Freshmen
Welcome to the Suleman Dawood School of Business (SDSB) at LUMS!
The Office of Undergraduate Student Advising (OUSA–SDSB) is excited to welcome you to your undergraduate journey. Your first year at university is an opportunity to explore new academic interests, develop effective learning habits, build meaningful connections, and begin shaping your educational and professional goals.
OUSA–SDSB is here to help you navigate the academic requirements and opportunities available at LUMS. This page provides an overview of important milestones, academic planning guidelines, and advising resources to help you make informed decisions and establish a strong foundation for your undergraduate experience.
We encourage you to explore the information provided, seek guidance when needed, and take an active role in planning your academic journey.
Freshmen Orientation
Orientation is your introduction to the academic environment, resources, and student support services available at LUMS. During Orientation, you will have opportunities to learn about academic expectations, university policies, course requirements, and the advising resources available to you.
OUSA–SDSB will guide you in understanding your academic responsibilities and navigating your first semester. You will also be introduced to the Peer Ambassadors for Social Support (PALss), who can share their experiences and provide peer support as you adjust to university life.
We encourage you to participate in Orientation activities and information sessions, familiarize yourself with the undergraduate academic requirements, and seek clarification whenever you have questions.
Freshman Milestones: 0–30 Credit Hours
Your freshman year is an important period for developing the academic skills, habits, and understanding needed to progress successfully through your undergraduate degree. The following milestones can help you stay organized, monitor your academic progress, and prepare for the years ahead.
1. Get Familiar with Academic Requirements and University Resources
At the beginning of your first semester, familiarize yourself with the undergraduate academic policies, degree requirements, academic calendar, and resources available to students.
Your next steps:
- Participate in Orientation activities and familiarize yourself with the academic expectations at SDSB.
- Review the latest Undergraduate Student Handbook and the applicable four-year degree plan.
- Get to know your instructors, classmates, and Teaching Assistants (TAs).
- Learn how to access course materials, academic resources, and student support services.
- Reach out to your PAL or the Advising Office if you need help navigating your first semester.
2. Understand the Academic Calendar and Enrollment Process
Understanding the academic calendar and enrollment process will help you plan ahead and make informed decisions about your courses.
Your next steps:
At the beginning of the semester
- Review your course outlines, assessment requirements, and academic expectations.
- Familiarize yourself with the academic calendar, including important deadlines.
During Add/Drop Week
- Review your enrolled courses during the Add/Drop period and make any necessary adjustments within the announced deadline. First-year students must consult their assigned Academic Advisor before dropping or adding a course to understand the potential implications for their academic progress and degree requirements.
When the Course Memo and Enrollment Dates Are Announced
- Check the Registrar's Office (RO) Portal for the upcoming semester's Course Memo and your assigned enrollment date.
- Review the available course offerings and identify the courses relevant to your degree requirements.
Before Enrollment
- Prepare a tentative course plan based on the Course Memo and your degree requirements.
- Seek academic advising if you need clarification about course selection, prerequisites, credit-hour requirements, or your academic plan.
On Your Enrollment Date
- Enroll in your selected courses through the designated enrollment system.
- Review your schedule and make any necessary changes within the applicable Add/Drop period.
Always refer to the latest academic calendar, Course Memo, and official university communications for current deadlines and enrollment procedures.
3. Build Effective Learning and Time Management Skills
University learning may differ from your previous educational experiences. Developing effective study habits early can help you manage coursework, prepare for assessments, and maintain a healthy balance between academic and extracurricular commitments.
Your next steps:
- Establish a regular study routine and plan ahead for assignments, quizzes, and examinations.
- Attend classes regularly and participate actively in class discussions.
- Make use of tutorials and other academic support opportunities offered by your courses.
- Develop time management strategies that allow you to balance academic responsibilities with rest and extracurricular activities.
- Seek guidance if you are experiencing academic difficulties or finding it challenging to adjust to university life.
4. Monitor Your Academic Progress and Credit-Hour Completion
Completing the required credit hours and meeting academic requirements throughout your degree will help you progress towards timely graduation. Your first year is an opportunity to establish a strong academic foundation and understand how your semester-wise course choices contribute to your overall degree plan.
Your next steps:
- Review your degree requirements and the applicable four-year plan.
- Plan your courses each semester with your degree requirements and future enrollment needs in mind.
- Keep track of your completed courses, credit hours, and academic performance.
- Consult the Advising Office if you are unsure about course requirements, academic policies, or your progress towards graduation.
- Seek support early if you encounter academic challenges that may affect your progress.
5. Explore Your Interests and Future Academic Pathways
Your freshman year is also a time to discover your academic interests, identify your strengths, and begin exploring the areas of study and career pathways that interest you.
Your next steps:
- Reflect on the subjects, activities, and academic experiences you find most engaging.
- Speak with instructors, PALss, and peers to learn about different academic areas and opportunities at SDSB.
- Explore the majors and minors available to SDSB students and familiarize yourself with their requirements.
- Seek guidance from the Advising Office when you have questions about academic pathways or major-related decisions.
- Explore relevant opportunities, including student societies, research, internships, and other learning experiences as they become available.
You are not expected to have your entire academic or career path figured out during your first year. Use this time to explore, ask questions, and gather information to help you make informed decisions as you progress through your degree.
How OUSA–SDSB Can Support You
OUSA–SDSB provides academic guidance and support throughout your undergraduate journey. You can contact the Advising Office for assistance with course planning, degree requirements, enrollment-related questions, academic policies, academic performance concerns, and other matters affecting your academic progress.
As a freshman, you can also benefit from peer support through your assigned PAL, who can help you navigate the transition to university life, adjust to the academic environment, and gain insights from their own experiences at SDSB.
For academic queries or to request advising support, contact undergradadvising.sdsb@lums.edu.pk.
We encourage you to seek guidance early, stay informed about university deadlines, and take an active role in shaping your undergraduate experience.