LUMS & NUST
During the past month of trips to different cities, I was observing differences between students of LUMS (University in Lahore) and NUST Business School in Islamabad where AIESEC offices are located.
I noticed a few interesting things.
Life style:
- LUMS students wake up at 1pm and go to bed in the early morning. I suppose 90% of them live in the dorms on campus. They study 2-3 nights before the presentation. They get to choose cources they want to attend. They are rooming around all day long sitting in the cafes and stairs.
- NUST Business school people are studying from 9am to 3, maximum 5pm, and go home. Doors of girls hostels close at 8.30pm. Boys live in the hostel in another city, so travel home by bus in the afternoon. Majority of students live with their parents in Islamabad, and come to university in cars with personal drivers. Program is the same for every student in each year of study, and students do not have an option to choose specific cources they want to take.
During interviews for AIESEC exchange program:
- LUMS student (on average) would: be self-confident; have personal opinion and ready to defend it even if professor does not agree with it; will mention: “are you guys…” to the panel of interviewers of at least 2 people much elder than they are (teacher/businessman)
- NUST student (on average) would: be a little shy, prefer to agree with what professors say rather than defend their own opinion, mention “Sir” and “Maam” at least once in 2 sentenses.
Dressing style:
- Every time I come to LUMS I feel overdressed. Girls and boys are rooming around in T-shirts and shorts. I often hear “Why so dressed up today?” I do not even consider my typical office clothes that I wear in Karachi.
- Every time I come to NUST I feel underdressed. Girls are flaunting in silk shalwar kameez from Junaid Jamsheed (local designer) with impressive variety of colors and designs. I consider wearing my favorite silk dress that I usually use for Board Meetings and regret that I have only one of that sort with me.
Randomly meeting them on campus:
- LUMS student. Carrying huge study book (10 santometres width) in one hand, mobile in the other, and looking to the third side while talking to a friend. “Whats up man. I am very cool. And very busy. Didn’t sleep till 6am last night, studied hard! Lets go out for sheesha tonight?”
- NUST student. Sitting on a bench, peacefully chatting with 2-3 friends from the same batch. “Hey, how are you? I am fine too. My khala came to visit yesterday, spent time with her and the family. Oh it’s already 6pm.. Need to go home, talk to you later!”
Future plans:
- LUMS student (on average) is likely to apply for Masters abroad after graduation.
- NUST student (on average) will prefer working for development sector or one of the regional corporate offices in Islamabad.
