By Dana Bou Fakhereddine

You might be a new student at American University of Sharjah (AUS) and you are wondering, yes, I am here to study, but  what more can I do aside from my studies? You might be a returning student and you are trying to figure out what to do when you are tired of doing projects and submitting assignments. Here are five enjoyable things you could do on campus.

  1. Sign up for a club

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It is pleasant to bond with other students over common interest. Every semester, the Office of Students Affairs (OSA) holds the AUS Club Fair at the Student Center. The fair introduces students to many ethnic and interest-oriented clubs and gives them the opportunity to join the ones they like. After signing up, students will receive information about various events or trips or games that the club organizes.  For example, if you love reading books you can join the Book Club. It organizes sessions to discuss a book chosen by the students, games to challenge the students’ knowledge, movies based on books to watch and many more. If you join an ethnic one, such as the Lebanese Cultural Club you will be invited to movie nights, musical events, themed nights and many more.

  1. Join AUS sports and training programs

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AUS cares about its students’ fitness and overall health. This is obvious when you look at the spacious AUS Sports Complex on campus. Indoors, it has two indoor courts that can be used for playing basketball, volleyball, handball, badminton or tennis in both organized sports and free recreation. The place also have multipurpose halls, swimming pool, sauna, fitness centers, and squash courts. While outdoors, the complex has various courts, a cricket ground, and soccer and baseball fields.

Students can join AUS sports and training programs to get in shape and relieve some stress. If you are interested in body building, there are sessions available for men. The coach guides you with every step you take to achieve the desired result. If you want to have fun while training, you can attend the aerobics classes. You will enjoy exercising while listening to upbeat music and will not feel the pain at all!

If you do not feel like walking all the way to the sports complex, most residential halls have fitness rooms. Therefore, you do not have an excuse to skip your training sessions!

  1. Watch movies or read books

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AUS library provides movie lovers with a whole section dedicated to media. If you are tired of studying and want to relax for a while at the library, you can do that! All you need is your favorite film, reserve a media room and invite your friends. Remember that this is subject to availability of the media rooms. Remember also to keep it low and avoid doing that during the finals week. The priority goes to students who are preparing for their presentations and exams. If you do not like watching movies and prefer reading books, AUS library has got you covered! There is a leisure section available at the first floor, but if you want to expand your knowledge on a specific topic then go to the second floor. You can search for books at the library’s website or ask one of the employees or student assistants for help. Do not be shy, they are very friendly and helpful!

  1. Book a Media Room

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Most AUS students are talented and creative, especially when it comes to producing videos and talk shows. If you like doing these activities for fun, such as your YouTube channel or blog, or for a course, you can do that at AUS! Just visit the New Academic Building, book the studio or the recording room and make sure to arrive on time. Otherwise your session will be given to another student. The studio is fully equipped with lights, microphones, green screen, recording room and much more.

  1. Hang out at the Student Center

After a tiring day, if you just want to relax and chat with your friends, the Student Center is the right place for you. There are numerous seating areas, restaurants and cafes, and games to choose from. The restaurants provide a wide variety of cuisines and outlets include Burger King, Abela, Kal’s Chicken, Break Point, and many more. If you want to stay awake after pulling an all-nighter to submit an assignment Dunkin Donuts and Starbucks will take care of that! You get to enjoy a freshly brewed coffee with a mouth-watering dessert. Besides those,  you can challenge your friends to a game of billiards or get your own card or board games to have a pleasant time.

These are just a few of the various options available at American University of Sharjah to help you relax, unwind and do something different from academics. So be sure to make time to do something fun, something you enjoy… something that will enrich your experience of being at AUS.

Dana Bou Fakhereddine is a student at American University of Sharjah.

Visit www.aus.edu for more information about American University of Sharjah.