Good morning and welcome to Egerton University!
First, congratulations to each one of you. You have worked hard to get here and we are happy to welcome you to this institution. You are now officially university students. University is an exciting stage of life. You will make friends, discover new interests, face challenges and learn many things beyond what is taught in the lecture halls. I want to give you a few simple pieces of advice as you begin this journey.
First, learn to make your own decisions. You are now at university and you will have much more freedom than you had in secondary school. Your parents may not be physically here to check whether you attended a lecture, but remember, they can still follow your academic progress through the Parents Portal! So, do not assume that what happens in campus stays in campus. University gives you freedom, but remember: freedom comes with responsibility.Please take your studies seriously from the beginning. Attend your classes, do your assignments, read and consult your lecturers. Do not wait until examinations are around the corner to suddenly become a “serious student.”
I also want to speak frankly about drugs and irresponsible behaviour. Avoid drugs and substance abuse. Do not allow friends to convince you that taking drugs is a sign of being “cool” or that you cannot have fun without them. You are here to build your future, not to experiment with things that can destroy it.Be careful about alcohol and other substances and avoid getting yourself into situations where you lose control of your behaviour. A few minutes of excitement can create consequences that follow you for years.And please, choose your friends carefully. Some friends will encourage you to attend class, work hard and grow. Others will tell you, “Hey, there is no need to attend that lecture; we will get the notes.” You may discover later that the notes are from 2019!
Be responsible in your relationships. Respect yourselves and respect one another. Avoid violence, harassment, sexual misconduct and behaviour that can put you or others at risk. If you have personal, emotional or mental health challenges, do not suffer silently. Seek help. There are people within the University who can support you.
I also urge you to be careful online. Think before you post. The internet does not forget easily. Do not use social media to abuse people, spread misinformation, circulate obscene material, cheat, impersonate others or damage someone's reputation. What looks funny today may become very serious tomorrow.
Finally, do not spend your four/five years only moving between your hostel and lecture room. Join clubs, societies, sports, leadership activities and other programmes. Make friends, develop skills and discover what you are capable of.
Remember: you are responsible for the choices you make. Your time at Egerton can be one of the best periods of your life if you use your freedom wisely.
Welcome to Egerton University. We believe in you, we are here to support you and we look forward to seeing you succeed.
I wish you all the very best in your studies and in this new chapter of your lives.
