“What makes SMU ‘A different U’?”

“Will I be able to take the new Politics, Law and Economics, or Entrepreneurship majors?”

“Who gets to take SMU-X courses?”

“Should I choose a double degree or second major?”

“With 15 double degrees and 42 second majors, how should I make my choice?”

These were just some of the hot topics raised and questions asked by aspiring SMU students, their parents, siblings and friends who made SMU’s Open House on 5–6 March one of the busiest ever. A series of 44 talks at five venues across the campus over the weekend answered many of their queries. In addition to presentations by the school Deans, faculty members, alumni, undergraduates and staff from each of the six schools, there were talks on Undergraduate Admissions, Scholarships, and Financial Aid; Career Services @ SMU; International Exchange Programmes; the SMU-SUTD dual degree programme; and SMU-X courses.

Prospective SMU students together with family members and friends at some of 44 scheduled talks.

Many of the visitors followed up with questions for those representing the schools at booths in the SMU Concourse, which again included various faculty members, alumni, staff and undergraduates. “Some of the prospective students wanted to speak to current students about the curriculum and conduct of lessons, as we were able to give first-hand accounts of our SMU undergraduate experience,” said Law undergraduate Benedict Chan.

Prof Gerry George, Dean, Lee Kong Chian School of Business, talking to prospective SMU students in the SMU Concourse.

Visitors raised their queries with current students, alumni, staff and faculty members at the booths in the SMU Concourse.

Fourteen campus tours led by student ambassadors were also well attended, with visits to the Li Ka Shing Library and SMU Labs being popular highlights. Business undergraduate Kelvin Fan, one of the tour ambassadors, said, “The atmosphere was lively and bustling with life – vibrant, lively and inclusive, just like everyday life in SMU.

The Campus Tours included a visit to the Li Ka Shing Library.

For many, their visit began with a trip to the Redemption Booth next to Campus Green, where they collected generously stuffed Goodie Bags. At street level, they also enjoyed games and activities by some of SMU’s 160 Co-Curricular Activity (CCA) groups, and snacked on popcorn and candy floss as they enjoyed performances by 14 CCA groups who pumped up the volume and energy levels throughout the weekend. In the Concourse, in addition to the School booths and the main Undergraduate Admissions booth, there were also the Postgraduate Programmes and Office of Global Learning booths, an enticing Food Street and a Smoobie Workshop, where guests enjoyed making SMU’s much-loved mascot.

“A very memorable Open House! Definitely considering SMU for my undergrad studies!" said Abhijit of National Junior College. “I absolutely enjoyed SMU's Open House 2016,” said Ying Shan, who recently graduated from Yishun College. She was so impressed she posted her views on SMU’s Facebook page, “There are a lot of freebies being given away, friendly seniors who gave great advice, a most insightful campus tour, fantastic campus facilities and the campus is right smack at the heart of town which is so convenient!”

Main photo: SMU President Prof Arnoud De Meyer (front row, at left), SMU Provost Prof Lily Kong (3^rd from right) and Vice Provost (Undergraduate Matters and Student Development) Prof Pang Yang Hoong (far right)

Abhijit of National Junior College giving SMU Open House 2016 a big thumbs up.

Ying Shan, who recently graduated from Yishun College, also gave SMU Open House 2016 full marks.

The busy T-junction at the SMU Concourse and the main Admissions booth.

“Smile for the social media” visitors and students sharing a fun moment and photo opportunity.