Lim Kye Kiat

What is one thing you were unprepared for about university life that you wish you knew before joining SMU?

How vigorous class participation was! In SMU classes, it is a graded requirement for students to discuss in class, so in my first few classes, it really surprised me how active the students in the classes were in the discussions. It helps to enter class with a similar mindset of being prepared to share, and sometimes even debate with others (respectfully of course).

Please share two key highlights of your student life in SMU

1. Definitely the close friends I’ve made would be one of the highlights for me. Before university, I heard about how there was less of an aspect of making friends compared to secondary school or IB, due to how terms were significantly shorter and classes were only 1 to 2 times a week (compared to seeing everyone every weekday in secondary school and IB). However, I was pleasantly surprised to still be able to make friends with people that I would share classes with in my first and second years. It still does take effort to socialize outside of class, but I’m glad SMU’s class system still lets us meet new people and potentially new friends.

2. After my last exams ended in my first semester, I just spent the next few hours walking through the city, thinking and feeling. That feeling of achievement altered my perspective on university – it wasn’t some lofty dream anymore, it was something that I could achieve and work through now. It’s an inspiring feeling to say the least.

What advice would you give to prospective students (especially your juniors from IB) who are thinking of applying to SMU?

Study hard! But also keep in mind that SMU judges more than grades, so get involved in CCAs and other extracurricular activities. SMU’s Open House events are great for gaining more information!