 Student Diary
My First Week of Class in New Cairo
PICTURE CAPTION: Omar Nofal, photographed by Ahmad El-Nemr
Saturday, September 6 (One day before classes started)
Checking out some real estate near the new campus with my parents, I told my dad to take a little detour and go through the AUC visitor’s gate. I asked the guard at the gate a few questions then headed back out. My initial impressions of the campus were the wide space and the massive scale of the buildings, and how the architecture complemented the surrounding landscape. However, my overruling concern was how in the world I was going to find my way around in such a big campus. Having recalled that there were only 10 minutes between classes worried me even more.
Sunday, September 7 (First day of class)
I passed by a friend to pick her up on my way to the university. Parking inside the campus was a breeze. It was good to be with someone on the first day because we could find our way around faster. Although it was confusing in some cases, we did find our way around quickly.
I came to realize that the 10 minutes between classes might not be a big rush after all. I went to my mass communication adviser to find her sitting amongst several dozen other bewildered students in a classroom lab. I was able to get the information I needed from the adviser and arrived late to the first class. I opened the doors only to find empty desks and chairs that are still in their plastic and cardboard wrapping. After spending some time on campus, I went home, fatigued from basking in the desert sun that shined on the big, open plazas.
Monday, September 8
I must say I am impressed with the Student Service Center on campus. The offices inside look very professional, and the staff members are all pleasant and well trained. Today I was lucky to find my class and attend it. I then left straight away to finish some errands around town and go home early to make up for the lack of sleep the night before.
Tuesday, September 9
I went to class on time and found it quite full. Students had started to find their way around and were able to attend most of their classes. I felt that the semester had really begun today. I was definitely feeling more at ease inside the buildings. After class, I went with a couple of friends to the Jared’s Bagels outlet on campus, although I didn’t eat. It’s nice to have Cilantro and Cinnabon there as well.
Wednesday, September 10
During class, there was a continuous blinking light that I later find out was a test for the fire alarm. That was a bit annoying. I saw one or two students riding their roller blades and scooters on campus. Everyone is free to do whatever they want here. Whether they want to hang around or sit in a secluded place to study, they’ll find what they want here. The place is that big.
Thursday, September 11
Assignments started pouring in. I began to get a feel of what each course is going to be like and the type of work it will entail. I also started to find out what my friends’ favorite spots on campus are. In terms of transportation, my friends and I came up with a car-pooling timetable between us based on our class schedules. I ended up leaving late and was stuck in a heavy traffic jam on my way home to Maadi. That reminded me of the commute to and from downtown.
In general, I like the new campus. I am happy to be graduating from a campus that is well suited to be called AUC. It’s nice to have our graduation ceremony at the campus where we studied, instead of the Cairo International Conference Center. I look forward to visiting the campus when I graduate. I am proud to be affiliated to such a fine place.
Omar Nofal, journalism and mass communication senior |
