The Aim of a University Student

Students used to complain that university life is dull and boring. Some even described it as 3-L culture, i.e. lecture, lunch, and library. As a matter of fact, other than going to lecture, library and cafeteria in the university, a student cannot do anything else. The work-load is heavy, the final exam is tough, and gauges the standard of a stud-end in three hours while the student put in his whole years effort. This determines whether he can proceed to the higher stage next year. Examinations are most concerning and important affairs for students. This is why when the second semester comes, ever student struggles hard, swotting day and night as if he is meeting a strong enemy. By [unclear: thenl] all he cares are lecture notes and text books only.

Under this depressed and dull atmosphere, some frustrated students are forced to group together, talking, watching pictures, playing cards, billards or even gamble. There are some "lone-rangers" in the varsity who come to varsity to attend lectures only. Occasionally you may find them in the library when emergencies come. They never stay in the campus for other purposes, (it look as if they can stay out of the competition among students). They have no communication with their fellow students. In fact they are involved in the competition too, for competition in the varsity is so keen and tough that no one can escape it. Luckily there are not many 'lone-rangers' in the campus.

Generally speaking, students do not care much about their fellow students. They greet one another when they meet but most of the time the greetings do not mean anything at all. They are very artificial and mechanical. One would suspect if students are encouraged to be selfish under the exam system. For example, some hide away good texts for their own use and some would not lend their lecture notes to others.

If the relations among students are bad, the relations between lecturers and students are even worse — a very wide gap between two distinct 'classes'. The dining hall for lecturers are separated from that for students. The only time students meet the lecturers is when in lecture hall, while during other times they never see one another.

In the past two years our Union (University of Singapore Students Union — Ed) has gone through innumerable barriers to grow healthier than the previous three or four years. The Union is becoming more concerned about the welfare of students, more aware of our social problems and world affairs. But still many students show apathy in the Union activities. Nobody can blame them for their apathy. It is this education system that moulds the students into this shape which teaches students egoism. In addition, oppression and intimidation from the authority frightens students away from many activities. Thus the 'epidemic' called apathy spreads among many students in the varsity. The students become very self-centred and show no interest in anything other than studies.

Previously, Union fees were compulsory. The University used to collect it on the Union's behalf. But after all the many incidents happened last year, more and more awakened students appeared. The authority becomes very uncooperative and deliberately separated out the Union fees from the tuition fee, making Union fees voluntary. The authority hopes to murder our Union through financial means. Anyway, this failed to cripple our Union. To counter this the management committee managed to collect funds by putting on film shows. Due to the joint efforts of many students, our Union has grown stronger than ever.

In our society, students or even the lecturers have no right to question the administration of the university. Students have no say in the affairs affecting themselves such as change in curriculim, change in system ; no part in decision making. We are living in the Ivory Tower. We are being isolated from the real world and therefore unable to understand the society. Many of us are uninterested in what is happening around us ; we do not understand what is happening in other parts of the world. What we know is to study for the exam, to struggle for the degree, to earn big money. This is the present university 'life'.