Weekly Journal : Week 1 (Start of the 2nd Semester)

Sunday:

This week began with an exciting life change—I moved into a new condominium near my university. I’m living with a few seniors from my university, and they’ve been really friendly and helpful in making me feel at home. The condo is cozy, and I can already tell it’s going to be a great place to stay. After getting my things unpacked, one of my housemates had some work to finish on campus, so we all decided to head there together. It felt good to visit the campus before classes officially started, and walking around the quiet grounds gave me a chance to familiarize myself with the surroundings.

Later in the afternoon, we stopped by the supermarket to grab some essentials like eggs, instant noodles, and other groceries. After that, we went to AEON Maluri to get duplicates of the house keys and access cards for me. Everything went smoothly, and by the time we got home, I was already feeling settled in. The rest of the evening was uneventful but relaxing. I scrolled through my phone for a while, catching up on social media and messages, and then spent a couple of hours playing video games on my laptop. It was the perfect way to end a busy day.

Monday:
My first day of online classes started bright and early. I woke up early, had a quick breakfast, and logged into my first class, Discrete Structure. The lecturer began with a briefing, outlining the syllabus and explaining the assessments we’ll have throughout the semester. The subject focuses on topics like relations, functions, and properties of relations, including equivalence and composition. During the class, we explored the basics of relations and the Cartesian product, which is the pairing of elements from two sets. The concept was straightforward but interesting, and I’m excited to dive deeper into it in future lessons.

After a short break, I joined my second class, Object-Oriented Programming (OOP). This session also started with a subject briefing. The lecturer introduced OOP principles, emphasizing encapsulation, inheritance, and polymorphism. We spent the second half of the class learning about algorithms—what they are, their evolution, and their importance in solving problems. The lecturer explained how algorithms are used in various fields like artificial intelligence and operations research. By the end of the class, I was already starting to see how OOP mirrors real-world systems.

Tuesday:
With only evening classes scheduled, I took the morning to relax and recharge. I started my day with breakfast and spent some time exploring the condominium facilities. The gym was particularly impressive, and I’m considering adding workouts to my weekly routine. Afterward, I lounged in the common area with a book, enjoying the quiet morning.

At 4 PM, I logged into my Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) class. The lecturer began with a subject briefing, outlining the goals of the course and its importance in designing user-friendly systems. We discussed the evolution of user interfaces and the distinction between Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and Man-Machine Interfaces (MMI). Unlike earlier designs, HCI focuses on creating systems that meet user needs and minimize frustration. We also touched on factors that contribute to effective HCI, such as hardware miniaturization and innovation in input techniques like gestures and voice commands. By the end of the class, I found myself thinking about how small design decisions can impact usability.

Wednesday:
The highlight of the day was a morning trip to Tasik Titiwangsa, one of the most peaceful spots in the city. The fresh air, serene lake, and vibrant greenery made it the perfect escape from the usual hustle and bustle. I spent some time walking along the pathways, soaking in the view and reflecting on my goals for the semester. It was a refreshing break that left me feeling recharged.

In the evening, I had two subject briefings. The first was for System Analysis and Design (SAD), where the lecturer gave an overview of the course. SAD is all about designing efficient systems, and I’m looking forward to learning more about how these processes work. The second briefing was for Data Communication Concepts (DCC). Although we didn’t dive into the content yet, the session provided an exciting glimpse into the importance of communication systems in modern technology.

To end the day, my housemates and I decided to eat out at a cozy restaurant in the city. The food was delicious, and the conversation was filled with laughs. It was a wonderful bonding experience and a great way to wrap up the day.

Thursday:
Today was packed with classes starting at 8 AM. First up was HCI, where we continued from where we left off. We explored challenges in HCI, including keeping up with rapid technological advancements and designing systems that remain user-friendly. The lecture also highlighted the interdisciplinary nature of HCI, involving computer science, psychology, and ergonomics. By the end of the class, we had covered up to half of the first chapter, learning about factors like usability, accessibility, and the role of good design in reducing frustration.

Next was SAD, where we officially started the syllabus. The lecture introduced the System Development Life Cycle (SDLC), which includes planning, analysis, design, and implementation phases. We also discussed the four types of information systems: TPS, MIS, DSS, and EIS. The session provided valuable insights into how systems are developed and managed.

The final class of the day was OOP. We delved deeper into classes and encapsulation, learning how attributes and methods are bundled together in a single unit. The lecture also covered Abstract Data Types (ADTs) like stacks, queues, and lists, which are foundational for organizing data efficiently. It was a long day, but incredibly rewarding.

Friday:
The day started with a Data Communication Concepts class where we learned about data communication systems, including the components: sender, receiver, message, medium, and protocol. The lecture also introduced the basics of networks and line characteristics, such as point-to-point and multipoint connections. 

After classes, I spent the afternoon playing Minecraft. I built a cozy cabin near a river, explored a cave system, and even found diamonds. It was a relaxing way to unwind after an intense week of classes.

Saturday:
I had no classes today, so I spent the morning catching up on Squid Game season 1. I had heard so much about it, and it didn’t disappoint. The storyline was gripping, with so many twists and emotional moments. The games were intense, and I couldn’t stop thinking about the moral dilemmas faced by the characters. By the time I finished, I understood why the show was so popular—it really makes you reflect on human nature and survival.

In the evening, I switched gears and spent time revising what I had learned throughout the week. I reviewed my Discrete Structure notes, practicing problems on Cartesian products and relations. I also revisited the HCI slides, focusing on factors like usability and challenges in design. For OOP, I summarized key points on encapsulation and abstract data types. The revision helped me consolidate everything I’d learned, and I feel more prepared for the upcoming week.

Summary of the Week:
The first week of university life has been an exciting mix of settling into my new home, meeting my housemates, and diving into classes. I learned about relations in Discrete Structure, core OOP principles, and the SDLC in SAD, while HCI introduced me to user-centered design. The week was balanced with moments of relaxation, like visiting Tasik Titiwangsa, watching Squid Game, and playing Minecraft. It’s been a productive and enjoyable start to the semester, and I’m looking forward to the challenges and experiences ahead!