Why I Prefer School Hostel to Private Hostel

by Alabi Maryam (NDJ PRESS)

Life during undergraduate years is awesome and full of experiences. The best part of it is to have a good story to tell. Being one of the residents of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS) hostel, and comparing the state of those in private hostels to the school hostel has inspired me to share this opinion.

As one of the second-generation universities, established in 1975 and located in the northwestern part of Nigeria, UDUS is known for awarding character in learning, much of which begins in the UDUS hostel.

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In 2019, I was offered admission to study Education English at the Department of Education Foundation, Faculty of Education and Extension Services, UDUS. Upon my arrival on campus, I faced the choice of where to stay – either the school hostel or a private one.

Fate placed me in the school hostel. Life there was charming and filled with students from diverse ethnic and tribal backgrounds. This diversity made me question whether I could cope with such a lifestyle.

In my first year, I adapted and endured many challenges while staying in the school hostel. What used to give me joy, despite the occasional trauma among female students and unnecessary discussions, was the opportunity to learn tolerance and recognize the diversity among students.

Living in the school hostel taught me that everyone is different. Initially, I believed everyone had to think and act like me, but I soon realized that as our faces differ, so do our hearts and characters – human beings are not equal.

In UDUS, there's a saying: if you can survive the hardship of the school hostel, you can stay anywhere in the world. This is because the school hostel exposes you to many things and helps you solve compatibility issues.

Additionally, residing in the school hostel has broadened my knowledge about many aspects of life. The happiest part is being surrounded by students from various faculties and departments, which has enriched my understanding of life.

Another advantage is the affordability of hostel fees. Moreover, I’ve had the chance to interact with senior colleagues who generously shared their used handouts with me.

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The school hostel experience at UDUS is invaluable, teaching resilience, adaptability, and the importance of community. It has been a significant part of my undergraduate journey, offering lessons and memories that will last a lifetime.