It is that season of the year when most students are joining universities in Kenya. In many ways, universities are not like schools. There are no uniforms, no morning assemblies, no need to touch that Mathematics book again ( unless you are taking Maths as a core subject in your respective discipline), no boarding master to control your life, etc.
In other words, you are literally thrown into the deep end of the sea and how you navigate to the shore will determine how successful you will emerge four or six years later.
Here are some of the things that you might expect to find or do to make your life as a first year students lively and fruitful;
1. Control your finances
It is the first time that most freshers are going to be in a position to control their own finances. Make sure that you budget appropriately and stick to it. It might be a challenge dealing with money but be sure to take control otherwise your pockets will be the capital of broke town.
Set aside money for essentials like food and transportation. Make sure you don’t waste too much money on luxuries like alcohol and fancy clothes.
2. It is alright to feel homesick
Getting away from family and friends might prove a hard task at first. It is totally understandable. Just strive to familiarise yourself with the new environment as you make new friends. You can also keep in touch with family and friends through communication.
3. Attend lectures
When you get to campus, the urge to miss lectures is always great mostly because of influence, do attend the lectures and concentrate through them. You will still find enough time to do the other things you desire.
Related: HELB tightens the screws on loans
4. Make friends
The years you are going to spend in campus are a lot. You will definitely make friends. You will need them as they will always come in handy during happy and hard times. You will need friends to hang out with and for the school activities. Just make sure you have friends you are comfortable with.
5. Register in time
You will realise that some continuing students do not register or sign the nominal roll till late when the semester is almost ending. Fight that urge to join them. You will need clearance to access essential school services like medical and library. Last minute rush is also very hectic.
6. Be responsible
The need to be responsible in campus can never be stressed enough. You are your own parent and custodian therefore you have to be responsible. You will make decisions concerning your everyday life, some will be instrumental forever. Be wise.
7. Take control of your sex life
There is no doubt that the campus years are some of the most sexually active years that you will face in your life. Strive to practice safe sex to avoid pregnancies and diseases.
8. It is alright to plan ahead
It is perfectly okay to have your future in mind even as you settle into your new environments. You are free to visit the career office, get involved in some university projects that are in line with your career prospects. The earlier is always the better.
READ: Branding lessons from Mike Sonko’s success
9. Live your life
This has been said over and over again. Its importance is the reason why it will still be said. Campus has students from different backgrounds, places and stories. Everyone has their own reason for being in campus. Do keep to your life. Do not do stuff simply because someone else is doing. Keep to your beliefs to attain your goals.
10. Enjoy
Do not forget about this very important aspect of being a freshman. As a fresher you will find a lot of free time, make good use of them. Make new friends even as you settled in. There is more to life than just academics, so make some mistakes and learn. You will know ways on how to survive.
