Less than a month remains before the new academic year starts in March.

For some students, especially those entering university for the first time, the idea of meeting new people and fitting in can feel a bit intimidating.

Well, today’s review might ease those concerns by introducing some terms you will frequently hear from your peers.

개강/종강/연강/공강

These are common abbreviations related to 강의 (lectures)

개강: The start of the lecture or semester.

종강: The end of the lecture or semester.

연강: Having back-to-back lectures without a break.

공강: A gap or free period between two classes, where you will often greb a meal, study at a library, or relax at a nearby café to kill time.  If someone says “우주공강,” it means there’s particularly long break between classes — often more than 3 periods.

복전

This refers to "복수전공," double major.

In Korea, any students choose to take on two majors. While some universities require taking entrance exams to qualify, others, like Sogang University, offer it without specific prerequisites, except for certain departments.

밥약/ 술약

These terms are used when making plans for meals or drinks.

밥약: Arranging to have a meal together. 

술약: Arranging to have drinks together.   

You will hear these terms a lot, especially if you are an incoming undergraduate.

It’s common for senior students in your department to invite you to a 밥약 to get to know each other. Some might even ask for 술약, if both of you are comfortable with spending more time together and want to get to know each other better over drinks.

오티

: This is the shortened term of "오리엔테이션," Orientation.

People in Korea often refer to it as 오티 or OT

엠티 (MT)

: This refers to Membership Training.

Undergraduates within the same major or department usually go to MT in the beginning of the semester to bond. Depending on the scale of department, the group might be divided into sections. This event is usually overnight, featuring games and socializing, often including drinking late into the night.