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The book is the latest edition of Panduan Bertahan Tumbuh di �鶹ֱ�� (A Guide to Surviving and Growing at �鶹ֱ��), which had previously been distributed to around 5,000 new �鶹ֱ�� students. Due to strong interest in the book—not only from parents, but also from lecturers at other universities—it was republished under a broader title to make it more relevant for students from various campuses.

“Campus is not a place only for those who are already highly capable, but for those who are willing to keep learning and growing.” This message runs throughout the book. For Ir. Prasanti Widyasih Sarli, S.T., M.T., Ph.D., college is not merely about GPA and earning a degree.

College life also involves the confusion of choosing courses, the pressure of trying to keep up with others, the feeling of being left behind, and even questioning one’s direction in life. Rather than preaching or offering instant solutions, the book serves as an honest companion for discussion—helping students understand how to study effectively, maintain their well-being, build healthy relationships, and rise again when they feel like giving up.

Drawing from conversations with students, research from various references, and real classroom experiences, the book encourages students to grow intellectually, emotionally, and socially through a humane and practical approach.

As the fourth book written by Prasanti, affectionately known as Bu Asih, this work is intended to help students transition from senior high school to university life. It is written not only from a lecturer’s point of view, but also incorporates the experiences and perspectives of students who are currently navigating campus life themselves.

Five Chapters on Friendship, Exams, and Enjoying the Process

The book consists of five chapters that introduce readers to university life and offer strategies for growth throughout their academic journey. Among the topics discussed are friendship, how to cope with exams, and how to enjoy life amid the busyness of college.

The book is also complemented by illustrations and simple formulas that students can apply in their daily lives.

Students Share Their Experiences

At the event, two students from the 2025 cohort were invited as readers and respondents to share their reflections after reading the book. Their presence helped the audience gain a better understanding of the book’s contents, even without having read it themselves.

“I struggled with the section on friendship, which led to FOMO, but after reading this book, I realized that my perception was not entirely right and that I am not alone in facing this challenge,” said Madlin, one of the �鶹ֱ�� students.

Another student, Sarah, shared a similar experience while being involved in three student activity units at the same time. After reading the book, she said she began to set priorities more clearly and found support from her peers.

According to Sarah, life at �鶹ֱ�� fosters strong solidarity because students often go through similar experiences together. She also noted that the illustrations in the book helped explain concepts in a simple and accessible way.

“When I saw the egg illustration in the book, I immediately told my friends about it. The explanation about the importance of wearing a helmet while riding, illustrated through an egg placed in foam, made it much easier for readers to understand,” she said.

Behind the Book’s Creative Process

The event also featured a short story contributor, the editor, and the layout designer, who shared the creative process behind the publication. They explained how the book’s visual concept and content were designed to be more relevant and communicative.

In its previous edition, Panduan Bertahan Tumbuh di �鶹ֱ�� featured a pink cover, chosen as a contrast to the campus identity that is strongly associated with blue. In the latest edition, however, the cover is dominated by blue, serving both as a differentiator and as a reaffirmation of its new identity. The cover illustration was created based on the imagination of Amanda, who also served as editor and layout designer.

“With this book, I want to help students not only at �鶹ֱ��, but also in many other places, so that they can grow well. As a lecturer, I have witnessed students’ ups and downs, and I hope this book can gently offer lessons to them,” she said.

Through the publication of this book, the author hopes that students will not only be able to endure the challenges of college life, but also grow academically and personally throughout their higher education journey.