Tips off-island students can use

UHM students endure long lines to get their identification cards validated. Photo by Jarrett Keohokalole

By Kevin Schumacher

Entering a new school can be intimidating, especially when that school is in the middle of the ocean.

Despite Hawaii's isolation, the University of Hawai'i at Manoa encompasses people from all over the world. "It's nice to have people from all over the world get along," said Anita Schorlemer, an exchange student from Germany.

Schorlemer also said the diverse ethnic population on campus helped her to feel accepted.

Cool courses

This mixture not only gives UHM variety in people groups but also in available subjects, instructors and activities. Distinct curriculums range from Hawaiian studies and Asian studies to tropical plant classes and volcanic studies.

Additionally, UHM specializes in travel, geology, language, marine life and even dentistry. The shear amount of selections available for students can be overwhelming.

However, poking around the course catalogue can yield some interesting choices.

Tropical Plant and Soil Sciences (TTPS) offers students a chance to earn one of two needed biology credits in a once a week class. TTPS 120 scholars can learn about beverage plants, spices, tropical fruits, or ornamental plants.

The subject matter changes between the four options each semester and can be taken more than once for credit. It is an alternative and potentially tasty way to earn needed credits.

Adam Johnson, a graduate student, is taking advantage of the unique subjects UHM offers.

He is studying ethnomusicology, which is the study of music in its cultural context. Although Johnson's focus is in higher-level graduate classes, he is also taking Hawaiian 201.

Johnson said that he feels fortunate to be learning the Hawaiian language. He encourages students to take Hawaiian 101 to get more out of the experience of living in Hawai'i. Johnson also advises to "try and experience as much as you can. Get out and go to places, explore places, get involved with things."

He added, "I think people extend themselves to you when they see that you're trying to understand their culture and their language."

Johnson understood this extension when he first arrived on the island. He didn't have any money, a place to stay or a job. "One of the ladies in my Hawaiian language class had a studio above her garage that she let me stay in," Johnson said. "I feel a real sense of 'aloha' is present."

Extracurricular activities

To distract from everyday drudgery and stress of school, while still enlightening the mind, students have access to many Hawaiian activities.

Beaches, of course, are always open for tanning, swimming and reading.

The Campus Center Board Activities Council continually holds concerts, movies and contests. The council also offers craft events, like pottery and tie-dying, for a little something different.

For the liberal arts aficionado, one can view the talent from other countries at the East-West Center. In the art building student works are displayed, and the music department continually seems to have a performance ready.

For the intellect, UHM campus is a hotbed of discussions for broadening your opinions. Topics range from politics to world issues to dinosaurs. Most likely, anyone can find a subject to percolate their minds.

Joi Hawthorne and Kelly Geegan are two students from the mainland who have adjusted well to life at UHM. Photo by Photo by Jared Keohokalohe

For the sports enthusiast, UHM is a highly spirited school. Huge cheering crowds often fill the stadiums at games. Intramural sports provide an outlet to stay in shape, while martial arts and yoga courses exercise mind and body.

Clubs and organizations give students with common interests a chance to share their hobbies or beliefs. More than 150 Registered Independent Organizations exist at UHM, and more are created every year.

Phil Archuletta, a transfer student from New Mexico, recently joined the Kappa Sigma fraternity, which focuses on community service and leadership. He said, "I think we've got over 70 members now."

For spiritual development, there are a number of religious assemblies that meet on campus. Campus Christian Crusade, Baptist Collegiate Ministries and InterVarsity Christian Fellowship are a few of the available groups.

You find information on these groups and activities at www.hawaii.edu/calendar/uh. This website is a comprehensive list of happenings with dates, times, places and contact sources. Another useful site, www.hawaii.edu/cclp/about.html, has links to many of the extracurricular activities the university is currently offering through the Leisure Center.

An affordable way for students to immerse themselves in the culture and island life is the Leisure Center. Activities range from surfboard training, snorkeling, hiking, kayaking, crafts, martial arts, dance classes and more.

The center also rents out equipment, such as surfboards and car racks. What's more, the rental prices are hard to beat (a double kayak is $25 for an entire weekend.)

Housing tips

Archuletta, currently a junior, is experienced in matters of housing. After attending two colleges in New Mexico before settling at UHM, he understands a few things on finding a place to live.

He first stayed in a hostile in Waikiki. "I came to the university and went straight to student housing," he continued. 

But on-campus housing, he said, was full. So, his next option was to check with off-campus housing, located in the basement of Johnson Hall. Archuletta said, "Off-campus housing gave me a list of all the people that were renting rooms and apartments."

He finally found a place after searching door-to-door. "I think that if I hadn't of known how a university runs, I probably wouldn't have been able to find anything," Archuletta disclosed. "If I had been a freshman over here, without any money, I probably would have slept in the streets."

Archuletta indicated that UHM relies heavily on the Internet. He said all of his assignments are obtainable only through websites. "(Doing homework) is kind of tough, because I don't have internet at my house," Archuletta said. "I can't even study or do my homework on the weekends."

Archuletta attested that only 64 of his 81 credits transferred. The advisor says keep at it.

Some last advice from upper classman Johnson, "You're adults now. Carry yourselves as adults. Learn how to make wise decisions, and when you don't ... learn something from it."

Sidebar:
There are some things to be aware of while attending UHM:
* As soon as the next semester's schedule of classes is available, begin looking at what you're going to take.
* Registering as soon as you're eligible can help secure a spot in required classes with limited seats.
* Be sure to check in with advisors.
* Walking around to many different departments may be necessary to get one thing done.
* Watch out for cars, and bring extra clothes to the air-conditioned buildings.
* Secure your mopeds and bikes (both tires).
* And, yes, the dorms are old.