As the first term of the 2024-2025 academic year nears its conclusion, Level 1 students at the University of Rwanda look back on their first four months on campus. For many, the journey has been a blend of surprises and disappointments, challenging their initial expectations before stepping into university life.
In an effort to capture these fresh perspectives, The Kaminuza Star spoke with Level 1 students from various programs, inviting them to share their personal experiences since the academic year began on September 16, 2024.
Iranzi Adeline, a student in the Department of Mental Health Nursing, recounts her first day at the University of Rwanda was a mix of curiosity, anxiety, and awe. “The anticipation and excitement bubbled within me as I stepped onto the sprawling campus,” she recalls
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Iranzi recounted the intimidating maze of towering buildings she encountered: “The repeated names were Koica, Babiment, Mamba, Auditorium, Gymnase—not to forget UR Stadium,” she added.
Her initial fears were eased by the presence of her former schoolmates from Groupe Scolaire Officiel De Butare (GSOB), who had arrived earlier and offered guidance. “They were having more experiences than those newcomers, including me,” she said.
Adding a touch of humor, she remarked, “That strange maze continued when they gave us a hostel, and I used to remove the letter S to make it sound like a hotel, not a hostel! Crazy but fun, right?”
She also fondly recalled her first class with Lecture Celestin, who left a lasting impression. “He was too kind and friendly to all students. For my first day, he taught us English as always. He was a man to notice.”
Patient Iyumva Munyaneza, a student in Medicine and Surgery, expressed his reflections on achieving his long-held dream of studying at the University of Rwanda.
“Ever since secondary school, studying at UR has been my dream. I always viewed being a university student as prestigious, and achieving that goal felt like a dream come true,” he said.
However, his first four months at UR brought unexpected challenges. “Before joining, I imagined university life would offer plenty of freedom, but I’ve learned it’s incredibly demanding.”
“Most days are packed with full-time study schedules, and lecturers provide extensive slides filled with detailed content that can take days to review.”
Beyond academics, managing life outside the classroom posed additional hurdles for Munyaneza, which was somehow unfamiliar to him, “One major struggle is figuring out how to budget the monthly living allowance, which is rarely enough to cover all personal needs,” he explained.
Keddy Ujeneza, a student in the Midwifery Department at the University of Rwanda’s Huye campus, shared his reflections on her initial experiences.
“My first day on campus was both exciting and enlightening, I explored the campus, attended classes, and met new people. The vibrant campus life, especially during induction week, made me feel familiar with UR Huye campus and Huye District at large.”
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Reflecting on his journey, Keddy noted, “My time at UR has been rewarding and enriching, allowing me to expand my knowledge and develop new skills.”
Most of them echoed the same sentiments about having total control over self, which they all considered thrilling and challenging at the same time.
Cherubine Kundwa, a student in Political Science, revealed to The Kaminuza Star that when she first joined the university, her initial expectations didn’t meet the reality, but she has thoroughly enjoyed her university experience so far.
“One of the things that surprised me is the crowd on campus. The university has many students and with diverse attitudes, and I have enjoyed experiencing this diversity,
“Another experience I have had is being responsible for myself. This is both one of the most rewarding and most challenging experiences because many of us grew up at home or in school under the guidance of mentors such as parents, housemasters, and guardians. Suddenly finding yourself in a situation where you have to take full responsibility for yourself can be quite complicated,” she said
When asked about unmet expectations, Kundwa said she had no complaints, as everything was thrilling. However, she noted that university studies are far more demanding than secondary school, with an overwhelming workload at UR.
For Level 1 students, their university journey began with induction weeks, held from August 12 to August 27, 2024. These two weeks served as an introduction to campus life, helping students familiarize themselves with their new environment, academic expectations, and the resources available to support their transition.
Prince Ruzigana / The Kaminuza Star