As the new academic year approaches, MSSM’s Pre-Departure Gatherings are right around the corner. Fresh faces, filled with a mix of nervousness and excitement have appeared at the gatherings, marking the beginning of their journey to Manchester.
Virtual Pre-Departure Gathering
On the 19th of August, a Virtual Pre-Departure Gathering was organised to welcome freshers from every corner of Malaysia. After a short introduction and warm welcome, essential information was shared with the freshers. This includes guidance on flight preparation, transportation services, opening a UK bank account, getting a SIM card and selecting network providers. Additionally, recommendations for local restaurants and grocery stores were also shared. If you missed the briefing, don’t worry! A comprehensive freshers’ booklet can be accessed on our website, providing additional information to help you in getting settled!
Next, freshers were being briefed more about MSSM, including insights into our upcoming events, sponsors, partners and affiliates. We were honoured to have one of our sponsors, the United Kingdom Education Centre (UKEC), who gave a short talk about their services. A raffle was also held, with three lucky winners receiving free vouchers.
The event ended with an interactive Q&A session, allowing freshers to clear their doubts and ask questions. However, this isn’t the final chapter of our Pre-Departure Gatherings, we have also organised a Physical Pre-Depature Gathering for freshers to connect, engage and get to know each other.
19th August 2023
Physical Pre-Departure Gathering
In addition to the Virtual pre-departure event held a week prior, MSSM prepared physical pre-departure event for freshers to meet their new friends and create a lasting bond heading into life in Manchester.
On the 26th of August, the freshers and existing committee gathered at the Breakout in Nu Sentral for an engaging team-building experience. After a welcoming speech by our President, everyone was grouped accordingly and the rules of the game were explained by the Breakout staff. For an hour, participants worked in groups to solve the mind-twisting puzzle. In hopes of escaping from the rooms, only one out of five groups managed to get out in time. However, what truly mattered was that all freshers were given a soft landing into the initial stages of creating bonds with strangers, which could be a daunting experience.
After breaking the ice from the breakout room challenge, everyone moved to Mr Tuk Tuk for socialising. They were provided with a cup of refreshing cup of Thai iced tea and mango sticky rice sponsored by MSSM. This was the opportunity for freshers to forge new friendships and engage in face-to-face conversations with seniors, addressing a wide range of topics from course-related inquiries to experiences about university life.
As the freshers begin their journey at Manchester, we look forward to seeing the growth and strengthening of these bonds. Selamat datang, and welcome to the MSSM family!
26th August 2023
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