Last week was a moving day at KIMEP and 362 students dragged their luggage from their parent’s car or a friend’s SUV, making their way to a mildly chaotic reception on Monday Aug. 19, followed by a slightly calmer day on Tuesday, Aug. 20.
“The dormitory here is nice, like our dormitory in Slovenia,” said Lina Bezek, referring to her native country she left to come to KIMEP and earn her master’s degree. “It has the same vibe; also small, but enough space for living like a student.”
Bezek said her only worry was whether her roommate would be clean, quiet, and considerate at night.
Indeed, Bezek wasn’t the only one apprehensive about meeting strangers they will live with for at least the next four months, and possibly the entire academic year.
“One of the concerns is disagreements between people,” said Togzhan Amantay, who was sitting in the TV room the day after she moved in. “I am sure misunderstandings are unavoidable, but it is important to compromise in those cases.”
Abylaikhan Malik said he turned down the chance to live with his sister to live in the dorms.
“I’ve heard about the life in the dormitory; that the student life here is exciting,” he said, adding that he likes being close to classes and appreciates the TV and study rooms in the residence hall.
Freshman Nargis Galymzhanova said she was not worried about her roommate because they have been friends for the past five years. For Nargis, the key to successful dormitory life lies in communication and open dialogue.
“I like the atmosphere, the people; everyone is so united and already knows each other. Because of that, it was easy from day one,” said Galymzhanova. However, she has other concerns, including the curfew imposed on freshmen that restricts them to the residence hall from 23:00 to 06:00.
Like Malik, Aidyn Saudegerov chose dormitory life over an apartment, wanting to be involved in the dorm community. He said that it’s important to discuss everyday household issues with roommates to avoid conflicts.
“First impression is that it’s fun here,” he said. “Everyone is getting out of their rooms to the hallway, TV rooms, and talking with each other. It’s cool.”