Keri Residence

Q: When did you join the Residence?

A:  I joined in August 2004 amidst very heavy rains.

Q: What was your first impression of the Residence?

A: I thought that it was awesome – a very big house. It was still under construction and was yet to be fully furnished. The large wooden doors seemed endless and I would pull at them when the door label read ‘push’. For the first couple of days, I would confuse the dining room door with the main entrance.

Q: Describe a typical day in the life of a student living in the Residence during the first few weeks?

A: Typically we would wake up early before the construction men came around. We would then have a quick breakfast, take packed lunch and leave for the University. The shortcut through Phase II was not there and one had to go round past the flats opposite the residence. On rainy days, one had to be at school a bit earlier to clean the mud off the shoes! We had dinner at 7.30pm and afterwards a short get together where we would speak of the happenings of the day.

Q: What evolution has taken place these last three years?

A: In my view, Keri’s growth has been much like that of a baby: from a garden filled with red soil to one with grass! The large empty rooms have been transformed into a library, computer room and study rooms. At first, we used to eat packed food since there was no catering department but now we have hot meals. The number of residents has also grown, and the residence now houses 35 people.

Q: Being a fourth year student, this is your last semester at the residence. What will you take with you?

A: The family atmosphere that I found here typified in such activities as cleaning the house together with other residents and birthday celebrations that are planned meticulously. The annual family days were a great opportunity to meet other resident’s families and for parents to see where their children live. I will miss the excursions, dancing and fashion shows that everyone participated in. Above all, I will take with me the acceptance that I found there, despite one’s background or way of being.