I apologise for the lack of updates. The transition from a carefree university student to a working adult is taking a toll on me. All you want to do after a long day of work is just to get home and catch some pokemon.

So, the whole NUS orientation camp situation has probably died down since everyone's concentrating on catching pokemon. Thought I'll talk a little about it since I'm a huge supporter of orientation camps, as you can tell from my previous blog post on freshmen orientation camps.

It's really a pity how a few rotten apples can destroy everyone's impressions of orientation camps. The fact that the media has been putting these camps in bad light does not really help at all.
One of the reasons why I'm a huge supporter of orientation camps is that I've met my best friends in orientation camps, people I would have never met in my university life if not for the camps because we're all from different faculties. This is something I want my freshies to experience too - to find some of their truest friends through these camps.

I admit that I do not agree to some of the activities the orientation camps have, and when I'm uncomfortable, I just simply sit out or try to avoid being chosen for it. Freshies need to understand that they can opt out of activities if they tell their seniors. As a senior, I would never force my freshies to do something they felt strongly against.

I remembered there was an instance when I was a freshie and the seniors were being mean to us, scolding us after a long day of activities (it was 3-4am and everyone was dead tired). I went to look for a female senior who was very comforting. She assured me that there was a reason why they acted that way and it was all part of a story plot. I felt a lot better after that and she kept a lookout for me.

It's always good to keep an open mind, voice out when you feel uncomfortable, and have fun during these camps.

So, you have chosen your university, settled your application, and researched on the halls and hostels. What's next?

The few weeks before you officially become an undergraduate student in university, there will be a series of freshmen orientation camp happening. Here's why you should sign up for at least one!

All photos courtesy of Cepheus and CAC Camp.

1. You'll be having 5 days worth of fun and laughter.

These camps are often packed with lots of fun activities. You will never have enough time to finish all the games and activities planned by your seniors (not kidding on that). You literally won't have enough time, so forget about sleeping!

Most camps will have beach games, pool games, school games, amazing race, and so on. But of course, there are some differences among different games. For example, Sports Camp will have more tedious games involved (only for the fittest), while Welfare Services Camp will involve you going to do some community service while you're in the camp.

2. You'll learn that teamwork is essential.

Every camp tries to bond and that's when you have to play games requiring lots of teamwork. Crack your brains and work it out together to solve riddles, puzzles, and to complete the tasks.

Teamwork is essential when you go out to work in the future. You'll need to learn how to work with people. You'll learn that not everyone is good in sports or solving riddles so you're have to try and compensate each others' weaknesses.

3. You'll have fun doing silly things together.

4. You'll have fun time out in the sun.

Most camps have a day out at the beach where you'll be playing in the sun. Here's why it's good for you. The sun gives off vitamin D which is essential for absorbing calcium. Sunshine also cheers people up as it boosts serotonin levels and beats Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

5. Good food? Maybe?

6. Fabulous Night Out