Dar es Salaam. For many university freshers, admission to higher learning institutions is no longer followed by settling into hostels or remaining under their parents’ roofs, but by a new decision to live on their own.
The trend has raised questions among parents and students alike, sparking debate over whether it reflects a generation seeking independence and personal growth, or whether it exposes young people to unnecessary risks at a critical stage of their education.
To many parents, the decision remains puzzling. Although they acknowledge that their children are transitioning into adulthood, they express concern that too much freedom at this stage may expose them to distractions that could negatively affect their studies and long-term academic ambitions.
Shamila Salumu, a mother of a first-year student was surprised when her daughter said she did not want to stay in the university hostel.
“The university had already allocated her a room, but she insisted on renting a place outside. My first thought was that she wanted freedom from supervision,” she said.
