When Joshua Arinda checked into his first hostel at university, he had no idea what awaited him. Hardly a month in the residence, he began to feel painful itchy bites at night. That is when it dawned on him that his hostel was bed bug-infested.
“Even when I sprayed, it didn’t help because people kept bringing them back,” Arinda says, describing how the infestation spread amongst rooms and visitors.
What started as a discomfort quickly exposed deeper issues — poor hygiene, overcrowding and weak management — ultimately pushing him to leave in search of a better living environment.
Why Hostel Choice Matters
Choosing the right hostel goes beyond convenience. It directly shapes a student’s safety, finances, academic focus and overall well-being.
Moses Kiggundu, a manager of Kabojja Hostel in Banda, Kampala, says many students underestimate how much their living environment affects their university experience. “Where a student stays determines how safe they feel, how much they spend and even how well they perform academically,” he says.
A secure and well-managed hostel prevents unnecessary stress, while a poorly managed one can expose students to theft, distractions and unhealthy living conditions.
Kiggundu says comfort also plays a key role. “If a student is not comfortable where they stay, it becomes hard to concentrate or even rest properly,” he says, adding that factors like noise, overcrowding and unreliable utilities can quickly disrupt routines.
Choosing a Hostel
Kiggundu advises students to take a practical approach when selecting accommodation, focusing on essentials rather than appearance. “Security should always come first,” he says, emphasising the need for features such as guards, secure locks and controlled access. Proximity to campus is another critical factor, as long distances can increase transport costs and lead to lateness for lectures.
Kiggundu also highlights the importance of reliable utilities. “Water and electricity should be consistent. These are basic needs, not luxuries,” he says. Access to stable internet is equally important, especially for research and coursework.
Students should also consider room occupancy. “Overcrowding affects comfort and privacy, which can lead to unnecessary conflicts,” he says.
Types of Accommodation
University halls are university-managed residences located within or very close to campus. They offer a structured living environment with regulated entry, security and clear rules. Their pros include reliable security, proximity to lecture rooms and organised systems. However, they come with limited space, strict regulations and less personal freedom.
Private hostels are independently owned facilities around campus, varying widely in quality and management. They offer more freedom and potential for better amenities such as WiFi, furnished rooms and entertainment. On the downside, they tend to cost more, with inconsistent standards, varying levels of security and maintenance.
Rentals and shared accommodation see university students rent houses or apartments, often sharing with friends to split costs. This option offers independence, flexible living arrangements and the ability to manage inclusive utility bills when shared. However, added responsibility — bills and cleaning — distance from the university, less security, neighbour disputes and noise complaints are common downsides.
Amenities and Costs
Accommodation costs vary depending on location and quality, but students should plan beyond just rent.
Rent: University halls are often the most affordable, while private hostels cost higher depending on the facilities. Shared rentals can reduce individual costs but require upfront co-ordination.
Utilities: Some hostels include water and electricity in the rent fee, but many charge separately. In rentals, students typically handle all utility bills including garbage collection.
Hidden costs such as these often catch students off-guard and may include security fees, WiFi subscriptions, furniture and maintenance charges. In some cases, students also pay for services like cleaning or laundry.
Hostel Prices
Mulono — Uganda Christian University area: Ranges from sh400,000 to sh900,000 per semester.
Wandegeya — Makerere area: Ranges from sh500,000 to sh1,200,000 per semester, with wide variations due to high demand.
Banda — Kyambogo area: Ranges from sh700,000 to sh1,200,000 per semester, with prices varying depending on the level of comfort.
Mistakes Students Make
“One of the biggest mistakes is choosing a hostel based only on price,” Kiggundu says. While cheaper options may seem attractive, they often come with hidden compromises in security, hygiene or convenience.
He also warns against ignoring location. “Distance might look manageable at first, but over time it affects both finances and time management,” he says.
Another issue is failing to inspect the hostel physically. “Photos can be misleading. What you see online is not always the reality on the ground,” Kiggundu says.
