A New Chapter Begins: UDSM Welcomes First-Year Students with Guidance for a Successful University Journey
By Dickens Dominic, CMU
For thousands of newly admitted students, joining the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) marks more than the beginning of university education; it is the start of a journey towards professional growth, personal independence and the realisation of lifelong ambitions.
As the University opens its doors to the 2026/2027 first-year cohort, it is equipping students with the knowledge, guidance and support they need to make the most of their time on campus.
The University officially opened its Orientation Week on 17 October 2026, bringing together newly admitted students and University officials for an introduction to the academic requirements, administrative procedures, student services and responsibilities that will shape their university experience.
Addressing the students during the opening session, the Director of Undergraduate Studies, Dr. Joan Munisi, emphasised the importance of taking the orientation sessions seriously, listening carefully to official guidance and seeking clarification whenever necessary.
“Welcome to the University of Dar es Salaam. Your admission marks the beginning of an important journey towards achieving your academic and professional ambitions”, Dr. Munisi said.
She added: “We want you to feel at home, take advantage of the opportunities available to you and know that the University has offices and support services to guide you throughout your studies. Take your education seriously, follow the University's guidelines and never hesitate to seek clarification whenever you need assistance”.
She explained that understanding University procedures from the outset would help students navigate their new environment confidently, avoid unnecessary administrative challenges and concentrate on their principal goal of acquiring knowledge and skills.
Dr. Munisi urged students to obtain information from authorised University offices rather than relying on rumours or unverified sources, particularly when dealing with admission, registration, academic requirements and access to University services.
She also reminded them that gaining admission to the University was an important achievement, but making the most of that opportunity would require discipline, commitment and effective time management.
She encouraged them to remain focused on their educational aspirations, make responsible decisions and take advantage of the academic opportunities and resources available to them.
Guidance to make the transition easier
For students entering university for the first time, unfamiliar procedures, new responsibilities and the prospect of living and studying in a different environment can be challenging. The orientation programme therefore provides an important opportunity for them to understand how the University operates and where to turn whenever they need assistance.
The Head of Admissions, Ms. Elizabeth Chuwa, guided students through admission and registration procedures, highlighting the importance of providing accurate information, completing the required documentation and meeting registration deadlines.
The session also introduced students to the appropriate channels for resolving admission-related concerns, helping them understand where to seek assistance rather than risk delays arising from incomplete documentation or incorrect information.
Complementing this guidance, the Coordinator of the Database Unit, Mr. Hilal Seif, explained the importance of accurate student records in the University's information management systems. Students were advised to ensure that their personal and academic details were correct and to follow established procedures when requesting amendments or assistance.
The Head of the Smartcard Unit, Mr. Justine Mwengele, introduced students to the procedures for obtaining and using University identification cards, which are important for accessing designated University services. He also highlighted the need to safeguard their smartcards and follow the appropriate procedures whenever card-related problems arise.
Together, the sessions were designed to help students become familiar with the University's systems and develop the confidence to manage essential administrative requirements as they settle into campus life.
For the incoming students, the guidance represents an important first step towards navigating university life with greater confidence and independence. Understanding where to obtain information, how to complete essential procedures and whom to approach for assistance can help ease the transition from secondary education or other learning environments into university.
One first-year student described the experience in these words: “Joining the University of Dar es Salaam is an exciting milestone for me. I have come here with big dreams and high expectations for my future.”
The student added: “Although university life comes with new responsibilities and challenges, the orientation is helping me understand what is expected of me and where to seek assistance. I look forward to learning, meeting new people and making the most of this opportunity.”
The student's quotation should be replaced with an actual student's verified comments, name and programme of study, with their permission, before publication.
Understanding the rules, responsibilities and opportunities
Beyond registration and administrative procedures, the orientation programme also placed emphasis on the academic responsibilities that accompany university education.
The Coordinator of the Office of the Director of Undergraduate Studies, Dr. Geradius Kikumi, familiarised students with academic regulations, examination procedures, the academic calendar and the requirements they must fulfil throughout their respective programmes.
Understanding these requirements early is essential for students to plan their studies, observe academic deadlines and take responsibility for their progress. The guidance also highlighted the importance of using official channels to raise academic concerns and obtain clarification on programme requirements.
Student welfare and campus life formed another important part of the orientation. The Dean of Students addressed matters relating to accommodation, guidance and counselling, discipline and responsible conduct, introducing students to the support services available as they adjust to university life.
This aspect of the programme is particularly important because university education extends beyond lecture halls and examinations. Students must also learn to navigate relationships, manage personal responsibilities, make informed decisions and seek help when challenges arise.
By introducing students to the relevant University offices and support systems, the orientation provides a foundation for a campus experience in which students can pursue their academic ambitions while understanding the resources available to support their welfare and personal development.
Building confidence for the journey ahead
The Orientation Week reflects UDSM's commitment to preparing new students for a successful transition into higher education. By bringing together officials from different University units, the programme gives students an opportunity to interact directly with those responsible for admission, academic administration, student records, identification services and welfare.
It also reinforces an important message: students are not expected to navigate every aspect of university life on their own. Knowing the rules, understanding the available services and approaching the appropriate offices when assistance is needed can make the transition smoother and enable students to focus more effectively on their studies.
For the incoming cohort, the opening of the 2026/2027 Orientation Week marks the beginning of an important personal and academic milestone. Each student arrives with individual hopes, ambitions and expectations, while sharing the opportunity to learn, grow and prepare for future professional and civic responsibilities.
As they settle into their new environment, students are encouraged to approach university life with curiosity, discipline and confidence, build constructive relationships with fellow students and University staff, and make full use of the opportunities available to them.
With the right information, a willingness to learn and a commitment to their goals, the new students can begin their journey at the University of Dar es Salaam with a clearer understanding of what is expected of them and where to find support as they work towards turning their dreams into reality.