• First years being naïve, they are also introduced to drugs because maybe at the place where they stay be it hostels or outside the school they could be seeing it and maybe they are even convinced to try and so as not to be seen as laggard or ''mshamba'' to be precise they give in.

The dream of every Form Four leaver is to pass with flying colors, making their parents proud and unlocking the doors to university, where they can finally pursue the future they’ve worked so hard for.

This dream is born from sleepless nights, countless exams, and the quiet hope that their efforts will pay off.

Yet, beyond these aspirations, every Form Four leaver yearns for freedom—to experience life after high school, choosing what to wear, when to wake up, and enjoying unrestricted phone usage, free from the strict routines imposed by parents or guardians.

When Form Four leavers receive their results and anticipate joining university, they often hear advice from friends and relatives already in college.

They might hear that "no one will follow you around," implying that class attendance isn’t closely monitored. This misconception can lead to skipping classes, which becomes a point of pride among peers.

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Such behavior can result in unpreparedness for exams, creating anxiety that may drive students to consider cheating. In their naïveté, first-year students may also be introduced to drugs, especially if they’re exposed to them in hostels or social settings.

The pressure to fit in can lead them to try substances to avoid feeling like outsiders.

On the other hand, young women may enter relationships without fully understanding the implications, which can lead to unintended pregnancies or health issues.

Additionally, first-year students often hear that Fridays are meant for partying, reinforcing a culture of indulgence.

Many people romanticize these experiences, portraying them as trends, while those who abstain may be labeled as overly cautious. Without proper guidance, many fall into these traps, and by the time they seek to correct their paths, it may be too late.

However, every student eager to join campus should remember that university life is ultimately what you make of it. There’s wisdom to be found in the advice of village elders and current students who have experienced it firsthand.

Beyond the advice, the true journey begins when you step through those gates. It’s a time of freedom, choices, mistakes, growth, and discovery. The key is to stay grounded, remain true to yourself, and make wise decisions that will build your future rather than destroy it. In university, the freedom is real, and so are the consequences.