Every year, when parents and guardians send sons and daughters to university, many families and sponsors go through a difficult time of raising funds for admission. But, generally, it is the season of happiness and celebration when dreams of joining institutions of higher learning come true.
Nonetheless, First Years or Freshers, as they are well known, will be going through a culture shock since many of them are not well prepared for the new environments. Here is a list of things that every Fresher should pay attention to for a less turbulent start.
Communication: This is perhaps one of the most important facets of university living where the newcomers find themselves in a sea of people who are strangers, be they workers, lecturers (the faculty members), and fellow students.
Because of the sheer physical size of university and population, notice boards—physical and virtual—are so important that ignoring the communication can expose one to various dangers. This is where, among others, course time-tables, word from the administration, and student-to-student information is passed.
Indeed, when university is being closed for one reason or another, the communication appears on the notice boards.
At university, dear first years, there are no bells or bell-ringers.
‘Induction’: New students are introduced to university life, first, through the admission letters that carry a lot of information on accommodation, fees payment, course choices and transfers, social life, rules and regulations. However, in the first one or two weeks, almost every university organises one-on-one meetings where the new students are briefed and have a chance to questions.
Fees challenges: While some people will be escorted to their new learning centres by the whole family and helped through the admissions process, some are go alone “because they are adults”. One of the big challenges is grappling with the fees payment when the authorities insist on meeting a certain threshold to be allocated on-campus accommodation or signing of the nominal roll.
When such challenges arise, it is important to approach the dean of students, who is also called the director of student affairs at some institutions. They can help with appeal processes at the Higher Education Loans Board (Helb) or the Finance Office.
It is also important for the students to prepare for any admission hiccups that are associated with jams. Because of this, have a plan B so as not to stay in the cold.
Course transfers: There are both intra- and inter-faculty transfers, where the learners can choose different faculties and discipline combinations. The First Years should explore this window and not restrict themselves to the KUCCPS transfers alone. Those who may have missed the KUCCPS transfers due to a number of reasons, including lacking the money, could use the internal transfers that sometimes are friendlier and could take one to their preferred course or subject combination, and therefore, the life goal.
Social groupings: Many people, for years, have warned the First Years, to be careful about friends and acquaintances they keep lest they lose focus, mission, and miss the overall goal. So, it is important to choose circles as carefully as possible.
While it is the business of the student to stick to their lane, it is the business of the parent or guardian also to monitor their sons and daughters so the latter does not go astray.
Remember, joining the wrong people who, for example, abuse drugs will likely lead to suspension of expulsion from university.
Should anyone be struggling with the tides of social groupings, seek the dean of students for a possible route out of the rut.
Freedom is here! Related to social groupings is the freedom that awaits the youth joining university. They will live alone or as a group, but none will act as parent or guardian or prefect. Not so long after reporting, some will realise that they drink at the same places with their lecturers or university administrators.
There are no prefects, head-boy or head-girl.
Attending classes: It is important to remember that graduations are tied to attending a minimum number of classes. Just because there are no prefects and/or bell-ringers should not dupe anyone to think that they are ‘geniuses’ who will pass even without attending classes. You miss the classes threshold, you are in problems.
Accommodation: While most universities, as a policy, give First Years on-campus accommodation, missing this privilege is a possibility. While seeking off-campus stay, the new students should approach the dean to guide them on the accredited external hostels, their locations, charges, whether or not there are vacancies there, and their owners. This is extremely important for tracing and safety.
Student politics: At university, student politics thrives. And, the student unions speak on behalf of the learners while also dabbling in national politics. Those who have what it takes can join student politics and cut their teeth in there for national politics. A number of national politicians started off this way. However, this political freedom ought not to interfere with the core business of reading with the goal of attaining a degree.
Spiritual life: Depending on one’s choice, there are worship centres on campus, including churches and mosques. Feel free to ask for directions and the schedule.
