Students returning early for special exams face hidden

Students returning early for special examinations often struggle to secure temporary campus accommodation.
Hostel regulations can leave financially vulnerable learners searching for somewhere safe to spend the night.
Gladys Mutua argues universities need flexible arrangements to support students with legitimate academic needs.

As universities reopen, many students return to campus with hope and determination. Some arrive days before reporting because they are preparing for special examinations, carrying with them dreams of improving their academic performance. However, for some, the first challenge is not the examination itself; it is finding a place to sleep.

Imagine arriving at the university after travelling for hours, only to be told that you cannot stay in the school hostel because the official reporting date has not yet arrived. You are asked to leave despite being a registered student with an upcoming examination. With no relatives nearby and limited money to afford private accommodation, you are left stranded, wondering where you will spend the night.

Many students face this difficult situation every semester. They are caught between university regulations and their academic responsibilities. While hostel management may have policies that prevent early occupation, the lack of temporary accommodation leaves vulnerable students exposed to financial stress, insecurity and emotional distress.

“I did not defer my exams because I was lazy or unwilling to learn. I deferred because I could not afford the school fees. Now that I have another chance, I am faced with a different challenge: I have nowhere to stay. Instead of concentrating on my books, I spent hours looking for somewhere to sleep,” one student explained.

University officials may argue that hostels cannot be opened before the official reporting date because of maintenance, cleaning or administrative procedures. These concerns are understandable. However, students with valid reasons for arriving early also deserve consideration.

“We are still students, with school IDs in our hands, carrying dreams of our future for tomorrow. I still believe that education can change my life. All I ask for is a fair opportunity to learn without the burden of being stranded.”

Universities can provide temporary accommodation

Higher education institutions could introduce an early check-in system for students sitting special examinations, set aside a few hostel rooms for emergency accommodation, or establish a clear process for requesting permission to report early. Better communication before reopening would also help students plan in advance and avoid unnecessary hardship.

Education should begin with an environment that supports learning. When students arrive ready to prepare for important examinations, they should not have to choose between revising for their papers and searching for a safe place to sleep.