Dr. Nadia Tazi, professor of social and cognitive psychology at the Graduate Studies College of the Arabian Gulf University (AGU), delivered an insightful lecture highlighting the importance of establishing strong and meaningful relationships with peers and faculty members for new university students.
The lecture, titled “Transition Skills from Secondary to University Stage,” was presented to preparatory year students at the College of Medicine and Medical Sciences. Dr. Tazi discussed a range of skills aimed at helping students integrate into and navigate university life, considering the academic and social challenges they may encounter.
Dr. Tazi emphasised the significance of fostering positive relationships in various situations faced by new university students. She advised them to steer clear of negative individuals who may instill fear and anxiety, and instead encouraged active participation in academic, cultural, and social activities to nurture self-reliance and the ability to engage and interact with the new university environment. Furthermore, she advised international students to limit frequent visits to their parents, particularly during the initial months, in order to adapt to their new circumstances.
The lecture focused on equipping students with the necessary skills to adapt to university life, addressing the barriers that hinder their adjustment to the university setting. Dr. Tazi presented a set of skills that enable students to integrate, adapt, and interact easily with all stakeholders within the university. She stated, “As students transition from secondary to university stage, they enter a phase of maturity and awareness.
They must recognise that they carry numerous aspirations and hopes upon their shoulders. Thus, they have a great responsibility, and the required effort should be multiplied. They should always seek knowledge, not merely for the sake of memorisation, but as critical thinkers who utilise their mental capacities to contemplate, infer, compare, differentiate, innovate, and develop the ability to engage in dialogue and discussion, express opinions, make judgments, and make appropriate decisions. They should possess effective communication skills, tolerance, and objectivity.”
Dr. Tazi underlined the importance of setting clear and specific goals for university studies, whether related to academic achievements, involvement in student activities, or the development of specific skills. Goal setting helps students stay organised and motivated to achieve good grades during their university journey, she pointed out.
Additionally, Dr. Tazi emphasised the need for new students to develop planning skills and effectively manage their time by setting priorities and utilising timetables or calendars to record study schedules, projects, and exams. It is crucial for students to allocate sufficient time for studying, revision, and exam preparation, she stressed.
