Things to Do before University Registeration Day. What to prepare ?

Please read at your own risk as there may be some changes as the years keep rolling. :)

It's been awhile right? Well, I have been busy with--papers, printer, computers ( I am using 3 computer devices, lol). All this just for the preparations before I finally start my varsity year. So, I will just write up about what are the pre-USM preparations for my brother and future juniors, just to feed my blog.

Date of IPTA Offer 2015/2016 Announcement: 11th August 2015, 12.00 pm.

Step 1: ACCEPT THE OFFER that you have in mind BEFORE the DEADLINE. 

Remember to make sure that this will be what you will see after accepting the offer. It's Important. 

Step 2: PRINT out your OFFER LETTER.
Sometimes, IPTA will send you the offer letter by mail. But for my case which is USM Kubang Kerian, they have stated that they won't be mailing us, so we have to print it instead.

Step 3: PRINT all the DOCUMENTS ATTACHED in your OFFER LETTER WEBPAGE.

They usually include Buku Panduan Siswa, Your Bill for your Tuition fees, etc... here's a screenshot of mine.

Step 4: READ THE BUKU PANDUAN AND  PLAN YOUR TO DO LIST.

Make sure you plan before you start because it's going to cause havoc if you don't. Multiple trips back to the bank or clinics or post office will get you into trouble.

Step 5: Start JOINING SOCIAL GROUPS ( Facebook, Twitter etc. )  related to your IPTA. 

You may also talk to your seniors and ask for help or extra info. If you're lucky they will add you into "secret" groups that sometimes helps you a lot. Don't be shy and ask :)

Step 6 : OPEN AN SSPN-i Account if you're planning to apply for PTPTN

You can open it at Maybank/Bank Rakyat/Bank Islam/ Agrobank. Sometimes they will suggest that you open your SSPN-i account and your bank account ( Step 7 ) from the same bank . I, personally, am not sure about it but you may try to ask around. I opened mine at Maybank, while I am using using my Bank Islam Account at USM. As far as I know, it doesn't matter, and if you need confirmation, call your IPTA for details.

Step 7 : OPEN A BANK ACCOUNT respective to your IPTA

Meaning, please check what bank does your IPTA used for all PTPTN transactions or other transactions. UM, USM and UKM use Bank Islam. But Please check again to make sure there are no changes. 

Step 7.5 : PAY TUITION FEES

You may do it by cash or Online Banking. But make sure you know the procedures for online Banking and required screenshots by the University. It would be preferable to cash it in at the bank itself because it is much safer and more efficient. Due to the peak of the intake season, sometimes the processing of online banking takes time, but of course, it really depends on the efficiency of your IPTA.

If you are not planning to APPLY FOR PTPTN, skip STEP 8, 9 and 12

Step 8 : BUY A PTPTN PIN NUMBER from BSN bank /  via BSN ATM Machine/ via SMS 

Sometimes, the bank may not be available or may ran out of slips. So, you may try to buy it via BSN ATM machine ( provided you are a BSN card holder ). Don't ask your friend to buy because one PIN number is only eligible for one Identification card Number.  One very important thing to remember if you're using the ATM to buy, please make sure the machine is not out of receipts. your PIN number will be printed on it.

FYI : I found out most Petronas station have BSN ATM. haha. You can also always Google Map for BSN ATM. ( It seriously works !)

Example of PTPTN resit.

Step 9 : Buy 2 SETEM HASIL which is RM 10 each.

                        

Make sure you find out which post office has it. Not all of them sell SETEM HASIL.

Step 10 : PREPARE PASSPORT SIZE PORTRAITS.

Usually, the IPTA will ask you to prepare a specific number of the portraits, but you can prepare more. 

Gentle reminder : 

1. White Background ( unless stated they wanted a blue background)

2. Please ask them to crop your soft copy portrait in passport size. This is to make sure that you can avoid resolution related technical problem when you upload your photo to their Kad Siswa System if any. 

3. Make sure you follow the required dress code. The norm is Dark-Coloured Shirt with Collar. 

11: MEDICAL CHECK UP

First, Check what are the check-ups that you need. What type of Blood Test, Urine Test, X-ray. You may try to do all of it at a Government hospital or Clinic. Sometimes, the Blood Test results take too long ( 2 weeks) to deliver so you may have to do the blood test at a Private hospital or Clinic or at a Pathology Lab. Some private clinics may be able to help you to complete the whole medical check up.  The Price for the full check up in Private Clinics or Hospital usually Range form RM160 - RM240.( depending on the type of Blood Test required and also the Clinics Policy as well. ) 

Step 12: Start FILLING UP PTPTN ONLINE APPLICATION 

You need to Register Online at for the First time at the PTPTN Website. Key in the respective numbers of your BSN receipt or ATM receipt. ( PIN, Time, Date )Then, you can look up for PTPTN Application Guideline. I refereed to USM's PTPTN Guideline (updated version: 2017/2018) at that time but i think it's applicable for most of you. Just make sure you get every detail sort out before you begin. You may want to get ready certain details before hand like : Gaji Bersih, Gaji Kasar, No. KWSP, No.Cukai Pendapatan of working parents. 

Step 13 : START PREPARING IMPORTANT SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS

Yup. There will be a list of Documents that you will need to prepare, photocopy, and certify later on. So, it is best that you accumulate all the documents needed , be it for PTPTN or other scholarship application. 

Step 14 : START PREPARING A TO-BRING-LIST

It's seems like a normal thing to do. but, I feel that for most of us who will be studying further away from your own home town, you want to make sure that you do not miss out anything. Always have your list ready so that you can keep adding up stuffs for you to bring.

Step 15 : SNOOP AROUND FOR UNI-MATES/ COURSE-MATES.

We're not asking you to stalk people, haha. Just that it's sometimes good to have somebody who has experienced it to give you some guidance and what to expect. They may let you know about scholarships, "survival skills' in university, or about your syllabus, or even when you're on the verge of breaking down because of the paperwork. 

Step 16 : SAY A LITTLE PRAYER AND HOPE FOR THE BEST 

It's going to be a new life ;) 

For those accepted to USM, you can find out all the information at USM info

Wondering what have I been up to, click the link below if you are a tiny bit interested ;)

Life as a first year University Student in USMKK