Letter to all freshers joining university

Dear Freshers, we extend warm greetings and congratulations on securing admission to the university. Firstly, I want to make it clear to you that you are joining the university to acquire a university education, not a university certificate. By prioritising university education as your core mandate, the university certificate will automatically come as a bonus. You must therefore resist the temptation of thinking that the certificate is all that matters and instead focus on being educated, exposed, and holistically developed. University is not just about attending lectures; it is about broadening your horizons, challenging your thinking, and preparing you to face life in its rawest form.

When you join a university, freedom will hit you instantly. There will be no roll calls, no ringing bells for lessons, and nobody to push you around. You will be in charge of your own schedule. This is both empowering and dangerous. Empowering because you now have control of your life, but dangerous because if you misuse that freedom, you will pay dearly. Many have wasted their university years chasing fleeting pleasures, only to wake up too late with regrets. Guard your freedom, for it can make or destroy you.

Money is another test that you will encounter on campus. For the first time, you may find yourself receiving pocket money from parents, sponsors, or HELB. That money is never enough, and you will quickly realise that campus life is expensive. The temptation to live beyond your means will always be present. Peer pressure can make you want to dress, eat, and socialise like others. If you are not careful, debts can trap you, and financial stress can suffocate your academic dreams. Learn to budget every coin, avoid unnecessary luxuries, and live within your means.

Friendship is sweet, but it can also be a trap. You will meet people from all walks of life; some will inspire you, others will mislead you. The wrong company has destroyed destinies. You must, therefore, be deliberate in choosing with whom to walk. Ask yourself: Do my friends challenge me to grow, or do they hinder my progress? Remember, bad company corrupts good morals. Surround yourself with people who build you up.

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Drugs, alcohol, and substance abuse have destroyed many brilliant students. One small experiment can easily turn into a habit that wrecks your health, mind, and reputation. Do not be deceived that drugs make you ‘cool’ or that alcohol is the gateway to campus enjoyment. They only ruin focus, kill potential, and waste lives. Your body and mind are your greatest assets; protect them at all costs.

Relationships will come naturally on campus. You will meet attractive people, some of whom will pursue you aggressively. If you are not grounded, you will find yourself in entanglements that distract you from your purpose. Guard your heart, respect yourself, and set boundaries. Not every proposal is worth entertaining, not every compliment is genuine. Value yourself and never compromise your dignity for temporary pleasure.

Time management is another mountain you must climb. The university timetable is flexible, but your assignments, CATs, and exams are not. Many freshers waste their free time only to panic when deadlines approach. Do not fall into that trap. Use your time productively by joining clubs, societies, sports, and short courses. Discover your talents and sharpen your skills. The world out there is looking for more than just grades; it is seeking skills, character, and creativity.

Mentorship is one of the best gifts you can find on campus. Look for lecturers, alumni, and senior students who inspire you. They have walked the journey and carry lessons that can save you from painful mistakes. A wise person learns from others’ experiences; a fool insists on learning only from their own. Seek mentors and listen to them.

Peer pressure is a giant you will face daily. Everyone seems to be doing something—partying, experimenting, living carelessly—and you may feel odd if you don’t join in. However, remember that integrity, discipline, and faith will take you farther than popularity. Never betray your values for temporary acceptance. The loudest voices on campus fade away; only those with substance endure.

Campus life is not all books. You must learn to balance academics and social life. Yes, have fun, attend events, make memories, but never allow leisure to overshadow learning. Academics remain the primary reason you are in university. Let your books and grades testify that you did not waste your years.

Finally, remember that university time flies faster than you think. Before you know it, four years will be gone. If you do not plan each semester, you will look back with regret. Set goals at the beginning of every term, both academic and personal. Let each semester leave you better than before.

To help you keep these lessons close at heart, here’s a simple survival guide you can carry with you throughout campus life:

10 Golden Rules for Survival on Campus

1. Attend classes faithfully. Freedom is sweet, but skipping lectures will cost you dearly.

2. Manage your money wisely. Live within your means, avoid debts, and budget every dollar for what you need.

3. Choose friends carefully. The wrong company can derail your dreams; the right company can lift you higher.

4. Say no to drugs and substance abuse. They destroy focus, health and your future.

5. Guard your relationships. Respect yourself, set boundaries, and never compromise your values.

6. Use your free time productively. Join clubs, sports, societies or short courses to grow your skills.

7. Seek mentorship – Identify role models among lecturers, alumni, or senior students to guide you.

8. Stay rooted in your values. Integrity, faith, and discipline are stronger than peer pressure.

9. Balance academics and social life. Enjoy campus, but never let leisure overtake learning.

10. Plan every semester with goals. Time flies fast; let each term leave you better than before.

Dear fresher, embrace these lessons with seriousness. University is your golden chance to shape your destiny. Do not waste it.

By Ashford Kimani

Ashford teaches English and English in Gatundu North Sub County and serves as Dean of Studies.