As UAE universities prepare to welcome students for the new academic year, campuses are placing increased emphasis on assisting students with adaptation, maintaining connections, and receiving support from the very beginning of their studies.
Universities in Dubai are taking steps to ease the transition by offering expanded orientation programs, as well as specialized academic and wellness support, particularly for first-year students. Meanwhile, institutions remain mindful of the general regional situation, stressing the need to be prepared for changes in circumstances.
At Canadian University Dubai (CUD), the focus is on creating an environment where students feel not only academically prepared but also socially and emotionally supported. Rami El Khatib, Vice President for Student Affairs, stated that the university's classrooms and facilities are ready, and various services designed for the needs of 'the whole student' are available.
He noted: 'We strive to create a safe, inclusive, student-centered, and academically prepared environment where students can succeed from day one. Our classrooms and facilities are fully prepared for the new academic year, supported by an integrated student affairs ecosystem that approaches success from the perspective of the whole student.'
El Khatib added that students can receive academic and transitional support through the Success Centre and the First Year Experience Program, while wellness needs will be met by counseling and healthcare services. He also mentioned that 'Career Services focus on professional development and employment, supplemented by opportunities in sports, recreation, and student engagement that foster networking, belonging, and a vibrant university atmosphere.'
At Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) Dubai Campus, the basic structure of the new academic year will remain similar to the previous year, including orientation, class schedules, transportation, and accommodation. However, Dr. S. Shamanna, Pro-Vice Chancellor, reported that the university has taken extra measures to maintain contact with students and families amid recent regional instability, including reaching out to prospective students who could not visit the campus.
Shamanna explained: 'Our orientation, academic schedule, transportation, and housing arrangements will generally follow the same structure as last year. Nevertheless, given the recent instability in the region, we have made concerted efforts to stay in touch with students, especially those enrolling for the first time.'
University teams personally met with students and parents to answer questions regarding admission, programs, and the upcoming year. Shamanna added that they will continue this approach as students return to campus. He emphasized that while the core arrangements remain unchanged, they are ready to adapt student support methods at any time circumstances require, ensuring the smoothest possible transition into the new academic year.
De Montfort University Dubai (DMU Dubai) is also extending its welcome program for the new academic year, holding a two-week orientation instead of the usual one week. Simon Bradbury, Pro-Vice Chancellor for International Affairs at DMU Dubai, stated that the longer adaptation period will give students more time to get acquainted with faculty and peers, as well as to adjust to university life.
He noted: 'We are preparing to welcome students in September with an induction and welcome event program for both new and returning students. We know that transitioning to a new academic year can feel significant, especially for first-year students, so our focus is on helping students gain confidence, connection, and readiness to learn from day one.'
The program will include academic briefings, student support sessions, faculty meetings, and events aimed at fostering a sense of community. Bradbury also highlighted that the university will provide necessary KHDA safety measures, including evacuation protocols, designated safe zones, and campus procedures supporting student well-being.
He also mentioned that the university uses an innovative block teaching model, where students study one module at a time in focused seven-week blocks, instead of tackling multiple subjects simultaneously. For those starting university for the first time, Bradbury's advice is to maximize available support from the outset: attend orientation, meet faculty, explore career services, clubs, societies, sports, and volunteering opportunities. He advised: 'Starting university can feel daunting, but our advice is to participate actively from an early age and make full use of the available support. Students should attend orientation, meet their professors, ask questions, and take time to understand their course structure.'
Furthermore, he urged students to think about employment in advance, rather than waiting until graduation. 'We also encourage students to engage with career support from the beginning, not just at the end of their studies, so they can start acquiring the skills, experience, and confidence needed for their future careers. University life is more than just classrooms, so students should also explore clubs, societies, sports, and volunteering opportunities.'