The Residential Semester (RS) of BRAC University (BRACU) is a unique
experience in university education in Bangladesh. The two main goals of this
short but intensive program are to develop the leadership skills of the
students to prepare them to face future challenges, and to improve their
communicative English skills so that they can be successful in job market or
in higher education.

The principal aim of this semester is to grow confidence among students with
a broad-based education with high morale for addressing the needs of the
country and the society by improving their inner human potentials and talents,
and preparing them to face the future challenges. All the students of the
Residential Semester are encouraged to speak in English in the campus.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

In which semester do I need to go to Savar for the 'Residential Semester' (RS)?

Upon Completion of the first semester in Mohakhali campus with a minimum
CGPA of 2.00 a student becomes eligible for joining the RS at Savar campus
in the second semester.

Is the Residential Semester Compulsory?

Yes, attending the Residential Semester is compulsory for all BRACU
students. Completion of the courses at RS which include general education
courses, non-major area courses, major area courses, elective courses, courses
for minor and concentration are part of the degree requirements.

Where is the Location of the Savar Residential Campus?

Away from urban congestion and hazardous environment, BRACU Savar
Campus is located in a green rural set-up in the village of Khagan on the
Ashulia- Birulia road in Savar. It is about one hour drive from the city centre
to the campus.

What British Council does at Savar Campus?

British Council Resource Centre has collaborated with CfL, BRACU to run
Book Reading competition at Savar. It is compulsory for all students to take
part in this activity. This competition will be based on reading books and
performing activities every week. Individual membership fee for that is TK.
200. The participants who will score at least 40% in the assessment (done at
the end of the semester by British Council) will get attractive prizes and
Certificates from the British Council.

How Many Academic Courses do I need to take in RS?

The compulsory courses for RS include English, Bangladesh Studies, and
Ethics & Culture. In addition, there are study tours and field visits in rural
areas to obtain practical experience about the rural life, the developmental
process and the culture of Bangladesh.

What are the Extended Learning Activities (ELA) and their Purposes?

Extended Learning activities are given equal importance without
discrimination to academic coursework in order to develop social skills of the
students. Learning activities include in and off campus events like social
learning lab, study tour, institution and organization visit, RS co-curricular
activities and village immersion program. Students are required to participate
in all the ELA and co- curricular activities.

What is the Purpose of Outdoor Activities?

Outdoor activities are given due importance for the students so that they can
learn from visiting and observing different places apart from just classroom
activities. In order to do so, students are taken to different villages from Savar

How am I Rewarded for my Participation in Activities?

The students exhibiting exceptionally good performance are awarded with
the Vice Chancellor's certificates. They are also awarded with certificates
and prizes for RS activities.

What Facilities are Available at Residential Campus?

The academic facilities in the Residential Campus of BRAC University
include well equipped classrooms, specious conference rooms, a rich library
with reading space, and modern computer labs with Internet connection.
There are comfortable dormitories for male and female students and faculty
members, four large dining halls, an auditorium for presentations and
meetings and sufficient open space for indoor and outdoor games.

What medical services are available in Savar Campus?

We have resident staff nurse. Our medical officer from mohakhali campus
visit savar campus once a week. We have institutional arrangement with
Enam Medical College and Hospital, savar, where we refer cases in case of
emergency.

What kind of psychosocial supports are available in Savar Campus?

In Savar campus, along with other facilities, we have full time Psychosocial
Counselor to take care of the students by promoting their inner strength and
personal qualities so that, they can cope with any sort of personal and social
difficulties.

How frequently can I come back home from the Residential Campus?

The RS is a fully residential semester for about 14 weeks. Only nominated
visitors, preferably parents, are allowed to visit the students on Parents Day
from 4:00-6:00 pm. Students may be given a short leave due to emergency
or in exceptional circumstances with a leave application approved by the
Campus Management Officer. If any students remain absent for more than
one week from the campus, he/she must take permission from Director CfL
to return to campus.

What percentage of presence is mandatory?

90% presence is mandatory at RS classes and activities otherwise the
students will not be allowed to attend the final examination.

What personal items should students can bring with them?

Students should bring both formal and casual wears along with some sport
wears. They should also bring personal toiletries and school stationeries for
personal use.

Two or three seated rooms with beds, bedcover, pillows, pillow covers and
mosquito nets are provided. Other personal items like medicine, two sets of
medium-small lock-keys and three copy of passport size photo must be
brought. We strongly discourage students to bring expensive cell phones,
cameras and ornaments. Strictly Prohibited items include Desktop/PC, sound
system, musical instruments, electric heater, iron, playing cards and illegal
drugs.

Where do I report if I face any problem with fellow students / dorm
etc?

Students may discuss their problems with the House Tutors, Faculty members
and Counselors. If the matter still remains unresolved, the problem in turn can be
reported to the Campus Management Officer and, in an extreme case, to the Campus
Superintendent (CS).