From Rwanda to Nairobi: How to Settle Quickly as a Student

Moving from Rwanda to Nairobi to study at Delight Technical College can be an exciting and enriching experience, but it also comes with challenges. Settling in a new country, especially as a student, requires some preparation. Here’s a guide on how to settle quickly and adjust smoothly to life in Nairobi as a Rwandan student.

1. Prepare the Essential Documents Before Leaving Rwanda

Before traveling, make sure you have all your important documents ready. These include:

• Student visa: Ensure your Kenyan student visa is approved and valid.
• Admission letter from Delight Technical College: This document is crucial for visa applications and proving your enrollment.
• Passport: Ensure it is up to date and valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay.
• Proof of financial stability: Have bank statements or a sponsorship letter that proves you can support yourself financially during your studies.
• Accommodation details: If you’re staying in a hostel or private accommodation, have a confirmed booking or rental agreement.

2. Learn About Nairobi’s Transport System

Understanding the public transport system in Nairobi will make your daily commute much easier:

• Matatus and Buses: Nairobi has a wide network of matatus (minibuses) and buses that are affordable and cover most areas in the city.
• Boda Boda: Motorcycle taxis are common and inexpensive for short distances.
• Uber and Bolt: These ride-hailing apps are widely used in Nairobi for safe and comfortable transport.
• Nairobi Railway: If you’re living further out, the commuter rail network can also be a convenient option for travel.

Make sure to install Uber or Bolt on your phone before you arrive, as they can make transportation much more manageable.

3. Set Up a Kenyan SIM Card

As soon as you arrive in Nairobi, get a Kenyan SIM card to ensure you’re connected. The most popular mobile service providers are:

• Safaricom
• Airtel
• Telkom Kenya

You’ll need to provide your passport for registration when buying the SIM card. Having a local number will help you communicate with friends, professors, and other students, and it’s necessary for using apps like Uber or M-Pesa (a popular mobile money service in Kenya).

4. Open a Kenyan Bank Account

Opening a bank account in Kenya will help you manage your finances, receive money from home, and avoid international transaction fees. The process is straightforward:

• Visit a branch of your preferred bank (e.g., Equity Bank, Co-operative Bank, KCB, or Standard Chartered).
• You’ll need your passport, Kenyan phone number, and proof of your student status (e.g., your admission letter or student ID).
• Mobile banking apps like M-Pesa can also be linked to your bank account for easy money transfers and bill payments.

5. Find Accommodation Close to Delight Technical College

To settle quickly, it’s helpful to live near the college or in a student-friendly area. Some popular neighborhoods for students in Nairobi include:

• Ngara
• Kilimani
• Westlands
• Parklands

Delight Technical College may offer hostel accommodation, but if you prefer to live off-campus, consider finding shared apartments or private rentals. Websites like Jumia House or Olx Kenya can help you find rental properties.

6. Register with the Student Support Services at Delight

Upon arrival in Nairobi, the student support services at Delight Technical College will be invaluable in helping you settle in:

• Orientation sessions: Delight often offers orientation for new students, which can include tours of the campus, introductions to professors, and tips on adjusting to student life.
• Academic support: If you need help adjusting to your studies or learning about resources such as library access, online learning tools, or study groups, reach out to your faculty or the student services department.
• Peer support: Delight has a strong network of students, including Rwandans and other East African nationals, who can offer advice and share their experiences.

7. Explore Nairobi’s Social and Cultural Scene

Nairobi is a vibrant city, offering many opportunities to socialize and integrate with locals and fellow students. Here’s how you can engage:

• Cultural events: Attend local cultural events, art exhibitions, and music festivals to explore Kenya’s rich heritage and interact with the community.
• Student meet-ups: Delight often organizes events where you can meet students from different backgrounds, which is a great way to form connections and friendships.
• Explore local markets and restaurants: Nairobi is home to several markets and restaurants that serve Rwandan and East African food, so you can enjoy a taste of home. Popular spots include Kilimani, Westlands, and Jomo Kenyatta Market.

8. Familiarize Yourself with Nairobi’s Safety Guidelines

While Nairobi is generally a safe city, it’s always good to be aware of safety tips:

• Avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas, especially at night.
• Keep your valuables secure and avoid flashing expensive items like phones and cameras in public.
• Be cautious when using public transport, especially matatus. Always confirm the route before getting in.
• Nairobi has a variety of security apps that allow you to quickly contact emergency services or find safe routes.

9. Accessing Healthcare in Nairobi

Make sure you’re aware of healthcare options in Nairobi in case you need medical attention:

• Delight may offer student health insurance, or you can opt for insurance through one of the Kenyan providers.
• Familiarize yourself with nearby hospitals and clinics like Aga Khan University Hospital or Nairobi Hospital.

10. Stay Connected with Family and Friends

Staying in touch with loved ones back home can make the adjustment easier:

• Use Skype, WhatsApp, or Zoom for video calls.
• Consider a calling plan with your Kenyan SIM card for cheaper calls to Rwanda.
• Rwandans in Nairobi also have strong community networks, so you can seek support from local cultural associations or community groups.

Conclusion

Settling into Nairobi as a Rwandan student can be an exciting adventure with the right preparation. From securing your documents, learning about transportation options, and setting up a Kenyan phone number and bank account, to making use of student support services and exploring Nairobi’s culture, these steps will ensure that you have a smooth transition and can focus on your studies at Delight Technical College.