INFOSPOT Issue No. 14 | Special Edition  6th September, 2024

Dear Freshman!

Hello and a very warm welcome from the Orientation Team! Congratulations on your admission to Daystar University. We have been praying for you and are excited that you are finally here.

Please take note of the following: 

The Orientation Week begins on Monday 9^th September 2024 at Daystar University Main Campus Athi River and ends on Sunday 15th September 2024.

Welcome!

Upon arrival, the University Orientation Team made up of older students will receive and give you an unforgettable welcome experience to our wonderful University. 

Watch the Welcome video here: https://youtu.be/om-jeuMLXQM

Please take note of the following: 

The Orientation Week begins on Monday 9^th September 2024 at Daystar University Main Campus Athi River and ends on Sunday 15th September 2024.

Welcome!

Upon arrival, the University Orientation Team made up of older students will receive and give you an unforgettable welcome experience to our wonderful University. 

Programmes

On arrival, you will find Orientation Week Programme in your Infopack.  Click here to download programmes for Fulltime Day Students and Evening Undergraduate and Postgraduate students. All Fulltime undergraduate and diploma students will report to the Main Campus Athi River Main Campus. Please note that Orientation is mandatory for all new students. 

On Monday September 9, 2024, the Vice Chancellor will address all new students and their parents/guardians at Daystar University Main Campus Athi River, from 10:00am to 12:00pm.  Click here to access the Programme for VC’s Welcome Address  to fulltime students and plan to attend.  In the evening of the same day, the VC will address all postgraduate and evening students from 5:30pm.  Click here to download the Programme for VC’s Welcome Address to Evening Students.

The Athi River Campus is located approximately 40 kilometres from Nairobi and 5 kilometres from the Mombasa Road turnoff. If coming from Nairobi and Athi River, take the second left turn after Greenpark Estate immediately after the KENHA bridge.  If coming from Machakos, turn just before the KENHA bridge.  Beware of speeding vehicles from Nairobi before crossing.  A 6-metre directional signage is clearly visible from either direction.  If you have a smartphone, follow this location PIN for direction. In case you need help, please call +254 748 100 759.

The purpose of Orientation Week is to welcome and acquaint new students with their new environment on Campus before classes begin on Monday September 16, 2024. It also helps to make new friends faster and give you an unforgettable freshman experience.

On arrival, you will find Orientation Week Programme in your Infopack.  Click here to download programmes for Fulltime Day Students and Evening Undergraduate and Postgraduate students. All Fulltime undergraduate and diploma students will report to the Main Campus Athi River Main Campus. Please note that Orientation is mandatory for all new students. 

On Monday September 9, 2024, the Vice Chancellor will address all new students and their parents/guardians at Daystar University Main Campus Athi River, from 10:00am to 12:00pm.  Click here to access the Programme for VC’s Welcome Address  to fulltime students and plan to attend.  In the evening of the same day, the VC will address all postgraduate and evening students from 5:30pm.  Click here to download the Programme for VC’s Welcome Address to Evening Students.

The Athi River Campus is located approximately 40 kilometres from Nairobi and 5 kilometres from the Mombasa Road turnoff. If coming from Nairobi and Athi River, take the second left turn after Greenpark Estate immediately after the KENHA bridge.  If coming from Machakos, turn just before the KENHA bridge.  Beware of speeding vehicles from Nairobi before crossing.  A 6-metre directional signage is clearly visible from either direction.  If you have a smartphone, follow this location PIN for direction. In case you need help, please call +254 748 100 759.

The purpose of Orientation Week is to welcome and acquaint new students with their new environment on Campus before classes begin on Monday September 16, 2024. It also helps to make new friends faster and give you an unforgettable freshman experience.

Map showing junction to Daystar University, Athi River Campus

Is Orientation Week necessary?

Yes! In fact, it is mandatory, and a very important part of the Daystar University culture. That said, your full presence and cooperation is required during this week. Please note the following important information:

• All Diploma and Undergraduate students will report to Daystar University Main Campus Athi River.

• Students and parents from distant places arriving earlier over the weekend can contact our Helpline +254 748 100 759.

• Postgraduate and Evening Undergraduate students will take their Orientation Virtually via Zoom every evening starting at 5:30pm daily. The Meeting ID is 840 0444 3053 and Passcode is DAYSTAR.  

• Each day on Orientation Week has specific activities to be accomplished as outlined in the programme.  Please avoid missing any session.

• Accommodation will be offered to Boarders and there will be sufficient transport for Day Scholars commuting to Athi River Campus from Nairobi & its environs.  Please check the Fees Structure and pay the Orientation Fee for your respective category.

• During Orientation Week, transport, boarding and meals will be provided to you by the University in line with your student status either as a Boarder or a Day Scholar, under the Orientation Fee.

• Boarders will be required to stay on campus at all times during Orientation Week, and Day Scholars will be required to be on Campus until 5:00pm daily when they board buses to go home.

• Medical Cover: All Fulltime students are required to have a medical cover as detailed in the Fees Structure. Students with a separate medical cover are required to submit a letter from their Insurance or Employer by September 20, 2024 in order to be exempted from paying for medical cover under the University. For more information, contact student.medical@daystar.ac.ke and please note that the University does not accept the general NHIF cover. However, the Comprehensive NHIF Cover for Civil Servants is accepted. We shall require a valid NHIF Member Data Summary for such. 

NOTE:

• There will be verification of original certificates by Heads of Departments (HODs) on Monday September 9, 2024 for fulltime Diploma and Undergraduate students, and Saturday September 14, 2024 for evening undergraduate and postgraduate students, 8:00am to 2:00pm.  You are required to bring the following documents for the verification process: original and copies of academic certificate or result slip, school leaving certificate, National ID/Passport or Birth Certificate, admission letter, and 2 coloured passport size photos.  Those without passport size photos can take one on campus at a minimal fee.

• Matriculation ceremony: Evening and Postgraduate students will matriculate virtually on Monday September 9, 2024, while fulltime Diploma and undergraduate students will attend their Matriculation Ceremony on Wednesday September 11, 2024.  This is a special and important ceremony that involves swearing in and signing of a Consent Form to officially get admitted to Daystar University.  Please plan to attend as scheduled in the Orientation Programme.

• Dress Code: All students are advised to always observe the Daystar University Dress Code as prescribed in the Students’ Handbook. 

Meals, Accommodation & Transport

Meals: Boarders will be provided with all meals for the duration of the Orientation Week, while Dayscholars will be provided with 10:00am Tea and lunch daily. Kindly inform your Orientation Group Team leader about any special meal requirements as early as possible.

Accommodation: It is highly recommended that ALL Freshmen board on campus during the Orientation Week.   To board during Orientation Week, you are required to pay full orientation fee of Kes 7,500. For clarity, this includes freshmen from Nairobi Campus.

Orientation fee for Day scholars is Kes 5,500. This applies to:

• Athi River Campus Dayscholars commuting daily.

• Athi River Campus students living off-campus.

• Nairobi Campus Day students commuting daily

We have limited accommodation on Campus.  Students choosing to board at Athi River Campus will be served on a first-come first served basis. Our hostels have beds and mattresses, but boarders are required to bring bedsheets, pillows, pillowcases, blankets/duvets and personal effects (soaps, detergents, toothbrush/paste, bucket, towels, beddings, and slippers etc). Please note that the Athi River Campus gets quite cold at night and quite warm / hot during the day.  Bring clothing for both weather extremes. 

After the Orientation Week, all Freshmen will be required to pay semester boarding fees and move to their permanent hostel rooms for the semester as booked on the Student Portal. If you are stuck, please call +254 748 100 759 for assistance.

Transport: For Dayscholars commuting to the Athi River Campus daily, buses will leave the Nairobi Campus at 6:30am and Athi River Campus at 5:00pm daily, unless otherwise communicated.  Those boarding buses along the way are advised to call: Nahashon Kiema +254 725 695 626 / Geoffrey Musera +254 740 561 185 in the Transport Department.

Why Board? 

• You save time, energy and money on daily commute during orientation week.

• You get the full orientation experience, including evening programmes custom-made with Freshmen in mind.

• You spend quality time meeting new people and bonding with other Freshmen.

• You get to know more about the on-campus student experience in one week. 

Should you feel ‘lost’ or have any questions, contact the Orientation Group Team Leader Sospeter Ndumia +254 702 584 803

We wish you an enjoyable Orientation Week.  Once more, welcome to the Daystar family!

Key Contact Details