Pwani University Branches, Although the university does not guarantee accommodation to students, through the dean’s office it assists students to locate accommodation premises near the university with comfort, secure and affordable prices. To do this the offices works in conjunction with the students Union to maintain a list of the hostel service providers and their contacts.
Campus Life
- A guide to PU
If you’re new to university, getting used to your studies and to university life can take a bit of adjustment. During your degree, diploma or certificate, your timetable will be made up of a combination of lectures, seminars, labs and practical work, as well as independent study.
You will notice that the pace and intensity of university learning is different from school: no bells will ring anymore; we shall encourage, support and guide throughout your studies. Familiarize yourself with the Semester dates and visit our notice boards at least once or twice each day for updates
These could be good questions you want to ask:
- How many hours do I study in a week?
The number of hours of work vary from programme to programme, and there will be days where your timetable is completely full as well as days when you have very few, or no classes at all. You should use much of the time when you have no classes for independent study.
- What are lectures like?
Lectures provide a face-to-face contact with your lecturer. Its important you attend all your classes. Sometimes you may be few in class but at times for University common Unites a class may have up to 200 students at one moment. You are usually expected just to listen and take notes whilst the lecturer speaks, sometimes you can ask questions or have a discussion. Lectures usually last about two-three hours.
What happens in Tutorials
These are sessions designed to expand on the content of the lecture topics. Design of tutorials vary from subject to subject, there are always a relatively small number of students. Here you are free to ask questions and discuss issues covered by the lecture.
- What do we do in labs?
Those in fields that require laboratory exposure eg Sciences and Agriculture or Health, you will have session in our laboratories. In laboratories, you will use equipment and perform experiments necessary to learn the subject. This is usually done in a small groups, to give a chance to each individual to do the practical using lab apparatus under the supervision of lab technician and your professor.
How about Examinations?
Your academic performance is assessed using a combination of coursework and examinations. During each semester, your coursework – in the form of written assignments or practical lab work – lets you demonstrate your prowess the subject throughout the course. Coursework marks count towards your final overall score in a subject (eg Continuous Assessment Tests account for 30% and End of semester examination worth 70% of the final grade).
- How do I prepare for exams?
Full time attendance to your lectures is a vital form preparation. Also good exam techniques adds ingredient to success in your studies. You can use past exam papers to assess your strengths and weaknesses in preparation for exams. Revise regularly as the semester advances to avoid last minute cracking of the mind.
What are semesters?
The semester system splits the academic year into two parts. Both First Semester and Second Semester each last approximately 15 weeks. Thirteen of those are spent being taught in lectures, labs and seminars, and the final two weeks are used for exams. Normally First Semester begins in August-September and Second Semester in January.