College dress codes

After the rigours of high school life, the thought of adhering to new rules, especially concerning mode of dress, seem a bit much for many Kenyan students. EveGal talked to several female students from different universities about their take on dressing for collegeBy Shirley Genga, Nelly Obadha and Silvia NjokiNderaisho Mshila, 22, International Business Relations student at USIUWhat influences how you dress?Nderaisho Mshila, USIU It depends on my feelings when I wake up and where I am going. I don’t like dull colours, so you’ll rarely find me in them. Sometimes I follow trends.What is your take on dress codes in college?I think it is sad when college students are forced to stick to particular outfits. This is when they are preparing for the job market and they should be allowed to wear what they like to express themselves. Would you attend a college with a dress code?No.What would you consider as indecent dressing?I don’t like showing too much skin. Very short outfits not only make you uncomfortable, but they also make those around you uncomfortable.Restielly Reuben Mchome, 23, Bachelor of Commerce student at KCA University.What influences how you dress?It depends on the weather. I also like to be in vogue, so I always check the latest trends. Sometimes it’s just a random preference. What’s your take on dress codes in colleges?It’s very inconveniencing. I am from Dar-es-Salaam where it’s very hot, so I came with sleeveless dresses only to be told I couldn’t wear them to class. Dressing becomes a task, as you have to constantly think about what to wear. Some Restielly Reuben Muchome, KCAstudents even miss classes and sometimes exams when they are sent back home to change their clothes. We are in school to study and not to show off, so we should be let to wear what we feel comfortable in. I am glad the dress code was banned a month ago.Why was it banned?It didn’t appeal to many and it became a barrier to those who wanted to join the university.Did you know about the dress code when you joined?I only got to know about it when I was already enrolled. I had to separate my clothes into two — those I could wear to college and those I could wear out of college. I have been sent home a few times because of my outfit. The rules required that the outfit should not be too tight or too short. Sleeveless clothes were also not allowed.What do you consider as indecent dressing to college? Any outfit that shows too much skin is not appropriate.Naomi Mwelu, Daystar UniversityWhat do you think about the dress code rule at your college?I think it’s necessary and in line with the mission and vision of the university.What are some of the advantages or disadvantages of these rules?Naomi Mwelu, Daystar University It gives a sense of belonging and we can easily identify a visitor to the institution if they are dressed indecently. The rules also control people’s conduct and prevent formation of rich and poor categories. The uniformity puts everyone at per and, therefore, no one feels intimidated. Dressing is associated with morality and cultivation of moral standards starts with putting in place a dress code that matches the code of conduct.Some of the disadvantages are discontentment among a few students who defy and push for the abolition of the dress code. Some may dress decently just to comply with the rules, but when they are not on campus, they go back to their indecent outfits.Has the dress code affected your life in any way?Yes. I have learnt to dress appropriately, taking into consideration how I want other people to address me.It has made me understand that dressing is not a matter of respecting rules, but a personal choice. I have become used to dressing decently even when I am not on campus.It also helps me focus on my studies, as I am not distracted by the shocking outfits students in some campuses wear. How do most students take these rules?Some embrace them while others do not. The few who break the rules face the consequences outlined in the students’ handbook.What are your views on other universities without strict dress codes?It is a matter of personal choice, but I think it is important to have a dress code to psychologically prepare students for the working environment. It shapes morals and creates a low crisis environment such as preventing cases of rape.It prevents a situation where the university becomes like a fashion house where students outdo each other in dressing. Chloe Adhiambo, 20, University of NairobiChloe Adhiambo, University of Nairobi. Describe your style?Tomboy with a girlish twist.What do you think about dress codes?They limit a person’s expression. I think personal style is important because from one’s clothes and general sense of style, you can tell a lot about the person. What do you like about not having a dress code?It is one of the best things about my college. It allows freedom of expression through dressing, which enables us to come up with our own boundaries without being forced.What are your views on institutions with strict dress codes?I think dress codes deny students an important part of their youth. The way a student dresses has nothing to do with their behaviour. And since we’ll have the rest of our lives to dress officially when we get employed, why not give us a little freedom to wear what we want while on campus? What is decent wear according to you?Anything you can wear and comfortably walk through ‘jobless corner’ without getting stripped or stoned.Fridah Mukami Njoroge, 22, Bachelor of commerce student at Strathmore University.Freda Mukami Njoropge, Strathmore. Photos: Pius Cheruiyot, Silvia Njoki, Maxwel AgwandaWas it a challenge adjusting to a dress code when you joined the university?We are required to dress in businesslike or official outfits and it was really challenging for me. Before I joined Strathmore, my wardrobe was full of jeans and all other kinds of outfits, but I had to change all to conform with the rules that would guide me through my four years here. Most of the students find it hard to adhere to the dress code in first year. Some try to defy, but soon realise it is futile, especially if they intend to continue their studies smoothly.How has having a dress code changed your life?Having the rules promoted a sense of decency and morality among the students. I appreciated the training to adhere to a dress code during my internship. I did not have any problems dressing for work.How does the institution ensure the dress code is adhered to? There are ‘fashion cops’ at the two gates of the campus who can stop you if they feel your trousers are too tight or your top is revealing. The first punishment is surrendering your school ID card, but if you continue defying you either get suspended or expelled.

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