Must-knows for freshers to kick-start university journey

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When Joshua Mubiru joined Makerere University to pursue his bachelor’s degree, he was extremely excited. “I was so happy to have been admitted, to the point that I never paid so much attention to what was happening around me at the university,” he says. “Being at Makerere was just a dream come true.”

Mubiru recalls attending the freshers’ orientation, but admits that very little of it stayed with him. “I could barely recall what was said during the address,” he recollects. “I was just excited to have joined the university.”

As for the library, he says with a grin that he may have visited it only twice. “I wasn’t a bad student; neither was I the best. I just didn’t pay much attention to my academic journey. Otherwise, I would have aced it.”

Looking back, Mubiru believes excellence is not accidental; it is a trait that requires effort and intention.

“There are people from whom excellence is expected because it was taught and instilled in them early in life. And then there are people like me, it was never really taught, so to us, it felt normal, not a must.”

Because of this mindset, he says, many students simply go through university without putting in much effort. “Our education system never really taught us to love knowledge, think critically, or appreciate how that knowledge influences how we observe and navigate life.”

“Perhaps if I had paid more attention during orientation, I would have been an excellent student.”

Despite this, Mubiru is grateful for one thing: his deep involvement in Christianity and church at the time he joined university.

He believes it grounded him. “If it wasn’t for that, I would have done all the bad things imaginable for a young person joining university, does from abusing alcohol and drugs, being in multiple relationships, and more. I don’t know if I would have the life I have today. I know it would have been bad.”

Yvette Talwana, also a university student studying at Uganda Christian University (UCU), shares a different but equally revealing experience of life as a fresher.

“I would say I just fell into campus,” she says. “The guidance I received wasn’t even half of what I expected. You have people telling you, ‘Oh my God, campus, be ready. Lecturers are strict. There is coursework. Be careful about boys, about men.’ But it’s different when someone tells you to watch out for something and when you actually experience it yourself.”

For Talwana, campus life was overwhelming at first. “Settling into the society was one thing, and actually being comfortable in it was another. There were so many habits I had to get rid of because of anxiety, fear of being judged, and fear of people thinking I was immature.”

She admits she came to university feeling like she had to act a certain way. “I thought I had to grow up by force because it’s university. People say you should act like a grown-up. But then you get here, you are with your peers, and you realise they are just as confused as you are.”

That realisation, she says, was freeing. “You relax a bit when you understand that it’s not that serious. That was my experience. And it’s funny I’m in third year now, but I still experience changes every single time.”

When asked what advice she would give freshers, Yvette speaks candidly and from experience.

First, she emphasises the importance of belonging. “Look for where you fit in. Don’t just try to force yourself into a society where you have to change who you are. Look for people who understand you, people you can relate with easily.”

Secondly, she encourages students not to fear lecturers. “This isn’t secondary school. You can actually talk to lecturers when you feel lost. No one expects you to understand everything immediately, you are just coming from secondary school.”

She recalls how long it took her to open up. “It took me three whole months before I could talk to a lecturer, just because people had told me they were tough and would give retakes easily. But honestly, they are human beings, most of them are parents. They understand.”

Her third piece of advice is simple yet powerful: don’t believe everything you hear. “People will tell you that campus is full of drugs, distractions, and bad influences. Yes, you are free but what are you doing with that freedom?”

She explains that university is a place where personal responsibility becomes real. “You are no longer in secondary school where everything is controlled. You have to think for yourself. Ask yourself: Is this good for me? Is this safe?”

Talwana encourages freshers to experience things firsthand rather than relying on assumptions.

“What something seems to be, might not actually be the truth. Some people you think will guide you might mislead you. So go in, observe, think critically, and stay relaxed.”

On orientation, Yvette has a balanced view. “I attended freshers’ orientation. They tell you, ‘Welcome to the university, this is this, this is that.’ Honestly, it feels a bit like a mandatory thing.”

Still, she acknowledges its usefulness. “You get important information, like emergency contacts. For example, I got the UCU campus police number. I have never used it, but it’s good to have.”

Academically, Yvette admits her first year was confusing and challenging. “You are free, but you have to remember you are here to study. That should be your first priority.”

She describes how easy it is to get distracted. “You read when you want. Coursework comes and goes. Then you suddenly realise that 40% of your grade is from coursework and that’s a big deal because your Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) matters.”

Her wake-up call came when she got a retake. “I panicked. I cried. I thought my life was over. But honestly, I blame myself.”

She explains that many first-year students relax too much after leaving the structured environment of secondary school. “You come from a place where you are pushed all the time. Then you get to campus, where no one is pushing you, and you relax too much and forget why you are there.”

That experience changed her perspective. “That retake woke me up. It made me realise that, regardless of everything, I’m here to study.”

She adds with resolve, “I told myself, never again. I can have fun, but I have to remember that this is still school. Have fun, but do it responsibly.”

What freshers should do

Gold Ikyiriza, a former student leader at Makerere University and former Vice President of the Uganda National Students Association (UNSA), offers practical advice for freshers navigating campus life.

She emphasises the importance of familiarising oneself with the environment. New students should know where key places like the library, cafeteria, and administration offices are located. Orientation week, she notes, is especially important because it provides essential university information. 

Time management is another key pillar. Students must learn to balance academics, social life, and even part-time work if necessary. Joining clubs and groups that align with personal interests can help build connections and create a sense of belonging.

Ikyiriza also encourages students to pursue what they are passionate about, whether it is student leadership, debate, or other extracurricular activities. At the same time, she stresses the importance of acquiring practical skills that will be useful beyond university.

“Don’t be afraid to ask for help,” she advises. “Lecturers and seniors are there to guide you.”

She also highlights the importance of confidence and self-advocacy. Students should stand up for themselves and put themselves out there, but without neglecting their studies.

“Keep your priorities straight,” she says. “Academics first, then the party.”

Financial discipline is equally important. Freshers are encouraged to budget wisely and make the most of their resources. Task management also matters; prioritise work, tackle difficult assignments first, and set achievable goals by breaking them down into smaller steps.

To maintain productivity, students should minimise distractions, take breaks to avoid burnout, and regularly evaluate what is working and what is not.

Finally, Ikyiriza recommends joining discussion groups that align with one’s academic or career interests. “It helps you grow and network,” she says.