By Fortunate Mwesigwa
What is a university? This is a question many ask themselves as they prepare to join what they believe is the pinnacle of education. While a university is indeed an institution of higher learning, it is much more— it is a place of opportunity, equipping students with skills in research, studies, realising dreams, and social networking. Many look forward to being part of it, seeing it as a transformative experience and a chance to fulfil lifelong goals. But is university life everything it is often perceived to be? The best answer may come from the students themselves, particularly the freshmen.
Freshman experience
For most freshmen, starting university is marked by excitement and sometimes unrealistic expectations. These fantasies are often fuelled by high school teachers, personal imagination, or assumptions developed during the transition from high school. In high school, life was almost like a ‘remote control’ setting, with routines fixed by the school: specific times to study, eat, sleep, and even restrictions on phone use. Phones were nearly mythical, and for those with access, strict regulations applied. High school students were essentially guided by what their schools programmed for them.
University, however, is a different world entirely. Many freshmen arrive with the impression that university will be a relaxed, fun-filled experience with minimal studying. Some teachers may have told them that campus life would be full of relaxation and freedom. Many students imagine that they will not be bound by rules or accountability. Yet, these dreams often crumble quickly as reality sets in.
One of the earliest lessons for freshmen is financial discipline. During the first few weeks, it is common to see new students splurging on popular eateries like KFC and CJ’s or indulging in local favourites like the beloved rolex. there is often a spree of parties and gatherings, with new students eager to impress and socialise, all of which requires decent funding. But soon, lectures and assignments kick in, and the need for financial restraint becomes unavoidable.
Financial realities
Adjusting to university also means navigating financial strain. For many freshmen, funds from parents and support from relatives diminish once the semester is in full swing. As reality hits, students often start making lifestyle changes: some opt for one meal a day, avoid social outings, or switch to drinking boiled water instead of bottled. Not everyone, however, faces the same challenges. Some students are fortunate to have good planning skills or financial backing. For these students, social pressure and the search for friendship may be their main concerns. While some want to reinvent themselves, others approach each day with curiosity, ready for new experiences.
But there are disappointments too. Freshmen often learn the hard way that university life has rules, sometimes imposed by the institution, sometimes by life itself. For instance, safety concerns might mean a student must avoid walking alone at night. Self-regulation becomes necessary even when no one is watching. Academically, university life is much more intense than the leisurely picture some high school teachers painted. The rigour of coursework, assignments, mandatory lectures, and the pressure to avoid retakes add a layer of stress that freshmen don’t always anticipate.
Balance independence, responsibility
Parents have expectations for their children at university, and students themselves set personal goals. These expectations create pressure, particularly as students consider the reality of achieving their desired careers and lifestyles. University is indeed a period of significant change and independence, but this freedom is a double-edged sword. Some students lose their way, indulging in lifestyles that waste their time and resources. According to Bright Atuhaire, a first-year law student at Uganda Christian University, losing oneself is a risk when seeking constant entertainment. “At a certain point, you’ll see some friends doing things that don’t align with your values, and you’ll need to distance yourself,” Atuhaire observes. The excitement of newfound freedom is different for everyone, and for those without self-control, poor decisions can have lasting consequences.
Although independence is thrilling, it is crucial to approach it responsibly. As in life, play and relaxation are essential, and it is perfectly acceptable to socialise and engage in campus activities. Exploring opportunities related to one’s field of study and participating in diverse experiences are valuable parts of university life. Yet, setting priorities is what often sets successful students apart. The most important tasks should be handled promptly, while the enjoyable aspects of campus life remain in balance.
As the saying goes, live in the present moment, for it is all we truly have. And at university, this present moment, if used wisely, can shape a bright future.
The writer is a student of Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communication at Uganda Christian University.
