The first step into the university campus is typically a leap into the unknown. A lot is anticipated and some expectations are met, but sometimes things don’t always go as planned. Michael Ainomugisha interviewed a number of first-year students to learn about their university experiences so far.
“With the short time I have been at UCU, I think it is one of the best universities in Uganda, and I’m proud to be here because of its excellent lecturers who rarely miss classes. The campus is clean, with a refreshing environment full of trees and fresh air. Students can easily interact with lecturers, which helps us excel academically. UCU also supports sports, which is great for refreshing the mind. However, there are some challenges, like the fixed timetable, long hours from morning to 6pm, Saturday classes, and slow Wi-Fi.”
— Jovia Nakagolo, BHRM1
“Before I came to UCU, I had this image that it was a strict school with tight rules and regulations. My friends even said it was more like boarding school, but I didn’t mind. Deep down, I loved everything about UCU because I wanted to come out as a well-rounded lady—someone of value and substance to society—and I knew I could find that at UCU. When I arrived, I found that discipline is paramount here, along with faith. To have discipline and respect for others, one must first respect themselves and fear the Lord. That’s what I’ve seen here, from the staff who received us to the students. At UCU, I haven’t experienced anything like bullying; instead, people are kind and correct mistakes with compassion and hospitality, whether it’s from students or administration. So far, I haven’t seen anything negative.”
— Elizabeth Kaanyi BAJC1
“At first, I was really excited about joining campus. But then the assignments have started piling up. Every lecture ended with an assignment, and all of them were graded. The lecturers are fine; no problem there. Managing time has been tough for me, especially being in and out of the hostel. The dust outside campus is too much, but the facilities, like the gym and ice cream, are really great. The WiFi, though, is slow.
People are so enclosed in their own worlds. I like it that everybody is living their own lives, but I’ve noticed that everybody wants to make a friend, but they’re just in their comfort zone.”
— Raymond Ntumwa, BCS1
“Campus is amazing so far. I’ve always looked forward to what my college experience would be like, and I like it here at UCU. It’s amazing. I love the different rooms. I wouldn’t want to be going to the same rooms for class. I wouldn’t like a small university, and UCU allows me to have this big, diverse world from the library to the Bishop Tucker Building to the courts and the pitch. It looks so amazing. The people here are extra friendly, and that’s a highlight for me because I get to discuss assignments and do a lot of class work together. The challenging part, however, is that I hike from where I stay to walk around campus and the different classes. That’s the hard part.”
— Patricia Blessing, BGIR.
“It has been a bit challenging because everyone is new and seems to mind their own business. It was one of the first things I noticed—there’s not much interaction outside of class discussions. However, I’ve been meeting people from different tribes, which is nice but sometimes hard to relate to. Academically, it’s different from what I expected. I had heard rumours about strict deadlines and a fast pace, but it’s not as intense as I thought; I am actually enjoying it. In the beginning, it felt a bit lonely trying to meet people, but over time, things are improving, and I believe they’ll continue to get better.”
— Ambrose Obonyo, HEC, Physical.
“So far, I’m not complaining. UCU is a fantastic university that offers vast opportunities for personal and academic growth. My fellow students, especially those in my faculty, are incredibly friendly, hospitable, and encouraging, creating a supportive community. However, there are some harsh realities that come with campus life. I have to navigate retakes, tests, and unexpected pop quizzes, which can be stressful. Additionally, there’s strict enforcement of the dress code, particularly for ladies, which can feel restrictive at times. I’m also facing the challenges of adulting—striving for independence and self-reliance while figuring out my strengths and weaknesses along the way.”
— Yvonne Mutesi, BAJC
“So far, campus life has been challenging for me since I first arrived. During my first week, I was robbed, which really affected my confidence and made it hard for me to feel comfortable on campus. I felt pressured to return, and although I faced some challenges that first week, I’ve managed to overcome them. I have realised that campus is quite different from high school; I now have a lot of freedom and many opportunities to explore. My favourite place on campus is definitely the basketball court. It’s where I connect with friends and enjoy my leisure time. It’s a great space to unwind, especially in the evenings.”
— Bruno Mandala, BAJC
