From Uniforms to Night Clubs

Written by: Cyren Wong.

Bridging the transitory gap between the end of high school and university life is often a very thrilling and exciting process for most youths and teenagers around the world. There are just so many differences in terms of challenges and experiences that can be expected to be faced when entering university; indeed the nature of university assignments that are more challenging, with stricter grading schemes, posit a sort of “fear” – if you must – amongst freshmen at any university.

But of course not all aspects of heading into university are challenging and “fearful”, indeed in many countries students often revel in the possibilities that would arise from studying in university – an environment in which discipline is often left to the student’s own maturity and self-responsibility. Attending my first year of Monash University after high-school I remember that one of the greatest thrills for me was the idea of wearing whatever I wanted to classes, styling my hair to whatever insane height I pleased, changing its color to suit my fancy – indeed if 12 years of uncomfortable and boring school uniforms have done anything it was to fuel my desire of breaking free from such structures and impositions.

So imagine, how it must have been to my surprise, when I discovered that in Chiang Mai, Thailand, there are few differences between high-school and university. Indeed the subjects that the students are taught are at university level, but besides that, the similarities between the high-school structure and university are uncanny. For example:

1. The Cafeteria.
Indeed I suppose all universities have a cafeteria but here at Chiang Mai university, the cafeteria system works slightly differently. Unlike what I am used to experiencing back home in Monash University Sunway, Chiang Mai university hosts multiple cafeterias, each building meant only for students from a specific School. What amazed me furthermore was the added structure of common “break” and “lunch” times, meaning that every student from that particular year/class would adjourn for their food at similar times, possibly to avoid overcrowding and too much chaos in the cafeterias.

2. Classes.
At Chiang Mai university, students are categorised according to their specific Disciplines, something which is not entirely uncommon. But unlike what happens in Monash University, classes here are more structured in the sense that the students in each discipline are divided according to their progression in terms of years (ex. First year students, second year students etc.). Students within a specific year study the same subjects, but never share classes with their seniors or juniors. In addition, students are divided into specific classes (identifiable by the name tags they are wearing) and shall remain linked with the relevant classes for the remaining period of their education.

And last, but most certainly not least.

3. School, or should I say University Uniforms!
Probably the most uncanny resemblance to a high school setting that Chiang Mai University has can be attributed to their use of university uniforms. All boys and girls, regardless of discipline or year are required to wear a uniform, black pants and white shirt for boys, and light lavender shirt and black skirts for girls. Furthermore hairstyles are also regulated, as students must comply to certain codes – length for boys, methods of tying/bunning hair for girls.

Now I must admit that I was more than a little flummoxed at the situation in Thai universities. Being an outsider who has studied at a very liberal university, I came to Chiang Mai University with the assumption that the Thais give little, or no faith in their student’s own discipline. Indeed the statement that ran through my mind was “University Students are young adults and consequently should be treated as such, not as children that require ‘structure’ and external ‘discipline’ to perform!” However, my position as an arts student has taught me, if anything, that one should never give in completely to presumptions or assumptions and seek answers for themselves.

Fortunately one of our student guides, Juta, was able to direct me to her father, the previous dean of Chiang Mai University. I admit I was very much moved and amazed by some of the statements he made.

“Uniforms” he said, “Are a choice here at Chiang Mai University.”

The students are not forced to wear uniforms, nor are they coerced into doing so by the lecturers and staff. Most students are more than proud to identify with the university.

“Students can wear normal clothing if they wish, but most are happy to wear their uniforms because they will get some discounts, like if they ride a bus or something,” he said. When I asked why more students would not simply wear their casual clothes to university he said “It is because they are proud to identify with the University. We are the top third best university in Thailand.”

But of course all work and no play make students dull people. Indeed, the youth in Chiang Mai know how to party as hard! Though clubbing is generally frowned upon– tell me which society of Asia doesn’t frown upon clubbing– there are clubs here in Thailand that cater specifically to youth. During my second last-night in Chiang Mai, I followed Jamjuree (Julie), one of our student guides, to Warm Up, a place that she calls the “Student Pub”, as it is frequented mainly by the students of the university, and only by people within a certain age group. Apparently, this is a safety measure to avoid young men and women from being harassed or disturbed by other people. Needless to say I had an awesome time there, having the opportunity to meet, dance, drink and mingle with the Thai youths – most of who are quite fluent in English.

So I guess Chiang Mai does things a little differently. I suppose University Life here is a little more structured than would be comfortable for me, but judging by hours of my interactions and observations of the students, it looks like they have no problem expressing themselves after class hours as well.