Life at Mount Kigali can feel both exciting and overwhelming for students navigating a new environment. Beyond lessons and exams, many face the challenge of finding friends, being noticed, and balancing academic expectations with social life.
Amina, a tenth grader, explains the daily balancing act: “I want to do well in school, but sometimes it feels like if I focus too much on my studies, I’m missing out on friendships. It’s hard to do both at the same time.” Her experience is shared by many students who feel the pressure to succeed while also fitting in.
For Jean-Paul, a first-year student, visibility is the bigger struggle. “Even in a busy classroom, I sometimes feel invisible. People have already formed their groups, and it’s not easy to break in,” he says. But small gestures make a difference. Mireille recalls being invited to join a group for lunch on her first week: “That one invitation made me feel like I belonged. I suddenly had a space where I could be myself.”
Other students have found different ways to feel connected. Lycée, a science student, says that joining clubs has helped her make friends and find her voice: “Being in the reading club gave me a chance to meet people I wouldn’t normally talk to. It helped me feel part of the campus.” Similarly, Moses, a business student, emphasizes the importance of peer support: “When we study together or help each other with assignments, it’s easier to handle the pressure. You feel like you’re not alone.”
Teachers and counselors note that social connections impact learning. Students who feel included tend to engage more in class and perform better academically. Encouraging students to reach out, join groups, and support each other can transform the university experience.
Finding your place at Mount Kigali is not always simple, but these stories highlight that community is built one connection at a time. A smile, an invitation, or shared work can help students feel accepted and confident. With empathy and openness, Mount Kigali fosters an environment where students can grow academically, socially, and personally — learning that they belong is just as important as learning what’s in the textbooks.
