For many students, joining university is always an exciting milestone. It marks the transition from secondary school to a new world of freedom, independence and responsibility. For freshers, the first few months on campus are filled with discoveries, adventures and inevitable challenges. Some take their studies seriously, others revel in social life, while many are simply learning to balance both.
Here are 10 familiar characters you will almost certainly encounter among first-year university students in Kenya.
1. The lost and confused chap
He looks bewildered from the moment he steps onto campus. He struggles to find lecture halls, has no idea how to register units, and often ends up in the wrong hostel. You will hear him constantly asking for directions, and on occasion, he might even be found in the wrong lecture hall after taking a wrong turn.
2. The mjuaji
Unlike the lost chap, this one behaves like a know-it-all. Strangely, despite being just a week old on campus, he seems to know everyone and everything. He is quick to tell other freshers where the canteen is, which lecturer teaches what, and how to navigate campus life.
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3. The serious, academically focused fresher
She has one mission: to study diligently, graduate and make her parents proud. She detests men like plague and doesn’t welcome any advances from the opposite sex, regardless of the intention. She dedicates most of her time to the library or revision. Her strong commitment to academics often sees her elected as class representative.
4. The quiet introvert
Reserved and shy, he speaks only when spoken to and spends most of his time alone. He skips social events, preferring the corner of a lecture hall or the solitude of his room. It usually takes him a long time to open up and build friendships.
5. The social butterfly
Outgoing and charming, she makes friends effortlessly. She knows people in every hostel, club and class, and is always laughing, chatting and connecting with others. While some may dismiss her as not serious, many admire her warm personality. For her, campus life is about people and relationships.
6. The overexcited fresher
For this student, everything about campus life is thrilling—new friends, parties, lecturers, even the library. She joins every club and floods her social media with daily updates about her life in campus. However, the initial excitement gradually fades as reality sets in.
7. The homesick fresher
Though physically on campus, her heart remains at home. She calls her mother several times a day, often in tears, sharing stories of new experiences, challenges and financial struggles. Adjusting to life without her family nearby proves a daunting task.
8. The hustler fresher
Business-minded and resourceful, this fresher quickly spots opportunities to make money. From selling snacks and clothes to offering services, such as photocopying or airtime, she relies less on pocket money and more on her entrepreneurial drive. For her, university is both a place to study and to build a financial future.
9. The relationship fresher
Barely settled, she dives straight into the world of romance. Within her first week, she has a boyfriend—or even a “mubaba”—not just for companionship, but often, financial support. She may move in with her partner almost immediately. Her campus experience revolves around love stories, break-ups and reconciliations.
10. The Fashionista
Determined to stand out, she treats campus like her personal runway. Dressed in the latest styles with matching shoes, hairstyles and accessories, she is always selfie-ready. Her social media shines with her outfits of the day. For her, looks often outweighs academics.