Are freshers events free?

University orientation events are free and part of your admission. External events vary. Most tech meetups and student mixers are free. Some social events charge entry. Check before you go.

What if I am starting mid-year and there are no freshers events?

January intake students often miss the big orientation. Your department will still run a smaller induction. For social connections, join clubs immediately and attend the first tech meetup or student event you can find. You catch up quickly once you start showing up.

Should I attend events at other universities?

Yes, especially tech events and hackathons. Cross-university events expand your network and expose you to different perspectives. Many of the best professional connections students make come from events outside their own campus.

Freshers' events in Nairobi, August to September | Campus

Freshers' events in Nairobi, August to September

August and September are when Nairobi fills with new university students. Most universities run orientation weeks with campus tours, club sign-ups, and social events. Outside campus, tech meetups, student mixers, and community events welcome freshers. Check your university orientation schedule and the <a href="/events">McTaba events page</a> for upcoming listings. The events change every year, so follow live sources rather than memorising dates.

What happens during orientation week

Every university runs some form of orientation or freshers week in the first days after reporting. The format varies, but you can expect:

Campus tours: guided walks showing you where the library, computer labs, student centre, and key offices are located.
Department introductions: meetings with your head of department and course coordinators who explain the programme structure and answer questions.
Club and society sign-ups: student organisations set up booths or tables. This is your chance to join the tech club, debate society, sports teams, or any group that interests you.
Information sessions: talks on HELB, counselling services, library access, and student welfare.

Attend everything in the first week, even sessions that seem boring. The people you meet and the information you pick up in orientation week save you weeks of confusion later.

Events outside campus worth attending

Nairobi has a busy tech and student event calendar in August and September. These events welcome new students and are good places to meet people from other universities:

Tech meetups and workshops. GDG Nairobi, Python Nairobi, and other developer communities run regular meetups. Many are free and held in co-working spaces around Westlands, Upperhill, and the CBD. The full list of tech events for students covers where to find them.

Student mixers. Some organisations and student unions host cross-university events. These are social, low-pressure, and useful for expanding your network beyond your campus.

McTaba events. Check the McTaba events page for current listings. Events change each year, so this is the best place to see what is coming up right now.

If you are not in Nairobi, the guide to tech events outside Nairobi covers options in other towns.

Getting the most from freshers season

Go alone if you have to. Your high school friends may be at different universities. Waiting for someone to go with you means missing events. Everyone at freshers events is also new and looking for connections.

Join at least two clubs. One related to your interests (tech, sports, arts) and one that pushes you outside your comfort zone. Campus clubs are where friendships, skills, and opportunities form.

Exchange contacts. Get phone numbers, WhatsApp contacts, or social media handles from people you meet. Follow up within a day or two. The relationships you form in your first weeks often last the entire degree.

Do not overcommit. It is tempting to sign up for ten clubs and attend every event. Pick a few that matter and give them your real attention. You can always join more next semester.

What to do this week

Get your university orientation schedule from the admissions office or student portal.
Check the McTaba events page (mctaba.com/events) for student-friendly tech events this month.
Sign up for two clubs during orientation week: one technical, one social.
Exchange contacts with at least five new people in your first week.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are freshers events free?: University orientation events are free and part of your admission. External events vary. Most tech meetups and student mixers are free. Some social events charge entry. Check before you go.
What if I am starting mid-year and there are no freshers events?: January intake students often miss the big orientation. Your department will still run a smaller induction. For social connections, join clubs immediately and attend the first tech meetup or student event you can find. You catch up quickly once you start showing up.
Should I attend events at other universities?: Yes, especially tech events and hackathons. Cross-university events expand your network and expose you to different perspectives. Many of the best professional connections students make come from events outside their own campus.