"Sometimes you wanna go where everybody knows your name," as the 80's American sitcom Cheers' theme song once said ... and American University in Dubai students definitely live up to these lyrics.
In between studying, and having the best time among friends, students at AUD make the best of both their education and their campus life.
If you are or were an AUD student, here are a few things you'll relate to for sure!
1. Hang out with friends at the “Corniche”
The go-to hang-out spot at AUD is by the steps between the Business Building and B entrance.
It is commonly known among Audians as the “Corniche”.
Yes, students at AUD refer to each other as Audians.
2. Mingle with a diverse group of students
Nothing says mind and eye-opening experience like mingling with people coming from different cultures and traditions.
With AUD's 100 plus nationalities, walking through campus feels like a global village where you get to brush shoulders with people from various backgrounds.
3. Metro station right on campus
One of the many perks of studying at AUD is that the metro station is a few blocks away from campus.
You don’t need to worry about being late to class.
Just take the metro to Al Nakheel station and be on time for your 8:00 am class.
4. 'King' and 'Ehab' are two names you will never forget
King, the security guard, is a huge part of the AUD family. He’s always there to greet students in the morning and crack a few jokes.
Ehab, aka the supermarket guy, is also someone you'll get to know and love dearly. He knows every student and always has time to stir up a conversation at the mini mart.
5. Security desk, a safe drop-off place
The security desk at AUD is somewhat of a sacred place for every student.
If you want to drop off a book, a project, or even a birthday present for your friends, but don’t have time to park and meet them, just leave it at the security office by the gate.
6. Pull an all nighter
Nothing says university life like a sleepless night of studying. You're breaking under the weight of multiple exams and projects, and as a result, you overcompensate with caffeine and junk food to keep yourself going.
No worries though, at least you can be among your kind during exam-week. AUD opens its labs 24/7 because sleep is never scheduled, only papers are.
7. Library gets crowded during exam season
It's this time of year when you'll see students on campus the most. They'll flock to the library; books on the desk and heads tilted down to study as much as possible before exam season kicks in.
Those who don't find a chair try to find a spot on the floor and make it their own for the next few days.