving the comfort of their family home and siblings. For some parents, the emotion is just to much to see their first son or daughter stepping out of their care into a world of unknown but filled with hope for the better. So preparation is vital to make sure the event happens with less hassle and last minute pressure decisions. So, here are a few basic tips for PNG students and parents to prepare themselves for new academic year.
No# 1: Compile All Necessary Documents In A Folder
Buy a suitable document holding folder and store all necessary documents. This documents includes, your schools certificates (both original and copies), your tickets, school fee receipts, offer letter from Department of Higher Education, Science, Research & Technology (HERST), Newpaper announcements from new school, selection list on daily newspaper and etc. Anything that will help you make your journey to and settling in easy and smooth. Most of the universities and colleges rely mostly on manual registration methods and not yet fully automated with ICT systems. Some do use ICT systems but they are often semi-automated with essential tasks still be done manually by staff. So by having a folder with all required documents in it will certainly help when you arrive for registration. Write this folder as your number one (1) item on your Take With You list to check off before you depart your home.
No # 2: Collect Much Information As You can About the Institution
Today, with the availability of internet and social media, lots of information is available about any institution in the country. So spend a bit of time to know more about the institution. For example, it’s location, how far it from the provincial town or airport, its student services department. Collect important contact numbers such as main phone numbers of main reception, particular department you will be studying, student services director/warden. If possible it also important to get the security services number as well. Another good source of information would be to ask a friend or relative who currently studying there, living close to the institution or the town it is located. They would be more willing to answer some of your questions.
If you have access to internet, you can visit the institutional websites. All general information about all DHERST registered tertiary institutions are provided here too. Universities in PNG , Colleges in PNG , Private Institutions
Most institutions upload all vital information on their websites for the general public, so it’s good place to start. Particularly, the universities in PNG and private institutions. Colleges information is sometimes just too general but its worth visiting.
Papua New Guinea is a culturally diverse nation and students flying into another province to study can get culture shock on arrival at their destination. So it is important to read as much as you can about the host province’s culture, people, climate, food, and etc too.
No# 3: Prepare In Advance
Papua New Guinea is often known as the “Land of the Unexpected” and anything can happen before your travel date so it is always advisable to plan ahead of time. Set a goal to complete all necessary preparations at least 2 to 3 weeks before your departure date. Main ones are your documents folder, ticket confirmation, fees payment. This time, open communication is key. Talk open and clear when briefing your parents, guardians and others who are assisting you. Advise them of the datelines, amount required and any information they require to assist you. Don’t hold back anything or lie to them. Remember they are also busy with work, family, and other commitments so they need you provide the correct information. You have to demonstrate to them that you are committed to your studies.
No# 4: Departure Day
Finally, on your departure day, if you have relative living in town where the institution is located, ask him/her to meet you at the airport. Don’t rely 100% on the institution’s transport arrangement to and from airport. Any thing can happen and you have it covered by having a reliable relative to drop you off at the institution or better still if institution has not prepared well to receive you, you can spend some time with the relative before you settle in the institution.
Another important point to note is that, don’t buy lots of things in anticipation and try to take them with you. You might end up paying for access baggage to the airline or some of things you take might not be need at all. Take less clothing, bedding and stationary and stuff and pack only the basic necessary. Settle first in the institution and then list what you really need to start off and buy them later. So, bottom line, have cash or money than take lots of things.
Write down the contact numbers of all important people at institution, your parents, and relatives on a notebook or stick on pad and take it. Don’t relay on storing all contact information on your smartphone. Your phone maybe lost, run out of battery and etc when you need to make that important call in the event of a need.