The orientation activities carried out at public universities last week were generally informative but had room for improvement, said several freshmen interviewed by malaysiakini .

Most praises were reserved for the facilitators consisting of senior students who tirelessly briefed and assisted first-time varsity students in getting them settled in their new environment.

"The way the leaders brief us about seeking assistance, such as where to register for student identity card, where to apply for medical certificate, are very efficient and easy to understand," said one student from Universiti Malaya.

Another student from Universiti Putra Malaysia felt that tips received from the facilitators, ranging from loan applications to finding cheap food and other provisions, were also welcomed.

"The hostel leaders are very helpful. They teach us how to move around the campus and also travel out of town. Some of them even provide us transport if we have problems getting to our destination," said one student from University Sains Malaysia.

It was 'torture'

Orientation week, however, was not a bed of roses for some.

A UM student lamented that the daily schedule planned by facilitators in charge of hostels where the students are staying were unreasonable, driving several of them to sheer exhaustion.

He explained that he and fellow students were required to attend briefings by facilitators at 5.30am each morning and their activities would continue until 1.30am the following morning.

According to the student, the activities included physical pursuits such as cheerleading, basketball and volleyball competitions.

Coupled with sleep deprivation, one Universiti Utara Malaysia student felt that such activities were excessive.

"We were like being tortured and some of my friends in other hostel had it even worse [...] we don't much time to rest and this made us feel fatigue," he said.