Advising Peers 2021-22
Abdul Wasay Ali Khan
MGS Senior
Hello and a very warm welcome to all of you! I am Wasay, a Management Science senior at LUMS. As you all transition into this new phase, I am sure you are all geared up for the four most exciting years of your life. These four years will be transformative to say the least, may even seem daunting at times, but somewhere down the line you will surely find your spot in this incredibly diverse red bricked campus.
LUMS is an incredible place for growth but it is only fruitful as long as you are ready to make use of the several different avenues it has to offer. Make use of the numerous opportunities that LUMS throws your way and try to groom yourself holistically.
You will have your fair share of good days and unbearable lows but always feel free to reach out to people around you and you are highly likely to find someone who has been through the same. Lastly, and most importantly, take care of your mental health. A good GPA may look good on your transcript but not if it comes at the expense of your sanity.
I can’t wait to see you all soon, either virtually or on campus and feel free to drop me an email or text anytime, should you need help with anything. I wish you all the best with this new phase of life!
Abdullah Nadeem
ACF Senior
Hello, I am Abdullah Nadeem, an Accounting and Finance rising senior at LUMS. Congratulations on joining the LUMS family! All of you must be excited to start an exceptional journey at one of the most prestigious university of Pakistan. Get ready for the most wonderful 4 years of your life waiting for you. There will definitely be times where you will face challenges, but these will provide you with the strength to overcome the weaknesses you have.
My advice to you would be to explore as much as you can and achieve the right balance between your academics, extra curriculars and social life. All three combined make up the overall LUMS experience wholesome. As a peer advisor, I’ll ensure I’m there for you to transition into the culture, get a hang of everything around you and will help you explore your full potential. Welcome to the place with immense learning and growth opportunities to evolve into a better version of yourself. Hoping to see you soon and best of luck!
Abeer Nadeem
MGS Junior
Congratulations and welcome to the LUMS family. My name is Abeer Nadeem, and I am currently a junior pursuing my major in Management Science. I will be your Peer Mentor for this academic year, and I hope I can aid ease your transition into university life by helping you with any issues that you may face.
As you all step into this new phase of your life, my advice will be to never be afraid to try new things. Among the many perks of LUMS is the multiple opportunities and platforms that it provides its students to express and explore various aspects of themselves. There are many student-run societies at LUMS that cater to different interests and allow an individual to maximize one’s full potential while also making life-long friends and memories. As for me, I have been a part of two student-run societies – LUMS Entrepreneurial Society (LES) and LUMS Community Service Society (LCSS). It is my third year in LES, and the majority of my LUMS experience is centered around this society and its wonderful people. Hence, I would encourage you to explore these different aspects and find what motivates you in order to undergo the whole essence of the LUMS experience.
I look forward to getting to know you and welcoming you!
Ali Meesum
ACF Junior
Salam/Hello/Namaste/Sasriakal Dreams do come true!! Welcome to your second home. We are thrilled to welcome you onboard on this amazing LUMS Journey. I'm Ali, a rising junior at LUMS, and I will be serving as your peer advisor for the year 2021-2022. I am majoring in Accounting and Finance with an intended minor in Computer Science. In addition, I am currently serving as the President of the LUMS Society of Professional Accountancy (LSPA). Transformation is the word that can be used to describe my LUMS journey up till now. From being a quiet and shy boy who was afraid of speaking up in class to being the President of one of the largest accounting societies in Asia, LUMS is a place that challenges you and grooms you to develop your fullest potential. In addition, I have consistently been on "Dean's Honor List" for 2 years now, and my past experiences include being an O/A Level instructor. Apart from academics, I love Bollywood movies and being in the character of my favorite actor for the next week is a must. In addition, I love interacting with people and making friends. I believe I am the most easily approachable person as I love to help people out with whatever academic and non-academic problems they are facing. So, feel free to reach out any time to discuss any issue (oh yes, I can fit one Bollywood dialogue here: "Main hoon na") Since this will be a rollercoaster ride with some ups and downs (I hope not), my humblest advice for all of you would be to consistently keep believing in yourself: You can do everything! Take different challenging learning-intensive courses, definitely be part of societies, make new friends, learn how to lead, learn from failures, and most importantly, enjoy your LUMS life while simultaneously balancing all other chores. Being an avid fan of the movie '3 Idiots', I suggest you learn the most famous dialogue of the film, "All izz(is) well," since this is what keeps me going all the time. I look forward to having fun and intellectual khoka sessions with all of you! Once again super proud of you all for making it to Pakistan’s most prestigious university.
Basra Ajmal
ACF Junior
I extend my heartiest warm welcome to all of you, indeed making it into LUMS is no less than a feat you all have wonderfully achieved. I assure you that LUMS is so much more than just an institute. It is a place where all dreams come true, even if not true, it brings you and your dreams so much closer. And above everything, SDSB is one of the Asia’s top ranked Business Schools, and you are very part of it. I am Basra Ajmal, an Accounting and Finance Junior at SDSB LUMS, pursuing minor in Public Management. Two years back, I was in your shoes, walked into a totally new place, with confusions; happiness and expectations. If I may tell you a bit more, I was a student from science background, and switching towards Business studies was something that was thrilling me more than making me happy. But if I can make it, then why not you? The force stopping us is ‘us'! Dear Freshmen, do not be scared of this new beginning, it may seem daunting but once you start walking, you won’t regret walking in this trail. All you must do is welcome the opportunities and learning experiences coming your way and never be afraid to fail or fall, and if you do, be prepared to always get back up. My key motivation towards getting back up again has been a quote from Paulo Coehlo, “The secret of life is to fall seven times and to rise eight times.”
A little bit about myself: I love to paint and sketch; reading is my best way to escape the tensions and I am currently director at FINTRA. As a peer advisor, I cannot make big promises, but I can commit to be a person who will always be there for you to choose or think. My role is not constrained till your academics, but beyond that: extra-curriculars, personal life, social life, and what not. I hope to offer you advices which I received from my experiences. I also hope to be your go-to person for anything, and more than an advisor – be your friend. Lastly, do not worry about what is yet to come. Take a deep breath and live the present because these memories will make you fall in love with your past once you retire. I look forward to meeting you all soon on Campus, InshaAllah. Till then, I wish you all a healthy and blessed life. Stay Safe, Stay Healthy!
Batool Fatima
ACF Junior
Welcome aboard! You are about to embark upon on an amazing journey for the next 4 years and hopefully I can help you transition into this new life. It is intimidating to enter university life where you are confronted with unfamiliar people and difficult courses which you have never studied before. However, if you are equipped with the right knowledge, this transition can be a smooth and easy process. This is what I am here for! As your Peer Advisor, I am going to help you get familiarized with campus life and all the challenges that come with it, academic and social.
Since we are going to spend some time together, I will give a short introduction about myself. I am an SDSB Junior with a major in accounting and finance. Apart from studying hard to land on the DHL (Dean’s Honor List) my other interests include creative writing, painting (I’m just getting started on this), creating memes, swimming (beginner here as well!), reading, and cooking! I have also been a member of 2 societies at LUMS, SPADES and EMS. I am continuing with EMS in my junior year as it takes a lot of commitment to be in a senior position in any society and I want to put my full effort wherever I am working. I consider myself to be an easily approachable and friendly person so whenever you see me be sure to stop and chat for a while. If you are ever looking for me anywhere in LUMS, you will probably find me somewhere between the Library, IST or Khoka. Mostly, the library and IST (I know nerd alert)!
Looking forward to meeting you.
Hamid Nawaz
MGS Junior
I remember being in your shoes when I first walked into LUMS, excited but also anxious about how I could best use the next four years to get where I wish to be in life. From my 2 years at LUMS, I can assure you that no one else has any clue what they are doing either! But we are all together in this. We are all there for each other in whatever life throws at us, and it is this reassurance that produces the wonderful graduates LUMS is able to produce. Transitioning from your high school journey to college can be overwhelming in several regards, which is primarily what we, as peer advisors, aim to help you through. LUMS grants you a lot of freedom in your academic choices. Navigating the uncertainty that comes with this freedom can be a hectic task, but that's mostly life. A word of advice from my end: Be the author of your own journey. A high tide may raise many boats, but it also sinks a few. Aimlessly following others will get you nowhere. Find your passion and follow it with all your heart. Always remember, not all that glitters is gold. It will take time, but LUMS is a diverse place where you will eventually find the people you muse with!
A bit about myself: I am passionate about public sector consulting and hope to you use data driven insights to solve problems for governments. I am also a marketing enthusiast so might work with a start-up, but who knows (:p). I have worked with several start-ups, ranging from ed-tech to environmental initiatives, which have helped me understand concepts like growth and strategy very well. Besides that, I love to draw, binge the criterion collection and read up on philosophy, economics, and political science. So, feel free to come in for a chat!
Karan Kumar
ACF Junior
I am Karan Kumar, a junior at Suleman Dawood School of Business majoring in Accounting and Finance. First of all, Congratulations for making it to LUMS. A very warm welcome to all of you. These next four years would surely be an amazing experience. Every fourth year student who graduates wants to relive these four years again so make sure you use this time effectively. In the start, you might feel anxious and nervous but do not worry, we Peer Advisors are here to help you out.
A couple of years ago, I was exactly at your stage when I entered into LUMS for the first time. I was shy and very confused about how will I cope with the academic pressure along with extracurriculars and social life. It was difficult, but not impossible. Currently, I am placed in the Dean’s Honours List and have been promoted as a Director in multiple societies too. Not to forget that I have been on Northern Area trips with friends which is also an integral part of the LUMS experience. If you manage time, you can literally do everything you want. You must also show willingness to put in the extra effort that is required.
As a Peer Advisor for the academic year 2021-22, I would be always available for any queries that you have regarding the LUMS academics, societies, or even personal life too. I hope I will help you in my full capacity and help you achieve success in SDSB.
Looking forward to meeting you all in Fall!
Laiba Imran
MGS Junior
Hello batch of 2025, welcome to Lums.
I am ecstatic to welcome you to some of the most incredible, thrilling, eye-opening, and challenging years of your life. I wish you the best of luck in the coming four years.
My name is Laiba Imran, a Junior at LUMS, majoring in Management Science. From my own experience at LUMS, I can tell that most of you will be confused, scared, and overwhelmed but simultaneously excited to begin this new chapter. It's natural to feel this way when you first arrive but trust me when I say that you'll love everything, and LUMS will feel like home in no time. It will transform into space where you can be yourself and express yourself without fear of being criticized. In addition, my peer advisors and I will do everything we can to make this transition as easy as possible.
As far as my journey at LUMS is concerned, it began with not knowing what I wanted to do with life. Studying Management to exploring psychology to working as event head and marketing director, I’ve done it all. Through these opportunities, I can confidently claim that I have come a long way in discovering my passion. The point I'm trying to make is that it's fine to be unsure and clueless since LUMS will take you on a self-discovery adventure. Embrace the new experiences & opportunities, making friends, taking diverse courses, joining societies, or exploring a personal interest. You'll have plenty of "firsts" in this university, so be willing to step out of your comfort zone to make the most of it. It will seem daunting & challenging but always have faith in your abilities. Amidst everything, remember never to doubt your capabilities and prioritize yourself by taking care of your physical and mental health. You will fall, you will cry, some days will be darker than the others, but in the end, you will make it through - I assure you that. We are all here for you.
Finally, I'd like to offer some advice that I believe is important. Never compare yourself to others; instead, concentrate on your own path and don't worry about what others are doing. Not to mention, please do not hesitate to reach out to any of us regarding any issue, you can always reach out to me whenever you find yourself struggling, and we can unfold the mysteries of your LUMS life over a tea session. Good luck, you got this!
Maheer Wasti
MGS Senior
A very warm welcome to the batch of 2025/26 all! To me, you are the bravest batch out there. Amidst canceled college farewells and virtual new beginnings, it's understandable to feel dejected. However, do not let this beginning be tainted by these feelings, because happier times await you!
Whether it was your dream school or your plan B, LUMS with its red brick walls and undeniable charm will capture your heart in no time. You may be coming in for a degree, or an adventure, or for clarity but unknowingly, you have signed up for great memories, priceless lessons and valuable friendships along with some breakdowns, annoying CP wars, and inevitable change. Truth be told, don't worry about missing out on these experiences in a virtual setting because once you become a luminite, whether you want it to or not, an adventure will find you!
I joined SDSB with no commerce background, yet a bit of hard work made me get A’s in those subjects. Till my sophomore year, I was confused about my major, but one course introduced me to the field I want to pursue. The trouble of having a competitive environment is that while it pushes you to give your best, the fear of missing out can make it difficult to find your own path and focus on your own dreams. The most important thing is to have a good balance between academics, societies, sports, friends and yourself. Yes, step out of your comfort zones to go on a trip or talk to new people or join a sports team or get that CP point, but don’t forget to prioritize your ambitions, mental comfort, physical health and personal boundaries. You might meet some of your best friends and you might have to let go of some that meant the world. But change is a part of life and we must embrace it as we go. In this tough but rewarding journey, remember to be kind to yourselves because at the end of the day, you might be all you have.
I cannot wait to meet you all and be your peer advisor. Good Luck!
Mahnoor Hasnain Ahmad
MGS Senior
Hello Everyone! Welcome to LUMS. My name is Mahnoor Hasnain Ahmad, and I am currently a senior pursuing a degree in Management Sciences. I love reading, poetry, traveling, and the quarantine period turned me into an amateur fitness enthusiast. During my time at LUMS, I have realized that I am the most passionate about creating an impact and contributing to society in any way possible.
I have consistently worked to balance my academics with extracurricular and other activities. I have led two departments - Socials and ATLAS at SPADES and Research and Insights at LUMS Consultancy Group. My advice would be not to hesitate to try new things, be it societies, volunteer work, courses, or anything. Through exploring different societies and courses, I not only got to utilize my creative side but also discovered new areas I am interested in.
When I first came to LUMS, I was anxious about what lies ahead of me, just like many of you might be right now. It is not a smooth ride; it will push you to your limits but, remember: everything happens for a reason. Do not be afraid to make mistakes. They will be your best friend through this journey because, in the end, it will all help you become the best version of yourself. Within the LUMS community, you will always find people who can relate to your situation and will be happy to assist you in any way. Amidst everything, remember to never doubt your capabilities and prioritize yourself by taking care of your physical and mental health. You can always reach out to me for guidance in any matter, and we will try to make it work – one way or the other. I wish you all the best of luck!
Manahil Tauqir
ACF Senior
“Main Dhoondnay ko zamanay mai jo bhi jaga nikla
Pata chala keh ghalat lay keh main pata nikla”
These were the lyrics that ran through my head as I raced against the clock to find my Calculus class in the Academic block, on the first day as a freshman. 3 years later, (and I cannot believe I’m saying this but :0) I’m a senior who's done with 85ish% of my Accounting and Finance degree, a teaching assistant, an intern in a bank and the General Secretary of a society, but I will still almost always get lost in the Academic block.
A bit about me: I am the designated chai maker for my friends’ group, I have an irrational fear of cats and call me a psychopath if you want, but I like to eat my ice-cream with French fries : )
The few lessons I’ve learnt over these years are that Aadat by Atif will get you through life, a sip of chai with your friends can lighten up the worst days and that there is no cheat code to adulting.
So, class of 2025, I welcome you all aboard a cruise which will perhaps be the most beautiful journey of your life if you let it. Even though your experiences might differ from your previous batches as you begin this journey virtually but remember it’s not the screen that matters but the people behind it. You will find in your instructors, advisors, and peers the same level of support and commitment to smooth transition into the system as we had.
The academic diversity of this institute will allow you to experiment with your interests and career path, the diversity of the student body will allow you to grow as a person and the beautiful struggle of keeping it all together amidst the mayhem will help you find your true self.
So, be ready to unlearn, learn and relearn life and discover yourself in the process.
Meher Nauman
ACF Junior
Hello class of 2024!
I'm Meher Nauman, an Accounting and Finance Junior here at LUMS. Welcome to the most exciting and challenging 4 years of your life! I am so excited to be helping you on your wonderful journey ahead. LUMS has so much to offer, both academically and otherwise. I urge you all to make the most of your time here by connecting with as many people as you can, joining societies, picking up a sport, taking courses outside of your major, exploring your interests and having lots of fun along the way. Be prepared to have some of the most difficult but also the most rewarding times of your life as you spend the next 4 years figuring out who you are and what kind of person you want to be.
Congratulations to all of you for making it here, regardless of whether LUMS was the dream or if it was Plan B. Embrace the opportunity and the new experiences with an open mind. Remember, what defines you is what you do with what you have. Believe in yourself to make it through all the challenges that LUMS throws at you, (there will be lots, believe me). But do not worry, I will be there for anything that you need every step of the way. Super excited to meet up with you guys during O-Week!
I will end with one of my favourite quotes from one of my favourite movies: "There is no secret ingredient, it's just you."
Momin Asif
MGS Junior
Hello everyone! I am Momin, a Junior at LUMS. I want to congratulate you all for making it to LUMS, which is a dream of many students in the country! Get ready for a 4-year roller coaster ride where you will make some of the best memories of your life and grow as a person.
My LUMS journey so far has been amazing. The past two years have really changed me as an individual both personally and professionally. You get immense opportunities here which allow you to explore new things and meet new people. LUMS has given me the most wonderful set of friends who have been with me through thick and thin. The diversity which LUMS offers you, no other university does!
Personally, I like to explore different things. From playing almost every sport to taking part in society events and going on trips, I have done it all. I love playing basketball and badminton, and you will also find me randomly jamming on the khokha, playing guitar, and singing along my friends. In addition, I am a part of the LUMS Boxing Team as well as the core team of LUMUN. Along with this, I am in the founding core team of a startup named Aamdini, which is an investment agency focused on financial literacy and helping people invest their money.
I believe that every day offers you a new opportunity to learn something and grow in some way. Seeking those opportunities and taking action eventually leads you to your true purpose in life! I hope I did not bore you too much and if you have made it till here, I wish you the best of luck and I can’t wait to see you guys on campus!
Muhad Mansoor
ACF Senior
Hello and Asalam-o-Alaikum Class of 2025!
Congratulations to all of you for making it to this prestigious institution. I am Muhad Mansoor, a rising senior majoring in Accounting and Finance from Suleman Dawood School of Business (SDSB) at LUMS. I am very excited to serve as your peer advisor this year as this particular position holds immense significance for me. I am sure many of you would feel a bit worried about how to manage things and so was I, back in 2018, when I first entered into LUMS. I was totally clueless on how to cope up with the increasing pressure to maintain a decent GPA while at the same time develop a strong social network and to pursue co-curricular activities side by side. Different people gave me different solutions that did not work however the advice that my peer advisor gave turned out to be the best and I still look up to his opinions on each and every academic and non-academic issue. This is exactly what this entire PASS program is about, and I cannot simply wait to interact with you all and try my level best to make your experience a lot better just like how my peer advisor made it for me.
Personally, I look forward to pursuing a career in Finance while at the same time trying out my luck with dramatics since I am highly fond of acting. While I do take my studies seriously and try my level best to achieve better results, I will not preach you guys to just focus solely on academics. Definitely, it is an integral part of your journey, and you should be serious with studies however you need to take an active part in societies, trips, sports, and socializing with people as that is what will always remain with you. During my time at LUMS, I have been an important part of LUMS Finance Society (FINTRA), LUMS Arts Society, Rizq LUMS Society and have also befriended some amazing people who are like a family now. Make sure to do the same as you will always remember the memories you create during these four years. However, I have had my fair share of struggles to reach the point where I am today and indeed this is a roller-coaster ride that you all are stepping into. Make sure to hang in there and always rise out of every failure since each setback is meant to make you rise stronger next time. I wish to be there for you guys always and to share my experiences in detail with you so that you can make better decisions for yourself.
With that being said, I hope to see you all soon, either virtually or on-campus. I, in my capacity, would try my best to make your LUMS experience a memorable one. In the end, all I will say is, Welcome Home!
Qasim Yamaan Athar
ACF Senior
Hey guys, I’m Qasim Yamaan Athar and I’m really happy to be welcoming you all to the start of your LUMS life. From my own experience, I can tell that most of you will be feeling confused and overwhelmed, but also very excited. Four years at LUMS and especially at the Business School do seem like a daunting prospect when you’re starting off, but trust me, each of you will feel completely at home in no time at all. On top of that, me and the other peer advisors are here to make sure that this transition happens quickly and with minimal fuss.
So, a little about myself: as an Accounting and Finance Senior, I have lived through most of the ups and downs that come with this degree, and hopefully can give you all some solid pointers. Don’t worry at all about your backgrounds, academics, results, etc.. With the benefit of hindsight, I can now tell you that every freshman starts off at equal footing, and simply putting in hard work and effort will take you far beyond even your own expectations.
But studies aide, the most important advice I can give you for university is to keep your minds open to learn and change and make the most of what LUMS has to offer. This is a truly amazing place with an amazing atmosphere, culture, and people! Groom your personality and profile and become a well-rounded person. Make lasting friendships and enjoy your time here. Find out what gets you going, what motivates you, discover and hone your skills, and I can assure you, everything will suddenly feel a lot easier. Lastly, never think that you are alone at any point. Help will always be given to those at LUMS who ask for it! Good luck, and you’ve got this!
Namra Asghar
ACF Junior
You've made it to the LUMS batch of 2025, congratulations! You're on an accelerator from here onwards, trust me, everything will go really fast. But there's no need to worry as everyone around you will be super approachable, always ready to help. My major is ACF, and I plan on pursuing a career in Finance, along the lines of FinTech and Analytics, anything that involves both problem-solving and creativity. First year is never easy, but if you crack the code early on, it unfolds well. It's all about balance and getting out of your comfort zones. Don't worry if you're a science-background student in a business school. Don't worry if you can't speak so fluently while doing cp. Don't worry if you've not figured everything out. This is the time to take your chances and give it your all. You're equally competent! Securing a good gpa is definitely important and you should aim for the DHL, but so is joining societies, working in teams, playing badminton in the sports complex, having chai at the khoka, taking pictures of the pretty skies, and cherishing everlasting friendships. LUMS will give you opportunities and experiences that will let you recognize your true self, your potential, and your aspirations. I hope I can be the mentor, the senior, the friend I needed when I was in your place. Don't hesitate to reach out to me, I, in my capacity, will try my best to easen out the process for you. Can't wait to meet you all! (even if it's virtually)
Roha Shahbaz
MGS Junior
Hello everyone, welcome to the LUMS family! My peers and I will try our best to help you out with any issues or challenges that come your way. These four years will definitely be a life changing experience for you all. When I first came to LUMS, everything seemed confusing but with the right assistance I was able to get on track in a short while.
A piece of advice from my side would be to maximize from the opportunities given to you here as well as explore new avenues. Every person has their own unique experience and we’re here to facilitate you in achieving your goals. Please try out as many different courses as you can because this opportunity won’t come by again. You’ll make one of the most long-lasting friendships and wonderful memories here, enough to call this place your home at the end of these four years.
Looking forward to welcoming you all!
Roshaan Waseef
MGS Senior
To the incoming batch, welcome to start of the most memorable years of your life! It’s going to be an eventful and overwhelming ride, but one that is totally worth it. As a peer advisor, I plan to make this journey of yours smooth, enjoyable, and full of growth!
A little about myself, I am currently majoring in Management Science and plan to pursue a career in Marketing. If I were to give an advice to you all, it would be to learn balancing various aspects of your life here at LUMS. Yes, your academic achievements are important, but so is joining your favorite society, making new friends at Khoka, reading your favorite book in the library, lying on the grass of cricket ground, or saying yes to new opportunities no matter how scary they seem. Learn to balance and your life at LUMS will be so much more fulfilling. Other than being on the Dean’s Honor List, I have also been a part of six societies, and recently became the Vice President one. I have handled various positions at once, whether it be being a coach, a peer advisor, a teaching assistant, or a director. And while sometimes it got a bit overwhelming, the experiences I took away from them are worth a million dollars to me.
I love LUMS like I love my home. And I hope I do my job right and introduce you to this university in the way it is supposed to be introduced, in all its beauty and challenges. This is just the beginning, cherish every moment that’s waiting for you and have faith in your capabilities. It’s okay to be confused, most of us still are. But never doubt yourself, after all, LUMS only takes in the brightest students and you are one of them.
Sarah Aziz
MGS Junior
Hello everyone! I am Sarah Aziz, currently a junior majoring in Management Science. I am a big foodie who loves Chop Chop’s chicken chilli dry and Jammin’s chick n chips! I also enjoy cooking as much as I enjoy eating. Other than that, I really like dancing and acting. Performing on stage gives me great joy and pleasure.
I would like to begin by congratulating you all for making it to one of the most prestigious institutes in Pakistan. You all should be really proud of yourself, so give yourself a pat on the back!
Online learning has been hard for all of us, but my time at LUMS has been amazing so far. I have had the chance to be a part of different societies, work at various NGO’s and also do some internships. All of this has really shaped my journey at LUMS and has helped me to grow into a well-rounded person. Now that you are here, you will come across many opportunities: so many societies to choose from, different courses to pick, various learning programs and exchange opportunities. My advice to you would be to find the right balance between everything; get your hands on new experiences, try out different things, make lots of friends and more importantly, make lots of memories. But in the process, do not compromise on your mental health and always take out time for yourself. Other than that, I am always here if you need any help, so do not hesitate to reach out to me or anyone else! Good luck, you got this!
Simrah Zafar
MGS Senior
Hello everyone! Welcome to “home away from home.” Yes, I know this sounds cliché, but once you start this journey, you will realize that Lums will be as comforting as your home is only if you let loose and open yourself to amazing opportunities lying ahead.
I am Simrah Zafar, and I’m a Management Science senior. During my first year at Lums, all I wanted was to be on Dean’s List, so I confined myself to my room, classes, and library, but despite all the hard work, I couldn’t make it. This was very disheartening for a person like me who always excelled in academics. However, I soon realized that I need to be stronger, pick myself again, learn to approach things differently, be patient, and have faith in my abilities. We are often too hard on ourselves that we forget to live our lives, and most importantly, we forget to trust our efforts. In Lums, you will come across many situations where you will need to let go of some things and accept reality as it is. At that point, you will need someone with experience to guide and console you, so never shy away to ask for help, step out of your comfort zone, and don’t let failure bog you down. Trust me, you can achieve anything in life if you try to strike the delicate balance between complacency and the drive to grow, and you can only achieve this balance if you learn to say “yes” to the right things and “no” to the wrong ones.
People will tell you to stop worrying, but the reality is that you will always be worrying about one thing or another at Lums. Be it enrolment, societies, CP, internships, graduation requirements, etc. Just give your best, and you will come out of every situation like a champion. Try to explore Lums as much as you can during your 4/5 years at Lums, from evening chai breaks at Khokha to long walks in the cricket ground under a starry night. Lastly, make sure when you graduate, you have everything on your plate except for “regret.” Looking forward to seeing you all soon!! Good luck, you got this!
Sofia Ahmed
MGS Junior
Congratulations Batch of 2025!
I warmly welcome you all to LUMS. As you step foot into this new phase of your life, there will be all sorts of emotions ranging from excitement and optimism, to nervousness and disappointments. There will be moments when you will find yourself filled with doubts and questions. But do not feel overwhelmed, we, as peer advisor, are here to help you navigate through the issues you face as you transition into a new phase. I assure you everything will eventually fall right into place.
As far as my introduction is concerned, I am Sofia Ahmed, a Management Science junior at SDSB. Personally, I love volunteering, exploring new places and spending time outdoors because doing so liberates my soul. If I'm able to use my experiences to help you, I will leave believing I did justice to my role.
LUMS is an incredibly diverse institute in terms of the opportunities it has to offer. Societies at LUMS are a great way to channel not only your personal growth, but also to make lifelong friendships. I have consistently worked to balance my academics with extra-curricular and other activities. I hold the position of Director in the LUMS Community Service Society (LCSS). Dedicating myself to such endeavors and interacting with people from around Pakistan instilled empathy within me; stimulating growth, learning, leadership, and teamwork. LCSS gave me moments of utmost joy, which I can cherish my whole life. The best piece of advice I can offer is to never be afraid of stepping out of your comfort zones. Embrace everything that comes your way, for this plethora of experiences entails vast learning. Focus on personal development and try to become a well-rounded person.
At LUMS, you will go through both immensely difficult and truly rewarding times. The key is to never give up. By simply putting in the required hard work and effort, you will make it far beyond even your own expectations. Remember to be both patient and encouraging to yourself. And never shy away from reaching out for help, chances are that someone has already been through something similar. Lastly, have faith in yourself, and most importantly, make your experience a memorable one!
Can’t wait to see you all very soon.
Syed Muhammad Taha Hasnain
MGS Senior
Hello Everyone, I’m Taha Abidi! I’m a Management Science Senior at LUMS. As your Peer Advisor, I would like to congratulate you all for making it into LUMS and we all are delighted to welcome you in this new journey. To start with, when I came to LUMS I was excited but anxious at the same time as I came in with a lot of expectations. Three years down the lane, I can assure you it exceeded every bit of it.
The best part about LUMS is that it helps you nurture and transform you into a holistic person. By competing with the best minds of this country, to exploring different side of your personality by engaging in various activities that you are shy to pursue otherwise, LUMS truly transforms you. Apart from this, LUMS taught me the spirit of “Never Giving Up.” When you are part of LUMS, it means you have something special in you which always motivates you. Any downfall doesn’t mean that you are a failure but that you haven’t been up to your full potential.
In the end, I would say that try to be open and experiment every exposure that LUMS has to offer and don’t shy away from any challenges as these will make you a stronger individual. Try to find a balance between your academic and social life as this is a must for smooth transitioning into LUMS. Last but not the least, don’t consider me your Peer Advisor (PAL) but instead as a friend or an elder whom you can ask and share anything you want without any hesitation. Wish you all the best!
Umer Abid
MGS Junior
Hello guys! I am extremely delighted to welcome you to what I hope will be the most fruitful and joyful of all endeavors that you have embarked on. I am currently pursuing a degree in Management Science while making the most of my free electives, taking courses in subjects I've always yearned to study (Psychology, Anthropology, Religion, etc.). Moreover, owing to my new-found professional interest in Marketing,
I aim for an (unofficial) minor in the field.
Apart from binge-watching sitcoms and devouring delicious food, you'll find me ranting about the workload to my friends or procrastinating like a pro. I'm currently serving in the Directorate of two societies, which have become quite wholesome experiences. Furthermore, I take pride in all the hacks and tricks I have acquired to smart study and multitask my way through university life. And of course, I hope to pass these uni-essential skills to you all!
Lastly, my only advice to each one of you would be to make the most of your time at LUMS; do as much as you can and enjoy every bit of it!
No regrets or what-ifs by the time you graduate!
Zarah Irani
MGS Junior
I would like to welcome all of you into a place which now feels like home. I hope we will be able to meet in LUMS surrounded by red buildings rather than online. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all of you for being able to make it into one of the most prestigious universities in Pakistan. You all should be extremely proud of yourselves!!
As for me, I am Zarah, and I will be your go to person for not only academic advice but for anything that concerns you. Come to me whenever you need a person to rant, discuss things with even if they do not limit themselves to academics or just need advice regarding where to order food from. I assure you I will be there as a friend listening to you and advising you to the best of my abilities.
I am sure most of you would be currently feeling anxious and excited about stepping into a foreign place. I remember I felt these same emotions as I left my home in Karachi. LUMS has a way of creeping its way into your heart whether it is by the people that you meet, the societies that you join, the time you spend alone gazing at the sky in the cricket ground or having a cup of chai with your friends at the Khokha.
Take this opportunity to grow as a person and to pursue things that you would have initially been afraid of. Go join societies that interest you, take the courses which intrigue you even though they are not part of your major, talk to random people, go on trips with your friends. Do everything that your heart desires. As cliché as it is “The sky is your limit!” But do not forget to step back and evaluate yourself as you make sure that you balance your academics while enjoying yourself.
Wishing you the best of luck right now and for the next four years!!
Zikriya Hashmi
MGS Junior
Khan and brought up in Lahore - The city of Lights! I welcome all the incoming freshmen at Suleman Dawood School of Business and congratulate them for making it to one of the best business schools Pakistan has to offer. SDSB and LUMS offer a dynamic experience which is most certainly going to improve your mental, emotional, professional, and social stability.
I learned a lot from my transition from a care-free college life at Government College, Lahore to a competitive and diverse institute such as LUMS. The diversity which LUMS offers sets it apart because it effectively teaches students to learn to work with individuals from different backgrounds and work ethics and still bring out the best for everyone.
My experience at the LUMS Consultancy Group has groomed my professional proficiencies massively. Working with real-life clients and sitting together with a team of motivated individuals to solve their problem has truly shown me my potential and the fact that there always more to learn!
Lastly, I am a huge music enthusiast and play guitars as well in band. My influences are mostly 60s to 90s progressive rock and metal bands. I believe that 'All work and no play make Jack a dull boy" and this primarily why I urge you people to explore more than 50 societies and co-curricular activities as they are an important aspect of life.
I wish you all the best of luck for your future endeavors.
Godspeed,
Zikriya!
Advising Peers 2020-21
Abdul Moeez
Hello everyone!
Congratulations on joining the LUMS family! I remember three years back when I was at your place. Filled with a multitude of emotions such as excitement, intrigue, and even anxiety, LUMS was a more awesome place than I could ever expect! It offered me the opportunity to launch a startup, make lifelong friends, excel in academics, and much more. However, as Sylvester Stallone said in Rocky, life is not all about sunshine and rainbows.
Similarly, you will face many challenges during your time at LUMS. These will provide the opportunity to test your strengths and to explore your weaknesses. However, there will be moments when you will find yourself filled with doubts and questions. Nevertheless, you will learn valuable life lessons on perseverance, collaboration with others, and finding creative solutions. As a result, after these four dynamic years at LUMS, you will emerge a better version of yourself and take the challenges of life head-on. Lastly, remember to have faith in yourself, and most importantly, don’t forget to have fun! Hope to see you soon and best of luck.
Abdul Wasay Ali Khan
MGS Junior
Hi, I am Abdul Wasay, a Management Science junior at LUMS. As you all transition into his new phase, I am sure you will all be excited and perhaps a little anxious too but mind you, you are not alone in this. We are here to help you navigate through the issues you face as you transition into a new phase. I know the current pandemic means you are not quite getting the welcome you would have expected, however, do no forget the fact that what lies ahead is truly exciting and perhaps transformative too.
As you step into this new set up, my advice to you is to never be afraid of stepping out of your comfort zones for that is where you will truly grow as a person. Be empathetic and always strive to create a meaningful impact during your time here and even beyond. Most importantly, always feel free to reach out to me or anyone you trust whenever in need.
LUMS is an incredible place for growth but it is only fruitful as long as you are ready to make use of the several different avenues it has to offer. Student run societies at LUMS are always a great channel to not only grow personally but also to make some lifelong friendships. Never shy away from joining the ones that fit your interests. Personally, being a member of LUMS Society of Professional Accountancy and LUMS Daily Student over the past two years has done wonders for me and I urge you all to keep an eye out for the societies that intrigue you.
Ahmad Raza
Accounting and Finance Junior
Salam everyone! I’m Ahmad Raza. I’m Junior majoring in Accounting and Finance. As a pear advisor for the year 2020-21, with utmost pleasure and wholeheartedly I want to welcome you to the prestigious university in Pakistan, LUMS. Congratulate yourselves and people around you who helped you to make into this prestigious university. There would be many ups and downs during your life at LUMS. But do not feel overwhelmed, we as pear advisor are here to help you guys at every step of your LUMS life. Whenever you find yourselves exhausted just recall this golden rule that “When life gets you down, you know what you gotta do? Just keep swimming — Dory.” Besides unparallel education, LUMS will offer you abundance of opportunities like exchange semesters, internships, volunteer work and trips. Do not shy away from discovering new friendships, new courses and new interests. Come with open minds, shape your dreams and struggle hard till they become reality. I alongside with other Luminites would consider it a pleasure to have our input to turn your dreams into reality. I look forward to see you soon. Welcome to home!
Alina Anjum
Management Science Major
"Hello. I'm so happy to see you here (in spirit). I'm a Management Science major, currently in my third year. I desperately do not want to talk about myself, but maybe that defeats the purpose of a "bio", so: I have 2 dogs, have been in 3 societies, have created one of my own very recently and have essentially lost hair over trying to balance academics, friends, family (pets included) and other miscellaneous activities - trips, trying to learn the tabla, working at music festivals and doing an internship. But I'm standing (albeit bald). And you will be, too. If some of what I intend gets across - if you're able to see things from a new perspective, if I'm able to guide you through a tough spot, I will leave believing this was a success. And this goes both ways. Show me what you see."
Areej Irfan
Management Science Junior
Hello! My name is Areej and I will be your Peer Advisor for the academic year 2020-21. I am a Junior majoring in Management Science, but you will definitely see me attending classes that are not at all business centric. This is one of the distinguishing features of academics at LUMS: you are free to keep your creative half well-nurtured as you major in your chosen academic field. LUMS as an institute is incredibly diverse, both in terms of the opportunities it has to offer, and in terms of the student body it harbors. In your years at LUMS, you will be given a plethora of opportunities, from enriching society experiences to international exchange semesters, from great internships to road trips in the far north. To make the most out of your undergrad experience, it’s a good idea to step out of your comfort zone and engage in activities that don’t necessarily match your immediate interests, and with people who may have personalities starkly contrasting to yours. Try to plan ahead of time to utilize maximum opportunities in this span of four years. You will be pleasantly surprised to see how these diverse experiences and dialogues help you grow and make you sure-footed for the transition into adult life. Afterall, “vouloir, c'est pouvoir.”
Ashfia Hasan
Management Science Junior
Hello, Ashfia here! I’m a Management Science Junior at LUMS and I’m so excited to welcome you to some of the most exciting, eye-opening, challenging and wonderful years of your life so far. No matter what you choose to study and how you choose to spend your time, you will be leaving this institution as very different and truly remarkable individuals. You will go through both immensely difficult and truly rewarding times which will shape you into who you are meant to be.
I want to take this moment to remind you of the importance of balance. Freshman year is an incredibly overwhelming experience and its where you truly discover who you are. Everyone around you will be going through the same adjustment period and facing the same doubts that you are, even when it does not seem like it. Put yourself out there to join societies, go on trips and talk to people you have absolutely nothing in common with. At the same time, regularly check in with yourself to see which of these makes you truly happy and which you simply do to live up to expectations. Be both patient and encouraging to yourself and those around you, and explore new courses and passions. Ask for help when you need it, and help others in return.
All of this comes from someone learning primarily about data science, taking as many humanities courses as possible, planning to pursue marketing and being a director for Psychology at LUMS. Your potential is as vast and unique as your personality. Do not try to limit it or ignore it, and it will take you to place you had never considered possible.
Eman Ismail Jumani
ACF Junior
Hi Everyone! This is Eman Jumani. Currently, I’m a Junior at LUMS, pursuing my major in Accounting and Finance. First of all, I’d like to congratulate each one of you for making it to one of Pakistan’s most prestigious university, you must be feeling really proud of yourselves. A very warm welcome to all of you. I’ll be your peer advisor for this year to guide you through. I know you guys might be having mixed feelings about this journey, at times you would be feeling extremely scared, while really excited at others. Many of you would be confused initially, but feeling these different emotions is totally okay as these emotions will be a constant part of your LUMS life. There are times when you feel hopeless, everything seems too much overwhelming, and those are the times that after you deal with them, you grow stronger. My father once told me to always remember, “Keep going! You didn’t come this far just to come this far.”, so I’d remind you all even if you are going through hardest times, just don’t give up. Believe in yourself and you can do it. Well despite the fact that this journey would be quite hard, you’ll have the best moments of your life in these four years. Be it through friends, through academics, through societies, you’ll learn a lot and make lots of memories. Balancing social life with academics is really important. Keep pushing yourself out of your comfort zones to try new things, you might end up finding something you’ll love. There’ll be a huge diversity of people, make friends wisely to make the most out of this journey because anything without a good company is incomplete. I know that your freshman year would be quite different from mine since you guys will be starting through a virtual semester but I assure you that I will be there to help you and try to make this transition easier for you to adjust to. You’ll know what life is like in the “real world”. I wish you all good luck with the next four years of your lives, make them unforgettable! Thank you!
Fariya Athar Baig
Accounting and Finance Junior
Greetings everyone! I would like to congratulate you all for making it to one of the best universities in the country. I’m an accounting and finance junior and I’m really glad to be your peer advisor. So far, the last 2 years at LUMS have been the best 2 years of my life, where I’ve groomed myself a lot, made tonnes of golden memories, and befriended some amazing people who now have a very important place in my life. I hope you’re also ready to make the most out of this 4-year journey and become a better version of yourself. LUMS is a platform where you’ll have to step out of your comfort zone, explore a plethora of opportunities, meet and befriend lots of new people from diverse backgrounds, make cherishable memories, and most importantly, it’s a place where you’ll define your true self in this span of 4 years. I would advise you to work hard, explore the opportunities that you have, and find the balance between your academics and extra-curricular activities. This journey will, no doubt, be challenging for you but there’s nothing to worry about, you’ll work your way through it. Don’t forget to enjoy yourself and make this journey as meaningful for you as it can possibly be. Hoping to see you guys soon! Best of luck!
Khadija Shahab
ACF Senior
Dear class of 2024/2025, welcome to LUMS!
A place where dreams do come true – if you put in the required effort.
My name is Khadija Shahab, and I am a senior at LUMS. I am an Accounting & Finance major with a minor in Psychology. My interest lies mainly in user experience research and design, and I am currently pursuing an online specialization in this field. Although I am an SDSB student, I have taken courses from various fields, including engineering, law, economics, psychology, and design. I love studying human behavior and human interaction with technologies, and I would be more than happy to share my interests with you all once we meet! Although the upcoming semester is probably going to be online, once we are on campus, you can catch me in the gym or playing badminton in the Sports Complex.
From studying Finance to exploring psychology to working as a product manager and design consultant, I have explored as many options as I could in these three years I spent at LUMS. Being a part of the design and innovative society at LUMS (Index) in my first year to now working as an event organizer and trainer at LUMS Tech Club in my senior year, I can safely say, I have come a long way in finding my passion. And now, I want you all to experience as much as you can during these four/five years. You will fall, you will cry, some days will be darker than the others, but in the end, you will make it through - I assure you that. We are all here for you.
Your major does not need to be your job - my favorite quote! Remember this if you, like me, find out, half-way in your degree, that your interest lies elsewhere.
Finally, ending this on a light note and saving the rest for our meet up during O-week. Congratulations, to all those for whom LUMS was their dream university as well as for those who kept it as a Plan B; you are all here to make the most out of it. Not to forget, you can always reach out to me whenever you find yourself struggling and we can unfold the mysteries of your LUMS life over a tea session (or a virtual tea session, for now)
We wish you all the best. I am excited to meet you guys!
Mahnoor Hasnain Ahmad
MGS Junior
Hello Everyone! Welcome to LUMS. My name is Mahnoor Hasnain Ahmad, and I am currently a junior pursuing a degree in Management Sciences. I love reading, poetry, traveling, and my favorite pastime is exploring new restaurants and places with my friends. It would not be wrong to say that the person I was when I came to LUMS and the person I am today are miles apart in different ways. My career aspirations were all over the place, but today, I know that I want to create impact and contribute to society no matter where I end up.
I have consistently worked to balance my academics with extra-curricular and other activities. I hold the post of Director in SPADES and LUMS Consultancy Group currently. My advice would be not to hesitate to try new things, be it societies, volunteer work, courses, or anything. It is through exploring different societies and courses that I not only got to utilize my creative side but also discovered new areas I am interested in.
When I first came to LUMS, I was anxious about what lies ahead of me, just like many of you might be right now. It is not a smooth ride; it will push you to your limits but, remember: everything happens for a reason. Do not be afraid to make mistakes. They will be your best friend through this journey because, in the end, it will all help you become the best version of yourself. Within the LUMS community, you will always find people who can relate to your situation and will be happy to assist you in any way. Amidst everything, remember to never doubt your capabilities and prioritize yourself by taking care of your physical and mental health. You can always reach out to me for guidance in any matter, and we will try to make it work – one way or the other. I wish you all the best of luck!
Manaim Iqbal
ACF Senior
Cherry greetings, y'all!
I'm Maniam, an ACF senior in SDSB. It is my pleasure to welcome you all to the most fulfilling 4/5 years of your life.
Many people talk about achieving the perfect balance between academics, extra-curriculars and social life. However, being blunt, it does not exist. It does not come dawning naturally upon anyone. Whoever seems to have things a little under control has patiently put in time and effort to achieve it. At the end of the day what matters is the authentic struggle you lead to be a better version of yourself. LUMS never lets you be in your comfort zone and that is exactly what makes it special. The plethora of experiences entails vast learning. Just come with an openness to experience and to fail, and trust me…you will leave as a champion.
I don't promise you the best guidance. But there are two things that I do promise. Firstly, I promise to be an avid listener-one who would not judge and would help you broaden your scope. Secondly, given my exposure in LUMUN, LUMS O-Week, LSPA and LUMS HR Club, and a decent academic record, I promise to add more to the table.
Lastly, in the words of the not so famous Frank Underwood, "If a person is not smart enough to use whatever is in front of them and still make it work, well, then that's just a failure of imagination". My version of this would be to make it work while sticking to the collective notion of happiness and empathy. Afterall, sleeping with a peaceful heart is crucial.
Talk to you all soon.
Mariam Kashif
MGS Senior
Hello freshmen! A very warm welcome to all of you. I am Mariam Kashif, a Management Science senior at LUMS. To begin with, congratulations for getting into one of the leading business schools in Asia! Your hard work paid off & now it is time to gear up for perhaps the most exciting journey of your life so far. I am aware that this start is not quite ideal to your university life but all of us, here at LUMS, will try to make the transition to university life as smooth as possible for you. Feel free to reach out to me anytime
As far as my journey at LUMS is concerned, it began with not knowing what I wanted to do with life. And frankly speaking, I am still not entirely sure. My point being: it is okay to be uncertain & clueless because LUMS will take you on a journey of self discovery. Embrace the new experiences & opportunities; be it joining societies or making new friends or exploring a personal interest. You’ll have plenty of “firsts” in this university so step out of your comfort zone to make the most of it. It will get challenging & difficult but always have faith in your own abilities. My key advice here would be: comparison is the thief of joy so focus on your own journey & don’t fret over what others are doing. I hope you guys have a great time at LUMS!
Muhammad Qasim Yamaan Athar
ACF Junior
Hey guys, I’m Qasim Yamaan Athar and I’d like to extend a warm welcome to the incoming batch. From my own experience, I can tell that most of you will be feeling confused, overwhelmed, a little scared but also very excited about the new chapter you are about to start. Four years at LUMS and especially at the Suleman Dawood School of Business do seem like a daunting experience when you’re starting off, but trust me, each of you will feel completely at home in no time at all. On top of that, me and the other peer advisors are here to make sure that this transition happens quickly and with minimal fuss. So a little about myself: as an Accounting and Finance Junior, I have lived through most of the ups and downs that come with this degree, and can give you an excellent game plan on how to tackle and make the most of your first couple of years here. Don’t worry at all about whether you have a sciences background as I did. With the benefit of hindsight, I can now tell you that every freshman starts off at equal footing, and simply putting in hard work and effort will take you far beyond even your own expectations. The most important advice I can give you for year 1 is to focus on finding the right balance. Take part and make the most of what LUMS has to offer, and groom your personality and profile, while also giving sufficient time to your studies. Try to become a well-rounded person rather than restricting yourself to a single defining trait. Find out what gets you going, what motivates you, discover and hone your skills, and I can assure you, everything will suddenly feel a lot easier. Lastly, never think that there is no one you can talk to or people to guide you. All of us at SDSB have faced similar challenges that you will undoubtedly have to go through, and we are just a message away. Don’t hesitate to reach out to any of us, regarding any issue, no matter how insignificant. Good luck, you got this!
Muhammad Shahzeb Naveed
Accounting & Finance Major Senior
"Dear Batch of 2024!
I wish you all a warm welcome to LUMS. I'm Shahzeb Naveed, Accounting & Finance Major senior at LUMS. Without a doubt, the past three years have been a roller coaster of an experience. But all this time, I have realized that LUMS is like a second home for me. A place where I can be true to myself and express myself without the worry of being judged. LUMS has given me some good friends who were always there for me through thick and thin. These friendships are the most valuable gift for me.
As a lead peer advisor, all I can say is that four years is an ample time to define yourself and hence instead of going with the flow, "be the flow" and even if everything seems quite hectic, don't worry, every piece will fall in its place with time. LUMS is a place where a person gets evolved completely! Make the most out of your four years at LUMS by trying out new things, stepping out of your comfort zone, and challenging yourself. Surround yourself with quality friends who are always there to motivate you and support you. Focus on personal development and experiential learning and try to maintain a balance between academics and other activities. More importantly, make sure you enjoy your time at LUMS and make your experience a memorable one.
In the end, your aim should always be to make your four years meaningful. If you ever feel overwhelmed, remember we all are here to help you. I will always be available for any advice or help, so don't hesitate to stop me for a quick chat.
I look forward to meeting you all, wishing you all the best of luck.”
Muhammad Shehzad Shareef
Accounting & Finance Senior
Hi and a very warm welcome to you all. I am Muhammad Shehzad, an Accounting & Finance senior with a minor in Psychology.
Firstly, congratulations on achieving big and making it into LUMS. However, as many of you must have already heard, this is just the start of the journey. LUMS, for you, should serve as a launching pad for achieving much greater and honorable things in life.
You are probably entering the most exciting 4 or 5 years of your life. However, just know that there is no ideal way of enjoying your time here. Your idea of 'fun' is just as good as anyone else's and as Regina George would have said, "Stop trying to make fetch happen. It's not going to happen."
The good times are also not going to come without greater challenges and unbearable lows. But I must add, though at the risk of trivializing your experiences, that whatever you are going through, chances are that some people have already been through it. So never shy away from reaching out for help.
Use this opportunity to explore as much as you can and find out who you really are. Lastly, I cannot stress enough on the importance of prioritizing your mental health. A minor might look good on your transcript but not if it comes at the expense of your sanity.
Apart from business, I personally enjoy subjects such as psychology, religion, etc. The pandemic might not yet allow us to meet on campus, but feel free to drop an email or a text no matter what it is that you want to talk about.
I wish you all the best of luck for the coming year!
Nawal Fatima
MGS Junior
Hello! I am Nawal Fatima, a junior at Suleman Dawood School of Business. Congratulations on making it to LUMS. You have earned your place at one of the most prestigious and competitive educational institutions in the country. Celebrate yourself and your efforts!
Two years ago, I was exactly in your place. Just another freshman who was excited but also confused, not knowing what life at LUMS would turn out to be like. I know how intimidating everything can seem, initially. But now that I have successfully completed half of my degree, I can assure you that everything eventually falls into its place. I have consistently been placed at the Dean's Honor List and have also received the merit scholarship award. Along with that, I have been a part of two societies but above everything, I make sure that I spend every single moment at LUMS in a way that I can cherish later. You might have heard this many times but I cannot stress enough on the fact that the next four years are going to be the golden years of your life when it comes to personal growth, lifelong memories, friendships, and opportunities to excel professionally. From my own experience, I am aware that handling everything together and trying to make the most out of every moment can be overwhelming at times and the best advice I can give is to reach out for help. Trust me, you will always find people in LUMS community who would be more than happy to help you in every possible capacity.
As a Peer Advisor, I aim to be your go-to person for every aspect of your LUMS life, whether it is academic or personal. And I hope that I help you easily settle into this new phase and achieve success at SDSB.
Eagerly looking forward to welcoming you here!
Rija Zehra
Accounting and Finance
Hello Class of 2024!
Congratulations on making it to this prestigious institution. I welcome you all to LUMS and I hope that all of you will have an amazing experience in the coming four years. I am Rija Zehra, a junior pursuing BSc (Hons.) in Accounting and Finance from SDSB. Personally, I love travelling and exploring new places and also read novels in my free time. I am really passionate about Finance and aspire to achieve a Doctorate Degree (PHD) in the field.
Having spent two years in LUMS, I can guarantee that you are going to encounter a lot of challenges and opportunities which will not only help you grow academically but will also groom your personality. Talking about myself, I have been placed on the Dean's Honor List for two consecutive years and also currently serve as Director Networking at LUMS Finance Society. However, I have had a fair share of struggles and disappointments but continued to work even harder every time I had to face a setback in order to achieve my set targets. I will be more than willing to share those experiences with all of you to help you make better and informed decisions. A piece of advice in this regard would be to make the most out of these four years, step out of your comfort zone, and take up new challenges, be it internships, societies, trips or making new friends, you need to try all of it.
The fast paced environment here might intimidate you but keep in mind that your top most priority is yourself and taking care of yourself will go a long way in helping you excel at LUMS. Do not let anyone control your choices; aim high without worrying about failure. Your life at LUMS is going to be really different from your school life; you will experience diversity, exposure, liberty and competition. Just remember to maintain a balance between your academics and social life and you are clearly going to outshine here.
Lastly, I would say that I am available for any sorts of assistance round the clock so do not hesitate to contact me. Remember you are not alone; you will be heard and treated fairly. I wish you all the best of luck.
Rija Farooqi
ACF Senior
Firstly, I want to extend a warm welcome to you all on behalf of the LUMS community. Congratulations, you all deserved it! You may want to take a few breaths here to prepare yourself for a journey of 4 years, which will throw all the opportunities and challenges in your way, all that is required to mold you in your best versions. When people say that this place will make you laugh and cry at the same time, believe you me they are not kidding. It all depends on how you are going to avail the opportunities, utilize the resources and assistance provided, and challenge your abilities to discover the REAL YOU.
If, by any means, I have made any of you anxious, don't worry much because we are all here to help each other out. I am Rijaa Farooqi, currently, a senior, majoring in Accounting & Finance. It would be an understatement to say that I was a clueless freshman when I came to LUMS. I attended O'Week intending to leave LUMS after a month so that I could join a medical college. Fast forward to 3 years, and here I am writing an introductory note for you guys with all those memories of how LUMS and its people made me fell in love with it, flashing back and leaving the biggest of smiles on my face. I will not be lying if I say that its campus life and diversity were the most significant appeal for me to stay back at LUMS. This university has so much to offer both curricular and extra-curricular wise that the least we can do is have an open approach. During my three years, I have tried to enjoy most of these experiences, and honestly, many of them were first times for me. From joining three very different societies (SPADES, LCSS, and Dramaline) to taking off on solo trips, from TA-ing courses to coaching during O'Week, from becoming a fitness enthusiast to taking alien courses, I've tried to get the maximum on my plate. Now it's your time to experience this all. The process might seem overwhelming but remember that we are here as a family who is always ready to extend a helping hand. So, don't shy away from living the best four years of your life.
Once again, Welcome Aboard!
Roshaan Waseef
MGS Junior
Dear batch of 2024, hello and welcome to start of the four most memorable years of your life! So, take a deep breath because this ride is not going to be easy. But it will be so worth it. My job as a peer advisor will be to make this journey of yours easier, exciting and filled with numerous growth experiences.
I am currently majoring in Management Science at SDSB. I plan to pursue a career in Marketing and have already started working on this goal by doing marketing internship this summer and becoming an Assistant Director Marketing in LUMS Community Service Society. One advice that I would like to give to you all would be learn how to balance various aspects of your life here at LUMS. Scoring a good GPA is very important, but so is joining that society which you find interesting, making new friends at random events, reading your favorite book in the library, looking at the clouds while lying on the grass of cricket ground and saying yes to new opportunities. Learn to balance, and trust me, your life at LUMS will be so much more fulfilling. For instance, I take my GPA very seriously, being on the Dean’s honor list was my only achievement for a while. And while that is an honorable achievement, I felt like I was lacking somewhere. Next year, I joined a total of five societies, I started saying “yes” to random plans, I decided to go on a trip, I started to balance and that was a turning point in my life here. Don’t wait for your turning point, set your own direction from day one and work on it.
I have come to love this place like I love my home. And I hope I do my job right and introduce you to LUMS in the way it is supposed to be introduced, in all its beauty and challenges. This is just the beginning, cherish every moment that’s waiting for you, have faith in your capabilities and grasp at opportunities coming your way. It’s okay to be confused, most of us still are. But never doubt yourself, after all, LUMS only takes in the brightest students and you are one of them.
Saad Arshad
Management Science Major
Hi everyone!
I’m Saad; I’ll be one of your peer advisors this year. I’m pursuing a Management Science major at SDSB and am aspiring to establish a career in Business Analytics or Management and Development Consultancy. I’m the Vice President of the LUMS Consultancy Group and have been a member of the LUMS Community Service Society.
Congratulations on making it to LUMS. This is going to be a thrilling journey that is full of opportunities and challenges. My advice to you would be to believe in yourself. LUMS can get overwhelming at times, but don’t be afraid to try new things and learn from your experiences. Manage your time well, talk to your seniors and professors and have fun with your friends along the way to make the best of your time here.
The current COVID situation might be difficult to navigate, but we’re here to help you every step of the way. Please feel free to reach out and discuss anything -- even if it's not related to LUMS. I’m looking forward to connecting with all of you and getting to know you better.
Sachan
Accounting and Finance Senior
I heartily welcome you all to a platform where dreams can become realities with the right spirit and mindset. The place that teaches you to unfold your real self and start your journey towards an amazing future. Well, to start with, I want to share a feeling with you all that I still get surprised when I think about my unprecedented journey from a small town in interior Sindh to LUMS. The journey was tough but worth remembering every day because it reminds me of where I come from and keeps pushing me towards my goals. Apart from being an “alleged” nerd who is doing ACF, I actually love dancing, you can also say that I preach dancing. Strange huh? Well, strange is the word which you guys need to become used to here, in this school. It is also strange that I remained isolated from extra-curricular activities till A-levels, but this place gave me confidence and enormous platforms to do a little something about dancing, theatre, tolerance in society. The dramatic society of LUMS is one of those platforms that gave me moments of utmost joy, which I can cherish my whole life. I feel grateful that I have worked in Dramaline and Hum Aahang in the capacity of leadership positions. Well, I can’t teach you the eternal lesson of life my dear friends, but I can surely tell you that life teaches you one and you should better listen and observe carefully. More importantly, come to LUMS with an open mind and heart to make lifelong friendships and memories. Welcome, Home! Yes, you heard it right.
Syeda Maheer
MGS Junior
Salam batch of 2024/25, a very warm welcome to you all! To me, you are the bravest batch out there. Amidst canceled college farewells and virtual new beginnings, it's understandable to feel dejected. However, do not let this beginning be tainted by these feelings, because happier times await you!
Whether it was your dream school or your plan B, LUMS with its red brick walls and undeniable charm will capture your heart in no time. You may be coming in for a degree, or an adventure, or for clarity but unknowingly, you have signed up for great memories, priceless lessons and valuable friendships along with some breakdowns, annoying CP wars, and inevitable change. Truth be told, dont worry about missing out on these experiences in a virtual setting because once you become a luminite, whether you want it to or not, an adventure will find you!
I joined SDSB with no commerce background, yet a bit of hard work made me get A’s in those subjects. Till my sophomore year I was confused about my major, but one course introduced me to the field I want to pursue. The trouble of having a competitive environment is that while it pushes you to give your best, the fear of missing out can make it difficult to find your own path and focus on your own dreams. The most important thing is to have a good balance between academics, societies, sports, friends and yourself. Yes, step out of your comfort zones to go on a trip or talk to new people or join a sports team or get that CP point but don’t forget to prioritize your ambitions, mental comfort, physical health and personal boundaries. You might meet some of your best friends and you might have to let go of some that meant the world. But change is a part of life and we must embrace it as we go. In this tough but rewarding journey, remember to be kind to yourselves because at the end of the day, you might be all you have.
I cant wait to meet you all and be your peer advisor. Good Luck!
Syed Muhammad Taha Hasnain
Management Science Junior
Hello Everyone, I’m Taha Abidi! I’m a Management Science Junior at LUMS. As your Peer Advisor, I would like to congratulate you all for making it into LUMS and we all are delighted to welcome you in this new journey. To start with, when I came to LUMS I was excited but anxious at the same time as I came in with a lot of expectations. Two years down the lane, I can assure you it exceeded every bit of it.
The best part about LUMS is that it helps you nurture and transform you into a holistic person. By competing with the best minds of this country, to exploring different side of your personality by engaging in various activities that you are shy to pursue otherwise, LUMS truly transforms you. Apart from this, LUMS taught me the spirit of “Never Giving Up.” When you are part of LUMS, it means you have something special in you which always motivates you. Any downfall doesn’t mean that you are a failure but that you haven’t been up to your full potential.
In the end, I would say that try to be open and experiment every exposure that LUMS has to offer and don’t shy away from any challenges as these will make you a stronger individual. Try to find a balance between your academic and social life as this is a must for smooth transitioning into LUMS. Last but not the least, don’t consider me your Peer Advisor(PAL) but instead as a friend or an elder whom you can ask and share anything you want without any hesitation. Wish you all the best!
Tauqeer Saleem
Management Sciences Senior
Hey there, congratulations on making it to LUMS, get ready for a hell of a ride! I am Tauqeer Saleem a Management Sciences senior and your peer advisor. Hailing from Gilgit-Baltistan, I am the go-to guy for things from GB like traditional caps, shawls, dry fruits, and salajeet (Although I really hope you'll never ask me for that last item)
It is my second year as a peer advisor, so expect some Master Yoda type wisdom coming from my side. Apart from working as a peer advisor, I have also worked as an online instructor and teaching assistant for Calculus-I, so I have some deep secrets about acing courses at LUMS. Outside academia, I have mostly worked as a summer intern in different companies. Unable to stand the 9 to 5 routine, I decided to become an entrepreneur and along with a friend from LUMS started an ed-startup in 2019, but then 2020 happened.
I am mostly a cool guy, but I really judge two types of people. Those who say GPA is just a number, and those who say societies are a waste of time. GPA, far from being just a number, is a measure of your persistence, planning, the right combination of smart and hard work, and flexibility. As for societies, they are the most important place for networking and gaining valuable skills.
Therefore, my first advice will be to find the right balance between academic and non-academic activities, and lastly do not forget to breathe.
Hoping to see you soon
P.S. As the first semester is going to be online, I suggest we connect as soon as possible.
Fb: facebook.com/tauqeer.saleem.33
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tauqeersaleem/
Umaima Masood
ACF Senior
Greetings all! First of all I wish you a very warm welcome to LUMS. Your hard work paid off and you definitely need to celebrate that. This journey will not always be smiles, but it will surely change your life for good.
I am an ACF senior here and would love to interact with you and help you in any way possible. The only advice that I can give you now, and one which you’ll surely hear mostly, is to explore everything and then choose your path. You’ll meet many incredible and inspiring people here as I did. You’ll learn so much from your instructors, your friends, peers and everyone that will cross your path. Don’t miss out on any opportunity that LUMS will offer you and give everything your best shot. Things will eventually fall into place.
Your friends will be the best support that you will have here so choose them wisely. Also, remember that there will be times when things will not turn out to be in your favor. Be it the course that you wanted but could not get, the quiz that you missed or could not perform well in, the society that you really wanted to be in but were not selected, there will be many failures but remember every cloud has a silver lining. Hard-work and dedication does pay off so remain consistent. Keep balance in everything and keep trying to become a better version of yourself here. You’ll see yourself changing but let me tell you that in all this, never lose your core values and your true self.
I hope to see you all soon, either virtually or on-campus. I, in my capacity, would try my best to make your LUMS experience a memorable one. In the end, all I’ll say is, Welcome Home!
Advising Peers 2019-20
Ayesha Shahid
Accounting and Finance Senior
Greetings all, I'm Ayesha! I'm a Senior majoring in Accounting and Finance and it gives me utmost pleasure to welcome you as a Peer Advisor for this year. Take a deep breath and congratulate yourselves on making it to one of the most prestigious universities in Pakistan. I am really looking forward to aid you people during your freshmen year at LUMS. The golden rule to make the most out of life at LUMS is to stay focused in every sphere; be it academics, extracurriculars or socializing. At the same time, don’t shy away from discovering new friendships, new interests and new courses. The nights you will spend juggling with quizzes, projects, presentations, assignments and society work will undoubtedly groom your personality. Try striking a balance in everything you are to venture next. Apart from excellent education, LUMS offers abundance of opportunities including exchange semesters, internships, seminars, trips and much more. But you need to explore and grab these opportunities for yourself. Strive and work for the best and then leave the rest to luck. Most importantly trust your capabilities and stay true to yourself. See you soon.
Fatima Tahir
Accounting and Finance Senior
Hi Everyone! As your peer advisor, I wish you all a convivial welcome to LUMS. I’m Fatima, an ACF Senior. Without doubt the past three years have been a roller coaster of an experience. Indeed, university life isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. There will be days which will test your strengths, break your courage and then beautifully rebuild you. At the same time this place will give you many surprises, cherishing memories and things to laugh on. Becoming a batch topper in my freshmen year was one such memorable event. This institution has not only facilitated my academic growth but has helped me become a better individual through the unparalleled society experience and diversity it offers. As a Treasurer of LUMS Society of Professional Accountancy and a Director Finance and Registrations in LUMS Daily Student I got an opportunity to not only enhance my professional but as well as soft skills. Additionally, it helped me make some lasting friendships. The rigorous academic program at SDSB prepares you and instills the drive to aspire towards new challenges every day. With the countless deadlines, LUMS taught me to become proactive and to manage my time more efficiently. I aspire to pursue a career in public policy and utilize my potential to the fullest for betterment of our community and most importantly to create an impact. Be empathetic. Have passion to make some difference and do things for others, this is what you will leave behind. Prepare yourself to be challenged, excited and inspired as LUMS offers a plethora of opportunities and facilities. Your LUMS experience will be what you make it, and your opportunities will only be limited by the limits you place for yourself. If you ever feel overwhelmed, remember we all are here to help you. I will always be available for any sort of advice or help so don’t hesitate to stop me for a quick chat. I look forward to meet you all, welcome home!
Moazzam Ali
Accounting and Finance Senior
“The heaviness of being successful was replaced by the lightness of being a beginner again, less sure about everything. It freed me to enter one of the most creative periods of my life.” – Steve Jobs Greetings my fellow luminites. Congratulations on securing an admission into LUMS and we here are excited to have you joining us. As Mr. Jobs brilliantly pointed out, this is an excellent opportunity to be inspired to shape the story of the rest of your life. I am an ACF Senior at LUMS, aspiring a career in Finance focusing primarily on private equity or sell side analyst. Don’t worry if this mumbo jumbo flew right over your head, it did used to be the case a few years ago for myself too. But this just goes on to show what LUMS has in the bag for you. It is all down to what purpose and aspirations you are bringing to LUMS. Four years ago, I was on the road to medicine when I decided to shift the direction of my life. It was overwhelming and a bit intimidating, arriving at a top-notch competitive university with no prior background in the field, but trust me when I say: “Anything is possible”. LUMS gives you an opportunity to test yourself to the fullest; you have the best resources, for academics and for social interactions, that you can get in Pakistan and globally as well. I quickly learned that it is only the effort you put in that matters and everything else is a distraction that causes hindrance on your road to excellence. So, take your time, no matter how overwhelming it seems, you will adjust. Focus on yourself and yourself only! Put effort into what you want to be, how you want your story to be written. Balance is the key; studies, social life, rest, everything is as important as the other. I wish you all the best of luck and hope to see you all soon. Do not view me or our team of advisors as a formal appointment to you. We are here to be your friends, so that you get the right start to your new chapter in life.
Muhammad Shehzad Shareef
Accounting and Finance Junior
Dear SDSB batch of 2023,
A very warm welcome to you all. I am an Accounting and Finance Junior at LUMS and will be serving as one of your peer advisors for the academic year 2019-2020. When I first came to LUMS, I was completely clueless about the profession I wanted to join. Two years into LUMS, I am just as clueless and also have anxiety. This is just to show that it is totally fine to be unsure of and worry about things at times. It's good to plan out your future but do not rush too much into things. They will eventually fall into place. Cherish your time at LUMS. LUMS will teach you many things. You will experience some of the best and worst moments of your lives here. Share your good moments with others and never hesitate from reaching out for help when going through a tough one. One of the many things that keeps me motivated is volunteering for community service programs. Helping others can do wonders. Besides business, I really like reading about psychology, religion and philosophy. While at LUMS, try exploring as many different fields as you can. To quote John Keating: “Medicine, law, business, engineering, these are noble pursuits and necessary to sustain life. But poetry, beauty, romance, love, these are what we stay alive for.” This will sound ironic coming from a theta like me but balance your academic and social life. I am not a very social person but do not mind a good conversation either. If you ever feel the need to share anything, you know where to find at campus. P.S. Its where books are kept. LUMS is not perfect, but it’s the best this country has to offer. Remember, you are part of the LUMS environment now. LUMS is whatever you make of it. Wish you all the best!
Sachan
Accounting and Finance Junior
I heartily welcome you all to a platform where dreams can become realities with the right spirit and mindset. The place that teaches you to unfold your real self and start your journey towards an amazing future. Well, to start with, I want to share a feeling with you all that I still get surprised when I think about my unprecedented journey from a small town in interior Sindh to LUMS. The journey was tough but worth remembering every day because it reminds me where I come from and keeps pushing me towards my goals. Apart from being an “alleged” nerd who is doing ACF, I actually love dancing, you can also say that I preach dancing. Strange huh? Well strange is the word which you guys need to become used to here, in this school. It is also strange that I remained isolated from extra-curricular activities till A-levels, but this place gave me confidence and enormous platforms to do a little something about dancing and theatre. Dramatics society of LUMS being one of those platforms that gave me moments of utmost joy which I can cherish my whole life. I feel grateful that I have been director and presently an EC member of this enriching society. Well I can’t teach you the eternal lesson of life my dear friends, but I can surely tell you that life teaches you one and you should better listen and observe carefully. Welcome Home! Yes, you heard it right.
Shahzeb Naveed
Accounting and Finance Junior
“Dear Class of 2023, WELCOME TO LUMS. I hope you are ready to have the most incredible experience you could have hoped for. I am an Accounting & Finance major junior. For me, LUMS is like a second home. A place where I can be true to myself and express myself without the worry of being judged or called upon. LUMS has given me some good friends who were always there for me through thick and thin. These friendships are the most valuable gift for me.
As for advice for the upcoming freshmen, all I can say is that four years is an ample time to define yourself and hence instead of going with the flow just "be the flow" and even if everything seems quite hectic, don't worry, every piece will fall in its place with time.LUMS is a place where a person gets evolved completely! Make the most out of your 4 years at LUMS by trying out new things, stepping out of your comfort zone and challenging yourself. Surround yourself with quality friends who are always there to motivate you and support you. Focus on personal development and experiential learning and try maintaining a balance between academics and other activities. More importantly, make sure you enjoy your time at LUMS and make your experience a memorable one."
Ubaid Ullah Azam
Accounting and Finance Senior
Dear Freshman,
A very warm welcome to LUMS. This is going to be a thrilling and adventurous four-year journey of your life. The LUMS journey is full of opportunities and challenges, which would shape your personality in a positive manner, forcing you out of your comfort zone and preparing you for the real-world ahead. This journey is like a roller-coaster ride that would make you face your highest of highs and lowest of lows. There are going to be challenges everyday, but in the end, they would be worth facing. I am a Senior majoring in Accounting and Finance at SDSB. After spending three years in this institution, I can firmly say that LUMS grooms you in an effective manner. It not only provides you good academics, but also gives you opportunities to experience its diverse campus life.
I would advise you all to maximize your experience at LUMS by participating in extra-curricular activities, such as playing sports or working for societies. I have been a part of LUMS Daily Student, which is a student-run journalism society, since my freshman year. The student societies at LUMS really give you an opportunity to experience the real-world by providing you the necessary exposure. Apart from societies, there are many healthy activities available on campus that could make your time fruitful, such as Library and Sports. I personally love visiting the gym after my classes and exploring the treasure of novels at the Library.
In the end, your aim should always be to make your four years meaningful. Wishing you all the best of luck!
Khadija Shahab
Accounting and Finance Junior
Greetings, Class of 2023/24!
My name is Khadija Shahab and I am a Junior at LUMS, currently pursuing my major in Accounting and Finance along with a minor in Psychology. I’d like to congratulate you all for making it to LUMS and hope that this marks the beginning of an exhilarating journey. While it may not always be smiles and sunshine, it will surely be one of its kind.
Before you step into this journey, I’d like to stress the importance of believing in oneself. Once you start your academic life at LUMS and once the semester kicks in, you will find yourself on your own. Yes, you will make friends during your O week, you will get to know your seniors, your Peer Advisors, (and me, hopefully), but in the end, everything’s going to be your call. Whether it’s about which courses to take, where to place your academic priorities, whether to go on that exciting trip to the North, whether to miss out on that one dinner because of a 5% quiz the next morning, it is all going to come down to you. So, make sure you own up to your mistakes and treat yourself when you feel like you have accomplished your goals. Don’t worry too much about others, don’t worry about failure when aiming high, don’t worry about being called out on for speaking too much in a CP session; don’t let anyone control your choices.
Finally, ending this on a light note and saving the rest for our in-person meet up during O-week. Congratulations, to all those for whom LUMS was their dream university as well as for those who kept it as a Plan B; you are all here to make the most out of it. Not to forget, you can always reach out to me whenever you find yourself struggling and we can unfold the mysteries of your LUMS life with a tea session.
Lastly, I would like to share one of my favorite quotes which keep me going at LUMS even when I am on the verge of a mental breakdown:
“Do not worry if you have built your castles in the air. They are where they should be. Now put the foundations under them” – Henry David Thoreau.
See you all soon.
Muhammad Ahmad
Accounting and Finance Junior
"Welcome to LUMS batch of 2023/2024, i congratulate all of you for securing admission in this prestigious institution. I am Muhammad Ahmad, one of your peer advisors. I am doing ACF major. With no background in accounting, i am able to be on Dean's honor list. I love to play cricket, to travel to new places and going out with friends.
You may find your journey here at LUMS tough at first and may face problems in adjusting socially or academically. Try to reach out to us or any of your fellows if you face any difficulty. Communication is the key through which you can step forward to resolve any issue you are facing. Join societies and make friends to make your time memorable. I hope you enjoy your time at LUMS."
Shariq Akund
Accounting and Finance Senior
"If there’s one thing that I’ve learned from my time here at LUMS, it’s how to think beyond the expectations that I entered LUMS with – be those expectations that I had set for myself or those that stemmed from others around me. There is so much that you will learn from your time here – how to challenge yourself, how to step out of your comfort zones and how to aspire to reach for things that will force you to grow.
Even though I’m pursuing a degree in Accounting and Finance, my interests outside the classroom lie within the realms of writing, travelling and food! On campus, you will usually find me running towards an emergency with my EMS bag (sometimes in the middle of the night), or at one of the eateries with my friends (yes, my love for food and coffee is eternal).
In my experience, SDSB utilizes a rather different teaching and testing methodology than other schools at LUMS and operates at a much faster pace. Even though the SDSB environment may seem a bit intimidating at first and downright confusing at times, it is where the Office of Student Advising can really guide you through that transition, so do reach out to us.
My advice to the upcoming batch of freshmen is this: don’t be afraid to join a society that has nothing in common with you and definitely take a few courses that don’t align with your immediate interests. And while you’re at it, try to befriend or at the very least make conversation with people who have radically different ideas, interests and personalities than your own. You’ll be surprised at how much you will benefit from these experiences. I'd also recommend taking advantage of all the exchange program opportunities that LUMS has to offer. I was lucky enough to get selected for the LUMS - FH Joanneum exchange program and then be awarded the Ernst Mach Grant that fully funded my semester in Austria and travels across Europe!
There is so much that we have to learn and gain from each other over the span of the next few months and I can’t wait to meet you all!
On behalf of the entire LUMS community, I welcome you on-board!"
Zubda Hameed
Management Sciences Senior
Welcome to a place that is not just an academic institute rather another home where you are going to find your own new family. Its depth of character, diversity, traditions, commitment to academic excellence, as well as the lush green campus, which is always going to take your mind away from the hustle of daily activities, is what makes LUMS our home. LUMS has helped me becoming the best version of myself, given me faith in my academic capabilities through consecutive Dean’s Honor List awards, given me a chance to craft my dynamic individuality by blessing me with quality friends with whom I explored myself, by providing me with faculty which is one of its own kind, by giving me the ability to create positive impacts on society as an executive council member of LUMS Society of Professional Accountancy. LUMS is going to be an incredible platform for whoever you want to be, but it would depend on how you choose to get the best out of these four years. I hope you find your own ways to let LUMS surprise you with bigger successes in your personal as well as academic growth.
Muhammad Adil Shahid
Accounting and Finance Senior
Hey Everyone,
I’m Adil. Welcome to LUMS, your journey from now on is sure to have its ups and downs but don’t let that discourage you. We’ll be here to make settling in a lot easier. I’ll be a returning senior this year and hope you guys can learn from my experiences and make your own journeys as rewarding as possible. In terms of my career I’d say I value impact the most and thus aspire to work in the tech industry since I believe that’s where you can drive the most change and influence over society. In terms of your stay at LUMS, my advice to all of you would be to constantly go beyond your comfort zone. At LUMS you’ll be exposed to things you’ve never had the chance to learn and experience before. Make sure your experience is diverse, participate in as many societies you can and explore as many new academic disciplines as you can. Keeping an open mind here is the only way you’ll come out a more well-rounded person.
Shiza Tipu Sheikh
Management Sciences Junior
Hello!
My name is Shiza Tipu Sheikh. I am currently a Junior at LUMS, pursuing a BSc (Hons.) in Management Sciences from SDSB and I completed my schooling from Lahore Grammar School 55 Main. Although I am day scholar, you will find me more often than not on campus, either walking around in the extended Khokha or hidden away somewhere in the library with notes and registers spread all around me. In my Freshman year, I joined 2 societies, LUMS Entrepreneurial Society and LUMS Community Service Society. However, I left both of these societies and instead joined LUMS Consultancy Group in my Sophomore year, in which I currently hold the post of HR Director. Not surprisingly, consultancy is a career path I am interested in pursuing. However, more than consultancy, I’m extremely interested in Data Science and hope to pursue it as a profession. When it comes to my academic life at LUMS, I have worked consistently to maintain a decent CGPA. I have also taken courses from SSE, HSS and SoE, so my academic experience is not just limited to SDSB. I hope that through this position of Peer Advisor, I can help improve your experiences at LUMS, not just academically, but also in relation to societies and general problems. Your experience at LUMS will be very different from your school-life, since LUMS offers a lot more liberty, exposure and competition. Just remember to manage your time well, take advice from people older than you, and have fun with friends in order to make the best of your years here!
Sayyed Muhammad Ahsan
Management Sciences Junior
Hello!
Welcome to LUMS, SDSB class of 2023! It is a pleasure to meet you and I hope that all of you will have an amazing experience in your time here at LUMS. Having spent two years here, I can assure you that every day here is an opportunity for you not only to grow academically, but also grow personally because, as you will experience it yourself, there are many challenges and opportunities that you will encounter whilst studying here.
Before LUMS, I completed by O Level and A Level from Beaconhouse Margalla Campus in Islamabad. Originating from a pure science background, I was initially unsure of what I wanted to do. However, attending an event at LUMS in 2016 gave me a pretty good idea that this was the place I wanted to be spend my next four years at! The switch to a completely different field, however, was quite difficult. The key to a successful transition, in my opinion, is always to have faith in your abilities and to not be hesitant to ask for help. As students, you will realize that being proactive in your matters will always benefit you, so always try to take the initiative whether it is in studies or extra circulars.
Generally, I would say to all of you that sometimes being a university student takes its toll on you and having experienced it personally myself, I feel that it is important to know that health-both mental and physical- is something that you should never compromise on. It is very important for you to remember that your foremost priority is yourself and taking care of yourself is something that go a long way in helping you flourish here at LUMS
Lastly, I would like to say that I am always available for help in any matter, so do not hesitate to contact me! I hope you all have a great time here and I wish you the best of luck.
Mariam Kashif
Management Sciences Junior
Hello!
Hey everyone! A very warm welcome to LUMS and SDSB. I am Mariam Kashif, a junior at LUMS majoring in Management Science. When I first came to LUMS, I was very anxious as most of you must be. However, 2 years down the lane and now I feel like time is speeding by too fast. This place will become your home and you would come to enjoy every moment of it. However, be sure to come with an open mind and an accepting attitude because you will have a lot of firsts in this university. And pretty ironic for me to say it, but don’t stress out and have faith in yourself. Join societies, go to trips, try and fail studying in the library, take courses from different fields, get in an LDF argument, stay up all night before a day full of classes and basically try everything to make the most out of your LUMS experience.
To be fair, LUMS keeps you pretty busy but on the occasions, I get free time and go home, I love to spend it in the kitchen cooking or baking. I came to LUMS with a merit scholarship but pretty difficult to maintain it when you are competing with the brightest minds in the country. I am currently a member of SPADES as Director Security and present on the Dean’s Honor List.
Life at LUMS, with all its perks will be challenging and difficult. But you must always have faith in your capabilities and focus on your goals. I would like to conclude with urging you all with the most cliched sentence you will hear over and over: this will be one of the best experiences of your life so be sure to make the most of it.
Afnan Ishaq
Accounting and Finance Junior
Hello!
Hey, I am Afnan Ishaq a-slightly-older-than-average junior. Firstly, I welcome you all to LUMS and am delighted to have you here. After the pleasantries, lets come back to me. What can I say about myself? Well to summarize it as quickly as possible, jack-of-all-trade but a master of none. I can help you in a variety of things (photography, video-photo editing, studies). Let me tell you a secret about LUMS, Life is hard at here. But you can remedy that you need to socialize. Being alone in this place is the only thing that is unacceptable. Make friends, enjoy your O-week and most importantly join societies. You’ll make the best memories with your society. That’s a very pleasant bond. Currently I am part of LUMS Society of Professional Accountancy and would love to see you guys there.
It’s an amazing journey here at LUMS, with its ups and down. And trust me the life here will push you to the ground, just keep getting up and never give up.
Tauqeer Saleem
Management Sciences Junior
Hello!
Hey there, congratulations on making it to LUMS, get ready for a hell of a ride! I am Tauqeer Saleem a Management Sciences Junior and your peer advisor. It is my job to brag about my achievements, tell you how great LUMS is, and assure you that I am going to give you the perfect advice.
Before doing so, I would like to share a moment of truth with you guys. There is no doubt that LUMS is indeed the best university in Pakistan, but the best university requires your best efforts. LUMS is not a machine that pumps out successful people, it’s a nice road towards success and no matter how nice and comfortable a road is, it always requires efforts from the one treading those paths. Your networking, grooming, communication skills, and GPA will determine your future, and there is no other place than LUMS to get all of these together. GPA might be just a number but remember it is going to matter one day.
Furthermore, I might brag about being enlisted in Dean’s Honor List (DHL) twice or being the Calculus I instructor on a well-known online learning platform (neerpeer.org), but what I am really proud of is my volunteer service that I provided for different organizations/ societies within and outside of LUMS, as well as the sense of purpose that I have developed here at LUMS. I would also suggest you to find a purpose in your life; otherwise, life might get too mundane.
Speaking about boredom, don’t forget to hop into different societies at LUMS. They are the best way to develop a network and make new friends, and to get away from the hectic study routine for some time.
Don’t forget to avail any opportunity that you see. With that I welcome you again to LUMS, a new life awaits you.
Will be seeing you soon.
Muhammad Harris
Management Sciences Junior
LUMS class of 2023, I welcome you to arguably the most interesting and enjoyable phase of your life. You have done a great job to make it to the most prestigious university of Pakistan and you have got every right to be proud of yourselves. The challenge ahead of you is different than those you have encountered before. Gear up to take this head on and make these 4 years the defining phase of your life. I, on the other hand, am halfway through this journey trying to get the most out of what is left at hand. I actively seek to manage my academics, family life, social life, fitness and personal life together. For my recreation amidst the tiring schedule, I prefer badminton, table tennis and futsal. A significant part of my daily routine is spent among friends. I was placed on Dean’s Honors list of academic year 2017-18 and 2018-19. I aspire to educate myself enough to develop a perspective that enables me to think and act righteously to the best of my abilities in every situation of life. My advice for the 1st year students is to have confidence in their abilities because they are going to compete with high achievers from all over Pakistan and Secondly, do not shy from experiencing or you would find yourself at a great disadvantage once it is over. Life at LUMS will owe you to its fullest. Later, you will have to play your role in lieu of that service.
Surhaan Qadir
Accounting and Finance Senior
I Surhaan Qadir, am a senior student in Suleman Dawood School of Business. Now that the word “senior” has been mentioned, I realize that merely 12 months remain for me to augment my educational journey that has initiated at LUMS. With such nostalgia and much more warmth, I welcome the batch of 2022 in AACSB accredited business school of LUMS. Being your peer advisor, I would give you one simple tip to make the most out of your time during the upcoming four adventurous years; live in the moment. Always. Surmount one peak at a time you will surely reach up to the stars. As a part of the student body at LUMS and an Executive Council member at LUMS Daily Student, I have stepped out of my comfort zone time and time again, and I advise you all to be open to face new challenges and broaden your horizon while you can through the multiple opportunities that you will get in LUMS.
While you explore yourself, it is important to identify your expertise and focus on your goals right from the beginning. Build yourself up just as you aim to be. As your Peer Advisor, I am here throughout your journey to not only help you gain academic excellence, but also to help you find your purpose and support you in your goals and the pathways you choose correspondingly. Being your Peer Mentor, I want to work for your courses, peer groups and friends which help you to adjust to the yet unfamiliar culture in LUMS. This experience will be as full of learning as it will be for you all and I hope to be your go-to person in every possible matter from adjusting in social groups to deciding courses. Rest assured, you will find a friend much more often than an advisor in me, while you buckle up and get used to the four years long, bumpy rollercoaster ride.
Shah Bano
Accounting and Finance Junior
Dear first year students,
My name is Shah Bano and i will be your peer advisor for the year 2019/ 2020. Welcome to the four most possibly exciting and wonderful years of your life. Lums as an institution teaches you many core values and principles that assist you to live your life in a better way. My years in Lums have been a roller coaster ride for me. It has its ups and downs; hence it is very important to have someone besides you who is willing to help and guide you. I am an ACF major, but i also have interests in music, theatre and writing. I have never let the creative side of me die out with the ongoing repetitive routine of my major. My main motivation in life is to be a better person for everyone around me in general, it is to contribute to the society in a way that does not only focus on yourself but somehow benefits the ones around you. It is not necessary that you have to be a community service worker for that, you can plan your career goals in a way that you end up bringing a positive change in the society, no matter how small it is. Even if it's only limited to being a fair and hardworking employee in a firm, it still counts. I want all the first years to know that, often in our encounters in Lums, we may feel like we're alone, but there are many people out there who are facing similar issues as you are and, in a way, we are all just too shy to say it. Lums is a diverse university with all kinds of people from all around the country, and at one point or another we all find people that we connect with. I want all the students to understand that they are not alone, they are heard and they will be treated fairly. And that no issue is trivial or stupid, if it bothers you, you should raise your concerns about it. I really hope to see you all and get to know the brilliant individuals that you are. And if you have any queries or even if you just want to talk about random things in life, you'll find me hanging out at the Khokha. Looking forward to see you all.
Waleed Iqbal
Accounting and Finance Junior
Congratulations folks! Making into LUMS is itself a huge feat and you have every reason to feel proud of your accomplishment. All the hardwork and sleepless nights paid off. Yes, you heard it right. You would be required to work even harder and much more nights to follow. But what makes it bearable, are your friends and the memories you will accumulate all along. Join societies that relate to your interests even if they differ from your intended major, step out of your comfort zone and give yourself a new perspective to ponder upon. Stepping into my senior year, I could certainly assure that after four years you people would love every bit of the time spent here. Make new friends, learn from each other and who knows it may give your passion a well-defined path as what happened in my case. Diverting my interest from accounting to finance was largely influenced by my peers and now I am keen to pursue a career in wealth and asset management. Lastly, do not let anything to hold you back from what you have aimed and give your best shot at every instance. Needless to say, you are always welcome to stop by while I am having a break at flavors and we could figure things out. As of now, I hope you are eagerly waiting for O-Week to embark your university life in a lively manner. Cheers!
Farheen Ahmed
Management Sciences Junior
Hello! I am Farheen Ahmed. I am a Management Science major and currently in my third year at LUMS. I am very excited to welcome you all to LUMS. Surely, in terms of academics, these will be a challenging few years and like all those before you, you might be riddled with anticipation for how your first year will turn out. From my time here, I can assure you LUMS will offer you many opportunities for personal growth and development. My advice to you would be to step out of your comfort zone, every chance you get so that you can make the most of these four years. Try new things, push yourself and do not let the fear of failure dictate you, learn to overcome it instead. I hope, as a Peer Advisor, I am able to ease the start of this journey for you. Feel free to reach out to me anytime!
H. Faizan Khalid
Accounting and Finance Junior
First of all, Assalam-o-Alaikum; and congratulations to all of you to making into LUMS. Here’s Hafiz Faizan Khalid Junior here with ACF major from F background. It may look strange that F.Sc background and then Business School. Wait I’ll explain all this to you. Honestly, I had 0% knowledge about Business, Accounting, Financing and all that fancy names. But LUMS is the place where you get the best Faculty, best students and it’s really like a second home. They provide students every facility that they need to accomplish their goals. LUMS administration tried to adopt every kind of steps that they think will help students to achieve higher grades with efficient learning. LUMS also provide the best experience of diversity. Past years’ experience helped LUMS to assess that some students feel uncomfortable in this environment. To help students to adjust in this kind of environment, LUMS started Peer Advising system. And here is one of the advisors. If you have any problem, you can talk to anybody in LUMS but we are specially here to resolve your queries. As already said, LUMS is home, we have different famous get to gather points like Dogar, whatta Pratha, Maro Tandor and all that. Hope you will enjoy all these during your course here at LUMS. Again, Congratulations on your achievements. Looking forward for your welcome here.
Lubaba Khatoon
Management Sciences Senior
Greetings, Class of 2023/24!
My name is Lubaba and I am currently a Senior at LUMS, studying towards a degree in Management Sciences. I would like to congratulate you on getting into LUMS and I hope this journey is amazing and a memory you cherish forever. The start of an academic year is always an exciting time and I look forward to welcoming you to the LUMS community and helping you through this experience. For all of you just joining our community now, I would encourage you to make the most of your time here. Your life at LUMS might not be all roses, but it will still be extraordinary. Your experience at LUMS will be what you make it, and your opportunities will only be limited by the limits you place on yourself. Once your first semester at University starts, you will have to find your way both around campus and through life on campus. You will meet new friends, get to know your seniors and instructors and me as well. As your Peer Advisor, I would encourage you all to get involved, to be a part of student government, and take part in the numerous opportunities and options that the Student societies and extra curriculars at LUMS have to offer. During your time here, always know that you can join me for a chat may it be for advice or simply some company.
Supporting you and making your time at LUMS as amazing as possible is central to my aim as a Peer Advisor. I am always here to guide you and help you in becoming the best version of yourselves. Feel free to contact me whenever you feel like you are struggling so we can meet up over a cup of coffee and talk our way through any issues you may be facing. Just remember this is your chance to create an amazing life experience for yourself. I look forward to seeing you.
Muhammad Faizan Wajid
Accounting and Finance Senior
Dear upcoming students, welcome to one of the most prestigious educational institutions in Pakistan. My name is Faizan Wajid and I'll be one of the peer advisors here in SDSB, Lums. I am currently a senior of Accountings & Finance here. Your four years’ experience here at Lums would be the best experience of your life up till now. The diversity of people here would assist you to make a lot of new friends from all over Pakistan. You’ll be taking a variety of courses and will be joining a number of students-run societies that would help you groom to face the challenges in the practical life.
Talking about my interests, I like to play football, i am a die-hard football fan, I am sure many of you would be, as well. In addition, I like to read novels, would surely like to share my collection with you guys. I am the president of Fintra-Lums Finance Society. Would love to see loads of you being a part of Fintra family. I have a whole chunk of dreams that i want to fulfill and make my parents proud of myself. I want to do masters after my bachelors from Lums and want to pursue a career in Finance.
Eagerly waiting to meet you people and have chit-chat sessions. Would love to interact with you guys and give a wonderful first year experience here.
One advice: Make as many friends as you can and don’t hesitate.