Step 3: Orientation

I had my orientation on the 4^th of September. It was a Saturday. My dad drove the whole family down and we had breakfast at a coffee shop near Jocker Street. The orientation programme was to start at 9am and end approximately at 11.30am, about 2 ½ hours. It was held at the Dato’ Pathmanaban Hall, the same place where applicants were to write their “About Me” essay. The hall that day was arranged with chairs and just outside was the list about our flight date.

 I am to fly on the 19^th. Well, I think practically all the BDS students are flying on the same day. It was a combined orientation (that means BDS and MBBS students were put together) which I think wasn’t a very good idea. There goes my idea of “knowing your course mate”.

They were very punctual and started once the clock hit 9.

Mr Rama, the deputy registrar started the programme off by welcoming all and without further a due, invited Prof. Datuk Dr. Razzak, the CEO to give the opening speech.

 Throughout his talk he was emphasizing on self-discipline, hardworking and being independent. It was quite motivating. Next, the dean for the faculty of medicine, Dr. Ullas Kamath briefed on the MBBS course. Well, hey~ he doesn’t really have a heavy Indian accent. I still can understand what he said. Moving on, Prof. Dr. Dilip Naik, dean for dentistry gave us a clear picture of my course and he also revealed the BDS timetable.

Yes, we have classes on Saturdays. After all was done, we were dismissed. Students were to collect their documents outside. Well, basically everyone cramped around the hostel counter. I placed my name on the New Chandrasekhar Hostel.

 Since it was the Ramadan, lunch wasn’t provided. However, we helped ourselves with some roti canai at the cafeteria. That kinda wraps up the programme.    

Step 2: Stand

Phase 2 is the visa application. MMMC will send you the visa forms. Mind you, the forms are only given out a month before your intake date. With it will be another booklet will all the necessary details about your orientation, hostels, the journey there and some FAQ. Back to the visa application, you will need 3 passport size photos, your own passport (must be valid for 6 months) and the offer letter from the college (this will be given together with the visa forms). The fee for the student visa is RM300 for 3 years. Together with your completed visa form, pay the High Commission of India off Jalan Duta @ KL a visit. Head over to counter 2, hand in your necessary documents and wait till they call you. After everything is done, you will have to go to GrandLotus Travel Agency which is opposite Agro Bank; near Dataran Merdekah. Your visa is process there. (Take note, this is only for those who want to do it in KL. There’re 2 more centers in Penang and Johor which also process India’s visa) They will hold your passport for a day and you may go back there to collect it around 5.30pm-6pm the following day. I suggest that you collect 2 days after that. By then they won’t limit your collection to a certain time frame, meaning you can go there at any time, during the office hour.