PHOTO: Sunrise Apartments located near Bahamas| COURTESY

Starting your higher learning journey at Moi University is an exhilarating experience filled with new opportunities and challenges. One of the pivotal decisions you'll face as a first-year student is where to call home during your time on campus. Fortunately, Moi University offers two primary housing options: residing in school hostels or renting residential houses privately outside the university. This article contains the details to help you make an informed choice.

Residing in university hostels

For many first-year students, opting for hostel accommodation provides a convenient and budget-friendly solution. Moi University boasts close to 15 hostels in main campus, catering to different preferences and budgets. The hostel charges typically range between 2,500 shillings and 10,000 shillings per semester (approximately 4 months), depending on the type of hostel you select.

Here's a breakdown of some of the benefits of choosing hostel accommodation:

•Moi University hostel charges are structured to accommodate students from diverse financial backgrounds, making it a cost-effective option compared to renting residential houses privately. Again, as a first year, living within the university premises is very convenient, since you're just a stone's throw away from your classes, library, eateries, and other essential facilities. This proximity saves you time, transportation costs and very helpful since you're not well conversant with the surroundings outside university.

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•Hostels also foster a sense of community living among students, providing opportunities for social interaction, collaboration, and lifelong friendships. As a first year, it is very beneficial to have roommates or your peers in hostel, who you can turn to in case you're experiencing any challenge that  you may need help to overcome.

•Lastly, Moi University hostels are equipped with essential amenities such as adequate security, water supply, and communal areas, ensuring a comfortable living experience. However, most hostels are very old and hygiene is really wanting.

Renting residential houses privately outside campus

While hostel accommodation offers numerous advantages, some students may prefer the independence and privacy that come with renting residential houses off-campus. Here's what you need to know about this alternative housing option.

Renting a residential house gives you greater autonomy in choosing your living environment, from the type of house to its location and amenities. Of course the quality depends on the price.
Unlike hostel living where one shares a room with 2 to 3 other individuals, renting a private house offers increased privacy and personal space, allowing you to create a conducive environment for studying and relaxation.

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House rent outside the campus grounds vary widely depending on factors such as the location, size of the house, their condition, and amenities of the property. On average, monthly rents range between 3,000 shillings and 10,000 shillings per month, with additional costs for utilities like water and electricity.

Factors to consider

Before making your housing decision whether to reside in university hostels or private residential, consider the following factors:

i. Budget- Evaluate your financial resources and choose an accommodation option that fits within your budget while meeting your needs and preferences

ii. Location- You can assess the proximity of the housing options to campus facilities, transportation routes and costs, shopping centers, and other essential amenities. Some estates are served with very poor access roads that are extremely muddy/dusty with changing seasons.

iii. Safety and Security- Prioritize accommodations that offer adequate security measures to ensure your safety and peace of mind. Some estates outside university are prone to insecurity cases, especially at nightfall, so you have to consider this.

Word of advice

It is highly recommend to reside in the varsity hostels at least for your first semester as a first year. This is majorly because, being a freshman, you have very little details on the outside environment and the potential dangers it may hold. You can consider living off campus in your second semester, or in your subsequent years.