When new students are admitted to public universities, they are assigned university-owned hostels which are cheaper and affordable than rented hostels.
But what makes them snub these hostels later, and go to rental houses outside the school periphery?
A Hivisasa writer did a research on Maseno University and found out why students don’t like residing in the school hostels.
Here are some of the reasons:
1. Freedom
Most students noted that they moved out of the hostels in search of freedom adding that they never wanted to be restricted by harsh hostels rules such as 10-10 policy.
“I wanted my freedom. If you stay outside the school, you will do whatever you want without time limit,” said Kevin Wandera, a third-year-student at Maseno.
2. Privacy:
Another compelling reason is privacy. Majority of the students said they were not happy being confined in a small room with others.
According to Kevin Omariba, a fourth-year economics student, when you stay in university hostels, there is no privacy, you have to time when your roommate is not around so that you can change your clothes.
3. Economy.
Some students revealed that life is cheaper with rental accommodation.
“Inside the school, you are not allowed to cook. You will buy food in hotels which are expensive. I’ll rather buy rice and cook it on my own. It’s cheaper that way,” said Kirui Evans.
4. Dating.
Universities have strict rules that restrict relationships, especially within the hostels. In most campuses, ladies are not allowed to stay in men's hostel past ten in the night and vice versa.
“I can stay with my boyfriend for as long as I want and no one will bother to find out,” Angeline Kemto told Hivisasa Writer.