Joining university is every student's dream but campus comes with a lot of challenges, ranging from academics to financial.
When first-year students joined the University of Eldoret in August, they were very glad to experience what they had been hearing about campus life.
Most students are embittered now as many things have turned out from what they had been expecting. The most annoying part is going broke. Many have faced difficulty in accessing essential services due to financial constraints.
We sought to find out why most freshers are broke unlike many of the senior colleagues.
Many freshers joined campus with a lot of money but since they were not used to such amounts, they spent the money on unnecessary things.
Micah Kiptoo, a first-year student said he had Sh40,000 at the beginning of the semester but he now survives at the mercy of his friends.
"I spent the money to purchase the latest design of clothes that fit the campus life not knowing that the semester takes four months. I regret the decision," he said.
Joan Jeptoo, a student at the Chepkoilel-based university said most freshers have not learned to budget their money.
"Most first-year students spent the money on unbudgeted things thus running broke before the semester ends," said Jeptoo.
Joram Mutai, said he fell on the same trap while in his first year of studies. He used the money to win the heart of a lady.
"There is a lady whom I was eyeing. I believed that to have her, I must use the money to convince her and that is how I ended up broke," said the third-year student.
"In campus, there is pressure to live out large. Many students want to own things just like their colleagues," added another student who identified herself as Atieno.
Barrack Ndung'u said they, the first years, have not been awarded loans from the Higher Education Loans Board (Helb). They depend on their parents, friends and well-wishers to support their financial needs.
"Our senior colleagues are bragging that they aren't broke as they have been awarded Helb. I think once we get the funds, we will not be this broke too," Barrack said.
It is clear from the student's responses that everything runs on campus on the money. There is a need for every student to spend the money they have diligently. Students should practice budgeting and spent money according to their standards.
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