The University of Alexandria is the second largest university in Egypt after Cairo University. This esteemed establishment includes over 20 faculties, not to mention the branches it has outside of Egypt.
Alexandria University was established in 1938 as a branch campus of Fouad University in Cairo - the name was later changed to Cairo University.
It was initially known as Farouk University but later became an independent entity in 1942 and in the aftermath of overthrowing the monarchy in Egypt in 1952, its name was changed to the University of Alexandria.
If you are an Alexandria University alumnus or still studying there, you'll definitely relate to this post, and if you've never been before, here is what to expect.
1. Envying agriculture students for having a swimming pool on their campus
Imagine going out of class to find a view of greenery and a swimming pool. This is what you'd see if you study in the faculty of agriculture.
2. While dentistry students have no place to chill other than their "Manwar"
This gloomy atrium is where dentistry students go to have a chat with classmates between classes.
3. You can find words of wisdom at the most unlikely of places
On bathroom walls for instance...
4. That one professor who hasn't changed his power point presentation in 12 years
And if you dare ask for a copy of the presentation, he gives you this dirty look as if national security is at stake.
5. Studying for final exams while people are at the beach
You're tempted to throw the books out of the window and take a plunge in the sea... but sadly it's not an option.
6. No parking for you
Every now and then, you will see a campus security personnel storming in the lecture hall, jumping on the podium, and making the following announcement: "Attention please, there is a black Toyota outside blocking a red Honda. We need the owner of the car to move it immediately."
We always wait for those announcements, especially when attending boring lectures. By the way, consider yourself dead if the car you blocked belongs to one of the professors.
7. The haunting crows of the faculty of science
The campus located in Shatby is part of an unusually quiet neighborhood. On your way out you'll always be welcomed with loud caws that will send chills down your spine if you are walking alone.
8. Exam supervisors with high heels
They are a nightmare if you have a short attention span. They just keep walking up and down the place while you are struggling to focus.
For the love of God and everything holy, lady, sit down or wear flats.
9. Arguing over seats on a daily basis
You always have a student who reserves front seats for their friends. Then someone comes to sit there and an argument erupts about how it's not fair for people who show up early to sit in the back because the chairs are reserved.
10. Attending a lecture for the first time at "El Mogama3 El Nazary" can make you dizzy
The enormous lecture halls can be really overwhelming to people who are not used to big or crowded places.
You'll certainly understand that feeling if you sit in the front and take a close look behind, just to find over a thousand student and even more on higher levels. It's almost as if they're going to fall over you.
11. The sound of street hawkers can sometimes be louder than the lecturer's
While the professor is catching his breath, the street hawker would shout at the top of his lungs: "Gwafa ya Eshta!," "Magnoona ya tamatim!," and "Bekya, Robabekya!"
And before you know it, it turns into an awkward shouting competition. Most of the time, the professor has no hope in winning so he will just wait till the hawkers pass by to resume the lecture after having a good laugh.