Muscat: Sultan Qaboos University welcomed 3,132 students who were enrolled for undergraduate studies as part of its 40th intake on Sunday, marking the start of the new academic year (2025/2026).
The gathering was part of the University's yearly orientation programme, which aims to prepare kids for the start of their academic adventure.
At the beginning of the ceremony, His Highness Sayyid Dr. Fahd bin Al Julanda Al Said, the Vice-Chancellor, greeted the new students, emphasizing that university Life plays an important role in facilitating both academic and personal development.
He emphasized the significance of taking a forward-looking mindset that allows children to develop their academic and career goals with awareness and responsibility.
His Highness also emphasized the importance of a balance between academic work and extracurricular activities, which provide chances to develop skills, encourage initiative, and promote collaboration. and gain important skills for today's competitive and fast-paced society.
The event, which took place in the Cultural Center's Grand Hall, included a welcoming short film and an opening presentation on SQU, its institutions, and student support services.
Sessions were held with the Dean of Student Affairs and the Centre for Preparatory Studies to provide students information about academic programs, advising, and healthcare. Extracurricular and volunteer opportunities that enrich the student experience are also available.
New students were also taught about the digital platforms and academic rules, ensuring a seamless transition into university life from day one.
New students said the orientation program helped alleviate their concerns, provide clarity on academic and administrative concerns, and give them a feeling of belonging to a wider community.
From an organizational standpoint, the program's success was ascribed to the coordinated efforts of several university departments, with student participants expressing pride and responsibility. They felt obligated to guarantee that their classmates received adequate support from the moment they arrived on campus.
On Saturday, August 30, student lodging was assigned before the orientation.
AlRaha residential complexes housed 1,026 male students, 939 female students, and 18 disabled students, who were given special amenities.
The Dean of Student Affairs supervised the lodging process to guarantee seamless integration prior to orientation.
Several other sections, like the Dean of Admissions and Registration and the institutions, contributed by holding counseling and support sessions to give students with crucial information for their academic careers.
This year's orientation continues the University's practice of embracing new cohorts by fostering institutional connection, teaching academic responsibility, and providing students with the information and resources they need to succeed. Tools to pursue their ambitions with assurance.
According to reports from previous years, such programmes boost student satisfaction and facilitate their adjustment into the university community, which SQU supports. is excited to grow on each new academic year.
