Written and Translated by:  Nur Fazrini Alia Abd Majid 

Edited by:  Suziana Che Wil 

PREPARATION OF STUDENTS IN RESIDENTAL COLLEGES 

Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) is not only renowned for its academic excellence and world-class research, but also stands out for its well-established residential college system. The residential colleges at UPM are more than just accommodation facilities; they serve as important platforms for the development of students’ character, leadership, and personal identity.

For new students, stepping into a residential college marks the beginning of a new chapter. It is here that they learn to be independent for the first time managing their daily schedules, balancing lectures and activities, and adapting to roommates who may come from diverse cultural, regional, and religious backgrounds.

Life in residential colleges teaches students the values of tolerance, empathy, and effective communication. It is therefore unsurprising that many UPM alumni often describe their college experience as one of the most cherished memories of their lives.

 

Residential Colleges as Centres for Character Development

UPM has several residential colleges that function not only as living spaces but also as centres for character development. Among the colleges actively organising student programmes are Kolej Canselor, Kolej Dua Belas, Kolej Sultan Alaeddin Suleiman Shah (KOSASS), Kolej Tan Sri Aishah Ghani, and many others. These colleges actively conduct a wide range of academic, cultural, spiritual, and sports-related programmes. For example, Kolej Dua Belas organised the Malam Irama Sukma Programme on 21 June 2025 to showcase students’ artistic talents, while Kolej Canselor previously held the forum Career Ready for Interview on 23 May 2025, which provided students with exposure to interview preparation.

Such activities not only uncover hidden talents but also train students to become more confident, courageous in trying new things, and competitive.

For many students, life in residential colleges leaves unforgettable memories. For instance, a student from Kolej Dua Belas once shared:

“My experience of serving on the college committee taught me many lessons in leadership and management. From handling budgets to managing volunteers, everything became practical training that cannot be obtained in the lecture hall.”

Stories like this reflect how residential colleges nurture students not only academically, but also through the development of essential soft skills that are highly valued in the workplace.

 

Residential Colleges as a Bridge to Alumni

The relationships formed during residential college life also lay the foundation for UPM’s alumni network. Alumni often return to their colleges to share experiences, provide motivation, or even sponsor programmes. This bond demonstrates that residential colleges not only educate students during their years of study, but also sustain meaningful connections into their professional lives.

Many UPM alumni acknowledge that the discipline, teamwork, and leadership cultivated through residential college life give them a distinct advantage when entering the workforce.

Living in residential colleges better prepares students to face challenges after graduation. Through involvement in leadership programmes, community projects, and various other activities, students gain not only academic qualifications but also life experiences that build self-confidence, mental resilience, and problem-solving abilities. UPM believes that its graduates are not merely academically accomplished on paper, but are also capable of becoming future leaders with integrity and dedication.

Overall, UPM’s residential colleges function as the heartbeat of campus life. They are not merely places of shelter, but serve as spaces for shaping student identity, uncovering personal potential, and acting as bridges that connect students with the alumni network.

Date of Input: 17/12/2025 | Updated: 18/12/2025 | suziana.wil