Becoming a university student is an exciting milestone. Transitioning from being a high school student to a university student brings many new experiences and responsibilities. At the higher education level, the role of a student is very different from that of a school student. Freshmen will encounter new environments, academic systems, and expectations as they begin their university journey. Therefore, it is very important for new students to participate in all activities designed specifically for them. At BINUS University, these activities are organized under the First Year Program (FYP).

What is the First Year Program?

The First Year Program (FYP) is a comprehensive welcoming and mentoring program designed for new students, also known as Freshmen, throughout their first year at BINUS University.

The main objective of FYP is to equip Freshmen with the information, knowledge, and skills they need to succeed both academically and non-academically.

The FYP consists of the following phases:

1. Opening Ceremony – Marks the official commencement of the First Year Program.
2. Orientation & Transition Program (OTP) – Provides students with academic and non-academic knowledge and skills, including teamwork, spiritual development, and social awareness.
3. Week of Welcoming (WoW) – Introduces Freshmen to BINUS University and helps them become familiar with the institution they have chosen as their alma mater.
4. Academic Experience (AE) – Gives students the opportunity to meet department leaders, explore senior students’ projects, and discover learning facilities available on campus.
5. Inauguration – An official ceremony welcoming and recognizing Freshmen as members of the BINUS University community.
6. Excellence Program – A two-semester development program focused on enhancing students’ soft skills. During this period, Freshmen are guided and supported by senior students known as Freshmen Partners.

For more information about the FYP phases and Freshmen attributes, please visit the following article Apakah Anda Tahu tentang Fase dalam First Year Program (FYP) di BINUS?

When is FYP Conducted?

The First Year Program begins with the Orientation & Transition Program (OTP) and continues throughout the students’ first year, including the Excellence Program.

During OTP, Freshmen are accompanied by Freshmen Leaders (FLs). Throughout the Excellence Program, they are guided by Freshmen Partners. This mentoring process starts before the first semester begins and continues until the end of the second semester.

Where is FYP Conducted?

FYP activities may be delivered through several formats:

• Onsite/Face-to-Face (F2F)/Synchronous
• Hybrid (a combination of onsite and online activities)
• Fully Online

For onsite and hybrid sessions, activities are conducted at the respective campus locations according to the established schedule.

Who is Involved in FYP?

The entire university community plays an active role throughout the FYP journey. Various departments and units contribute to its implementation, including:

• Academic Faculties and Departments
• Information Technology (IT)
• Operations
• Other supporting units across the university

Each area contributes meaningfully to ensure students have a successful and enriching university experience.

Why is Participating in FYP Important?

As individuals entering a new role and environment, Freshmen need to understand the university’s culture, expectations, and academic systems. Every university has its own rules, learning methods, and campus culture, making this transition period especially important.

Some practical examples include understanding:

1. How to locate classrooms based on room codes such as A102, K2F (a combination of letters and numbers located at the Syahdan Campus), or 501 (a numerical room code located at the Anggrek Campus).
2. Where to find department offices when administrative assistance or approvals from department leaders are needed.
3. The location of libraries and learning resources that support academic activities.
4. Student Services or Customer Service offices, where students can obtain information regarding tuition payments, laboratory locations, academic procedures, and other campus-related services.

Another key benefit of FYP is the support system it provides during the adjustment period. Through guidance from senior students, Freshmen Leaders, and Freshmen Partners, new students can adapt more smoothly to university life, build confidence, and develop a sense of belonging within the campus community.

Parents also play an important role by encouraging their children to actively participate in all FYP activities. By doing so, new students can transition into university life more comfortably, enjoy a positive learning experience, and ultimately increase their chances of achieving academic success and graduating on time.

Let us encourage every Freshman to fully engage in the First Year Program, ensuring a smooth, enjoyable, and successful university journey from the very beginning.