What to do at Strathmore University
Strathmore University sits along Ole Sangale Road in Madaraka, Nairobi. It is a private university known for strong programmes in IT, business, and computing. The campus is compact and well maintained. Class sizes are smaller than at public universities, and the academic culture is intensive. First-years should plug into the tech clubs and career services early.
What to expect in first year at Strathmore University
Strathmore sits along Ole Sangale Road in the Madaraka area of Nairobi, near the Nairobi Expressway. The campus is compact, modern, and well maintained. You will not get lost because everything is close together.
Class sizes at Strathmore are smaller than at most public universities. This means more interaction with lecturers, more accountability, and less room to coast. Attendance is tracked, and course work counts heavily toward your grade.
Registration is handled through the student portal and at the registrar office. Bring your admission letter, national ID, KCSE certificate, and fee payment confirmation. The process is usually smoother and faster than at public universities because the student population is smaller.
Strathmore has a strong academic culture. Deadlines are strict, and the workload is heavier from the start. If you treat it like a public university where you can skip lectures for weeks and catch up before exams, you will struggle.
The upside is that Strathmore invests in career readiness from first year. Career services, industry partnerships, and guest lectures from practising professionals are part of the experience. Use them.
@iLabAfrica: Strathmore has its own research and innovation centre. First-years may not interact with it directly, but knowing it exists and what it does helps you plan for later years when you can work on projects there.
Tech clubs and communities
Strathmore has one of the strongest student tech cultures in Kenya, partly because of its IT and computing programmes.
Google Developer Student Club (GDSC Strathmore): runs workshops on web, mobile, and cloud technologies. One of the most active GDSCs in Kenya. They recruit at the start of each semester and hold regular sessions.
IEEE Student Branch: focuses on engineering and computing. They organise technical talks, workshops, and competitions. Good for networking with students who are serious about building things.
Cybersecurity Club: Strathmore is known for cybersecurity. If this area interests you, look for the club or team that participates in capture-the-flag competitions and cybersecurity challenges.
Robotics and AI clubs: check with the Faculty of IT for current listings. Club activity varies by semester depending on student leadership.
Strathmore location in Nairobi means the city tech ecosystem is at your doorstep. iHub, Nairobi Garage, and other co-working spaces are a short matatu or Uber ride away. Attend meetups and events outside campus to build your network beyond the university.
Read which tech clubs to join in first year for a broader perspective.
Study spots and campus resources
University Library: the Strathmore library is modern and well-equipped. It has quiet study areas, group study rooms, and a digital section with access to academic databases. The library is less crowded than at public universities because the student body is smaller.
Computer labs: the Faculty of IT has well-maintained labs with current hardware and software. Access depends on your course and the lab schedule. These are significantly better-equipped than labs at most public universities.
Wi-Fi: Strathmore has reliable campus Wi-Fi. Coverage is good across the campus, including the library, lecture halls, and common areas. You will not need to rely on personal data as heavily as at public universities.
Study rooms: the campus has bookable study rooms for group work. These are useful for project teams and study groups. Book through the library or student services.
Campus cafe: the on-campus food court is a popular study spot for casual reading between lectures. It is not as quiet as the library but works for lighter revision or group discussions.
Living near campus
Accommodation: Strathmore does not have the large hostel system of public universities. Some student housing exists near campus, but most students rent off-campus or commute from home if they live in Nairobi.
Off-campus housing: areas like Madaraka, South B, South C, and Nairobi West have student-friendly rentals. Expect to pay between KES 10,000 and KES 20,000 per month for a bedsitter, depending on the location and amenities. Prices are higher than at upcountry universities because this is Nairobi.
Food: the campus food court is the quickest option between lectures. Outside campus, the Madaraka and South B areas have restaurants and kibandas. A meal outside campus costs between KES 150 and KES 300 depending on the restaurant.
Transport: Strathmore is accessible via matatus along Langata Road and the Nairobi Expressway. If you live in South B, South C, or Madaraka, the commute is short. From further areas, budget KES 100 to KES 200 for daily transport.
Safety: the campus is well secured with guards and CCTV. The Madaraka area is residential and generally safe during the day. At night, standard Nairobi precautions apply: avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas and keep your valuables secure.
For general tips, read how to prepare for university in Kenya.
What to do this week
- Set up your student portal account and complete online registration before reporting day.
- Attend the GDSC Strathmore or IEEE Student Branch kickoff event in the first two weeks.
- Book a meeting with career services in your first month to understand what support is available.
- If living off-campus, secure housing in Madaraka or South B before semester starts.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Strathmore worth the higher fees?
- Strathmore fees are higher than public universities, but the facilities, smaller class sizes, industry connections, and career support offset the cost for many students. If you are studying IT or business, the return on investment tends to be strong. Apply for scholarships and financial aid if the fees are a stretch.
- How does Strathmore compare to public universities for tech?
- The labs are better maintained, the Wi-Fi is more reliable, and the class sizes are smaller. The tech club culture is strong. The trade-off is cost. Public university students can match the quality through self-study and external communities, but Strathmore makes it easier to access those resources on campus.
- Can I get a hostel room at Strathmore?
- Strathmore has limited student accommodation near campus. Most students either commute from home in Nairobi or rent nearby. Start looking for housing well before semester starts because demand in Madaraka is high.
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