Commuting at university can really get hard especially when it’s not what you dreamed of while at high school. Today, we bring you an exclusive interview with a one Nyakato Pauline, who’s a finalist of the Economics and Statistics course at Kyambogo university. In here, you’ll find words that carry a magnitude of meaning, words that inspire and build conquerors….writes Lynn Tukei.
Tell me more about your life as a commuter, how was it like?
Throughout the three years, most of my lectures began as early as 7:00am. This forced me to be up as early as 5:45am to prepare for school, unless I had intended to go late for class that day.
Was it your decision to commute?
No, not really….financial constraints.
Okay, How was your journey from home like, what transport means did you use?
I had to make a stopover at two stages on a daily basis to reach campus, same routine as I head back home. It was really challenging. Sometimes I wouldn’t find taxis at the stage in my pursuit to reach campus on time. At times the taxis would delay me as they tried to pick people on the way, this usually left me irritated and I would give the conductor that awkward irritable look which usually never helps of course.
I get where you are coming from. What was the worst part about commuting?
I really did not like going late or chopping a lecture. The worst part of getting to campus late was finding the lecture room already full. My course mates were a group of early birds, you reach at 6:55am, thinking you are early enough to grab yourself a front seat, all you encounter is the greatest disappointment, all the front seats occupied. That kind of timing was good enough to earn you a seat in the middle, but no!
You know, the most annoying part of booking was watching the person for whom the seat had been secured for come in 30min after the start of the lecture seat infront while your seated behind struggling to hear what the lecturer is saying. So, here’s what I did, I hooked myself up with an early bird called Judith. This girl used to commute from Makindye but by 7:00am, she was always in the lecture room however much it could have rained that morning. With Judith around, I knew didn’t have to worry about missing a front seat any more.
Did you wish you were at hostel?
I found it cool residing in a hostel because of the freedom one had and the added advantage of being close to campus and all. However, being in hostel had its own disadvantages. While chapati, rolex and kikomando were the meals of the day for some students residing in hostel, I, on the other hand was always privileged to retire to a nutritious supper accompanied with a glass of juice. Feeding was not any of my worries as a commuter. As you can see, I’m perfectly healthy!
(We both heartily laugh out)
Thanks for that insight, Are there any other advantages of commuting?
Yes, there is a great feeling of safety while at home compared to those who reside in hostels whose security is not guaranteed. I must say, there are less temptations of being out late all the time since you know you are always monitored at home which is risky for a girl like me, unlike in hostels. While commuting, your parents must know your whereabouts and what you are doing. Generally, home is safe and less risky.
I find your words sincere and very capable of touching a confused commuter out there. Any final words to the struggling commuters?
Residing in hostel or commuting, government sponsored or private sponsored, at the end of it all, that doesn’t really matter. As long as you are seated in the same class, enrolled under the same program, y’all have equal opportunities of making it out successfully with amazing CGPA’s. It all depends on your hard work, determination, sacrifice and perseverance that you invest in while at the university.
