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Malaysia comprises of West Malaysia (Peninsular Malaysia) and East Malaysia. There are 13 states and 3 Federal Territories. It is located between 2 and 7 degrees north of the Equator and is divided into East and West by the South China Sea. Malaysia has a multiracial society with a population of about 22 million. There are three main races in the country. The Malays who are Muslims form the majority in the country. The other two groups are the Chinese and the Indians. The minority who are indigenous groups such as the Ibans, Kadazans, Dusuns, Dayaks, Bidayuhs and Muruts are in East Malaysia (Sabah & Sarawak). The national language spoken by the people of Malaysia is Bahasa Melayu. However, English is widely spoken particularly in the towns and cities. Other languages used by the respective races are Cantonese, Mandarin & Tamil.
Climate
Malaysia enjoys an equatorial climate with temperatures ranging from 22- 30 degrees. However, highland temperatures can drop to 16 degrees. Annual rainfall is heavy, tropical thunder storms are a common feature.
Religion
The official religion of the country is Islam which is synonymous with the Malays but other races are free to practice any religion. Among other religions practised in Malaysia are Buddhism, Hinduism and Christianity. Most religious festivals are gazetted as public holidays and celebrated nationwide regardless of race.
Economy
Malaysia's economy mainly consists of the manufacturing services sector and is one of the world's largest manufacturer of electronic equipment mainly semiconductors. Other products include petroleum, liquefied natural gas, chemicals, palm oil, wood and wood products, rubber and textiles. Tourism is also an important source of income for the country. Malaysian currency is called Ringgit Malaysia (RM). Major credit cards such as Master Card, Visa, American Express, and Diners Club are widely accepted, and can be used to withdraw cash from the ATM machines. Visitors to Malaysia must possess a valid passport and visa or other internationally recognised travel documents. Passports should be valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended period of visit.
After you receive your UniKL acceptance package you will need to start preparing for travel to Malaysia.
Checklist: Obtain your passport and visa
Book your flight and collect your plane ticket.
Check customs regulations.
Preparing Your Finances
Make sure you have some money or traveller’s cheque (approximately RM2000) for the initial expenses upon your arrival. When you arrive you may exchange the cash or travelers cheques for Malaysian currency at the airport. It is not advisable to carry large amount of cash. A student usually needs approximately RM 12,000- RM 22,000 (excluding tuition fees) each year for living expenses.
A student is allowed to work while studying for not more than 20 hours per week in certain industry during a term break of minimum 7 days.
Health Issues
It would be advisable that you have some vaccinations before you leave your country. Check with your doctor. If you have any medical problems they should be addressed in your country before you come to Malaysia. All students are covered under the university basic insurance policy. However if you feel you need extra coverage while studying in Malaysia, UniKL ISO will be able to assist you. A brochure outlining the benefits and coverage of the basic UniKL student’s health insurance will be available once you register with the university.
Suitable Attire
Malaysia has a relatively warm climate throughout the year between 28-30 degrees Celsius. However it frequently rains throughout the year so it would be useful to have an umbrella. Most students dress informally however there is a dress code on campus. Information on campus dress code can be found in the student booklet available once you have registered at the university. Clothes are relatively cheap in Malaysia and you can get most of the things you need here.
Checklist for your bags:
- Passport with student visa, programme acceptance letter, driving license (if any).
- Emergency contact eg. relatives, friends, your government embassy in Malaysia, UniKL ISO.
- Enough money for your first month, approximately RM 1000 in cash and RM 2,500-RM 3,000 in bank draft or traveler’s cheque for initial establishment cost.
- Your medical record (with blood type listed) and medicine (if any).
Arrival ServicesUniKL would like to welcome you to Malaysia by offering the following services:
Airport Reception
The university will provide free transport service from the airport to campus. Officers from our International Students’ Office (ISO) will present at the immigration counter at the airport to ensure the immigration procedures are adhered to.
Induction Programme
All international students must attend the induction programme held before the start of the academic term. Its aim is to introduce students to life at the university together with important information on finance, health, local culture and the rules & regulations.
Pre-departure Information
We provide international students with support prior to arriving in Malaysia and throughout their studies at Universiti Kuala Lumpur. For further information, please contact UniKL ISO at:
For off-campus or on-campus accommodation, you can get different accommodations to suit your budget and lifestyle, such as university dormitories, apartments or in a private student accommodation. Many of these places are also located within walking distance, thus students can conveniently get to the university campus in just a short span of time. The Student Accommodation Office will provide the support the students need on issues concerning accommodation. A number of options are available.
University Dormitories.University dormitories campuses outside Kuala Lumpur the cost will be approximately 20 - 30%. On campus accommodation is available on all branch campuses of UniKL. It is very cheap to stay on campus, however all university housing are on quad sharing basis. If you prefer to stay on campus please indicate in the UniKL Offer Response Form which will be sent to you with your letter of acceptance. Private AccommodationStudents can also opt to live off campus. The International Students’ Office (ISO) will assist students to find suitable private accommodation close to campus. Living CostLiving cost will vary according to the type of accommodation you choose, the number of people you live with and the area you live in. Private accommodation in Kuala Lumpur will cost more while in the branch.
Average Cost for Student Living in private housing or university accommodation
| Sample of Expenses (RM) |
Room (furnished)
2 people sharing
(inclusive of utilities) |
Apartment (unfurnished)
2 person sharing |
University Accommodation
Quad sharing |
|
Establishment Cost :
|
per
month
|
per
year |
per
month |
per
year |
per
month |
per
year |
|
Housing deposit
(rental bond & furniture.- )
|
|
1200*
|
|
4500*
|
|
|
|
Electricity & Water deposit
|
|
500*
|
|
1000*
|
|
|
|
Recurrent costs(RM)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rent for accommodation
|
400
|
4800
|
750
|
9000
|
90
|
1080
|
|
Telephone
|
|
2400
|
200
|
2400
|
200
|
2400
|
|
Electricity & water
|
|
|
250
|
3000
|
|
|
|
Travel (up to 20km
from city)
|
200
|
2400
|
200
|
2400
|
200
|
2400
|
|
Books, stationery and personal
expenses
|
500
|
6000
|
500
|
6000
|
500
|
6000
|
|
Total Estimated Cost
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- * These costs are generally paid once when first setting up accommodation. The housing deposit is usually equals to 3 months
rental.
- ** Cost is per student per year including rental and utilities deposit.
- *** There are no utilities deposits required for university accommodation.
The ISO provides information and assistance on immigration matters; acts as a liaison with sponsoring agencies and foreign governments; provides information on campus and community services available to international students and promotes intercultural exchange programmes between international students and the university community. The ISO staff is comprised of people who are truly interested in the well-being of international students. UniKL ISO provides pre-arrival packs to international students containing information on immigration/visa requirements, travel routes to Universiti Kuala Lumpur, money matters and health care.
UniKL ISO organises international students’ Orientation Programmes. The purpose of these is to familiarise international students with the university and Malaysia. The programmes include: briefing sessions, registrations, group work sessions and meetings with university staff as well as other international students. An ongoing support programme also takes place throughout the year to ensure that student are making most of their time and study in Malaysia.
Social events are organised by the International Students’ Society and our International Students Office is able to provide practical advice about issues including visas, academic concerns, finance and English language. A host programme is offered to give International students the opportunity to stay with a Malaysian family for a few days at any time of the year.
For further information please do not hesitate to contact;
The International Student OfficeUniversiti Kuala Lumpur Level 3, 1016 Jalan Sultan Ismail 50250 Kuala Lumpur Tel : +603 2175 4000 Fax : +603 2175 4001 email :
Please click the link below for more details;
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Student Affairs 