Visiting University of Malaya (bag. 3)

#Day3

That day was Monday. I was still in Selangor. Basically, I had no agenda to go outside. Luckily, my new friend, Mas Hakim, asked me to join him to visit the campus because he wanted to fix his Bank account which was in trouble. The distance between our apartment and the campus is not really far actually. We can take any transportation to go there, such as campus bus, public bus, taxi or even LRT. But, the recommended one is campus Bus which is free. 

Prior to go to the campus, we had a breakfast together; not a heavy breakfast. What I remember is only a bread. Then, we went to the campus by waiting at the Bus Stop which is near from the apartment. The situation around the apartment was so very quiet. I even did not see the children playing outside the house like commonly found in Indonesia. We had been waiting for the bus for quite a long time. While waiting, we did a chit-chat. Almost 40 minutes waiting, the bus did not appear. Then, one of his friends that we met near the bus stop said that the campus bus was off. OMG!. It could better for us to use an alternative transportation. 

Shortly after, we directly decided to book Grab car that cost RM 7 (around twenty five thousand rupiah). Along the way heading to campus, I saw the traffic that was in a good way-no klaxon. Arrived on the campus, I was amazed with the campus, which I dreamt of when I undergraduate study. I just knew it from the Internet. In fact, UM building is not really high. Some of them are quite artistic in design. According to the survey, this University is considered as the best University in Malaysia. 

While walking to the CIMB Bank inside the campus, Mas Hakim explained to me the situation there. As soon as he finished his business, we continued to go to Chansellor building where he extends the visa in International affairs. The building, consisting of four levels, is colorless. The outside area is painted, fully with cement, so it looks old-fashioned architecture. To save the moment, I took some pictures there. Hehehe. It was just to keep the moment alive. At that time, I was wondering that I could continue my study there someday. Let me wait the best time. 

After that, he asked me to visit the UM library. It was actually quite near from where I stood at that time. The library looks so ordinary, in my personal view. I assumed that there would be no such amazed things. In fact, it was totally wrong.  When I entered the building, it was so neat and simple. Equipped with Air Conditioning, the reading seats w very comfortable to read books. I saw several people reading books, accompanied by laptop in front of them. The other sides, I was amazed the room where visitors could not only read books and play a computer, but also take a nap there. The library provides more spaces in which they can discuss and collaborate. Interestingly, I could also download several thesis as the reading inspiration from the repository. This, I think, might be lucky things.

 

Reading Area 

Several books across South East Asia are also available

As I walked through the shelves, I found many old-fashioned books in many areas of study. I could also see the Indonesian books, such as politics, cultures, history, language, religion and so forth. Almost all the books there are mostly in English, though other languages are also available. My friend said that he could be there for a long time as it comforts all the visitors to absorb the knowledge. I assumed that this could be simply as a measurement how good their Government to improve the education quality and research.  

 

The day was so hot. I saw my HP many times, it showed that it was 35 Celsius degree. What a hot day!. Therefore, we stopped at mini canteen around the campus to have some meals and drinks. The price was not really expensive. It was still affordable for students I think. I chose Nasi Ayam and mineral water. I did not try to have a strange food. Hehe. I was afraid that it wouldn’t be nice. After that, we decided to go home by Bus and LRT. The following day would be my preparation for the Micollac Conference in Melaka.

to be continued..