 Our first week is now "Gone Like the Wind"… Actually, it wasn't
that hard, it was just a matter of thinking you have to concentrate and forget about the
holiday. This year, everything is just like it was in past years for me, except that I
have more experience. And this is what I’m going to write about, which unfortunately
will make me feel older.
Here's my first piece of advice. This year, as in past years, I couldn't find an opening
in a foreign language class. I wanted to learn to speak Spanish so I could understand the
words in Latin songs, but right now that's just a dream for me. If you want to take a
foreign language class (except English), I advise you to hurry up and register, because
student demand for these classes is very high. On second thought, don't hurry up all that
much, it will give me more of a chance!
Second, in your schedule, try to have one day off, in addition to the weekend.
This will give you a chance to do more activities. What activities? For one thing, sports
and exercise, like Hatha Yoga to relax and get closer to your soul; or, Capoeira, the
Brazilian self-defense technique. The Bilkent Capoeira group puts on an excellent
performance every year during Spring Fest. If you don't want to just watch enviously like
me, join them when the classes begin. And don't forget basketball, ice-skating, volleyball
and other sports.
In addition to sports, there are clubs. In the Cinema Club, for instance, students from
different departments come together and make their own short movies. Other clubs include
Genç Girişimciler, Doğa Sporları, the Operational Research Club, clubs that support
your favorite teams (Bilkentli Aslanlar, Bilkentli Kartallar, Bilkentli Fenerliler) and
many other clubs that are well worth joining. If you like music, there's Radio Bilkent.
It's run entirely by students, and is one of the most popular radio stations in Ankara.
You can work there as a DJ or in the public relations department. Okay, you've done all
these things. Now, what about accommodation? If you're thinking about living in the dorms
and it's not too late, I suggest that you choose roommates from outside your own
department. Living with someone from a different department opens up your mind to
different perspectives. For example, my roommates are music students, and listening to
classical music in my room has enlarged my experience. If you room with a computer
engineering student, you won't have trouble with your computer!
There's one more thing I have to say to you. You're in the university, not in high school
anymore. Don't spend all your time with the same person. There are people here from many
different cities, and all of them have different stories. If you decide to join clubs and
sports activities, DO IT ALONE, not with the same friend all the time. I'm sure that
you'll be able to find new friends there. One new activity, one new friend; one new
friend, one new world.
To sum it all up: join clubs, meet new people, do something that adds to your life and
your CV. And remember, reading the Bilkent News will help you keep up with what's going on
around the campus. That's all my advice for now--farewell, and have a nice week!
Gülay Acar (COMD/III)
howtoreachgulay@yahoo.com
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