Things You Should Know Before Becoming an ITB Student

Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB) is one of the leading universities in Indonesia, renowned for its reputation in science and technology. However, there are several important things you need to know before deciding to continue your studies at this campus. Here are Things You Should Know Before Becoming an ITB Student. Make sure you read the explanation that will be presented below until the end.

Things to Know Before Becoming an ITB Student

Cannot Immediately Choose a Study Program

Unlike most other universities, at ITB, prospective students cannot immediately choose the study program (prodi) they want when registering. When registering, you can only choose a faculty or school. After being accepted, new students must go through the Joint Preparation Phase (TPB) which lasts for the first year.

In the second year, new students can choose a study program based on their academic grades and interests. This majoring process is quite competitive, especially for favorite majors, so students need to maintain good academic achievement from the start.

Some favorite faculties such as the School of Electrical Engineering and Informatics (STEI) and the School of Business and Management (SBM) have very tight competition. In addition, the study programs that can be chosen also depend on the entry path taken. If you register through the SNBP (National Selection Based on Achievement) path, you can choose a study program of interest from the start, such as Chemical Engineering or Entrepreneurship.

ITB is Not Only for Science and Technology Students

Although known as a technology institute, ITB also offers majors outside of science and technology. The Faculty of Fine Arts and Design (FSRD) and the School of Business and Management (SBM) are two faculties that are the choice of students with a social science background. At FSRD, students can choose study programs such as Fine Arts, Visual Communication Design, or Product Design. 

Meanwhile, at SBM, the available study programs are Management and Entrepreneurship. The existence of these study programs shows that ITB does not only focus on engineering and science majors, but also on the arts and business fields. This makes ITB a more inclusive university for prospective students from various educational backgrounds.

Tuition Fees and Living Expenses

Becoming a student at ITB also requires careful financial planning, especially regarding tuition fees and living expenses in Bandung. The cost of regular program education at ITB ranges from IDR 12,500,000 to IDR 30,000,000 per semester, depending on the faculty and study program chosen. Especially for non-regular programs (international classes), the cost is higher, with some study programs charging up to IDR 40,000,000 per semester.

In addition to tuition fees, the cost of boarding around campus also needs to be considered. Boarding costs in the area around ITB vary, starting from IDR 450,000 to more than IDR 1,200,000 per month, depending on the facilities provided. The closer to campus and the more complete the facilities (such as private bathrooms and air conditioning), the more expensive the boarding costs will usually be.

The Importance of Non-Academic Activities

ITB is famous for its various active and diverse Student Activity Units (UKM). UKM at ITB covers many fields, ranging from arts, sports, to academic organizations. Joining UKM not only provides an opportunity to develop oneself outside of academic activities, but also expands social networks and builds relationships with fellow students from various faculties. 

Participation in UKM can also complement the learning experience at ITB, teaching leadership skills and teamwork. With a variety of UKM choices, each student can find a community that suits their interests and passions, whether in the arts, sports, or social activities. These non-academic activities also help students to maintain a balance between their academic and social lives while at ITB.

Mental and Academic Preparation

Preparing yourself mentally before starting your studies at ITB is very important. ITB is known for its rigorous curriculum and high academic demands. In the first year, students must go through the Joint Preparation Phase (TPB), which includes basic courses from various disciplines. This TPB period is often considered the most challenging period because students must study various courses that may be outside their interests or study programs.

In addition, academic competition at ITB is very tight. Students are expected to have good time management and independent learning skills. To face this challenge, it is important for prospective students to prepare themselves academically by mastering basic materials such as mathematics, physics, or chemistry, depending on the faculty chosen.

Availability of Complete Facilities

As one of the leading universities, ITB has quite complete facilities to support the learning process and campus life. The ITB Library is one of the important academic resources with a complete collection of books and access to various international scientific journals. In addition, ITB is also equipped with sophisticated laboratories in each faculty, especially in the fields of engineering and science, which allows students to conduct research well.

In addition to academic facilities, ITB also provides other supporting facilities, such as a fitness center, a place of worship, and a student health center. All of these facilities are designed to support the well-being of students during their studies. Therefore, it is important for new students to take advantage of all available facilities to improve the quality of learning and life balance.

Career and Research Opportunities

One of the advantages of being an ITB student is the wide open career opportunities after graduation. ITB has a strong alumni network in various industrial sectors, from technology to business. Many well-known companies, both domestic and foreign, are looking for ITB graduates to employ. In addition, ITB also has a career center that helps students prepare to enter the workforce through skills training and information about job vacancies.

In addition, ITB is also known for its excellent research programs. Students who are interested in research can join various research projects in collaboration with industry or international research institutions. With the support of experienced lecturers and qualified research facilities, ITB students have a great opportunity to develop their knowledge and skills deeper in their fields of interest.

By considering these four things, you can be better prepared to face challenges and maximize your college experience at ITB. Every aspect, from choosing a study program to non-academic activities, is very important to pay attention to so that you can go through your study period smoothly and full of achievements.