Campus Cohabitation, ' A Path to Maturity or a Road to Regret?'

By Vallary Ochuodho

At Kenyan universities today, the line between academia and domestic life is becoming increasingly blurred. The age-old assumption that students attend university solely to earn degrees is being challenged by a growing trend: cohabitation.

From Nairobi to Chuka, an increasing number of students are choosing to live with their partners, citing financial benefits, emotional stability, and companionship. But what does this mean for the future of higher education? Are students setting themselves up for success, or are they unknowingly jeopardizing their academic and professional futures?

According to a study conducted in Nairobi, Kenya, nearly 27.4% of university students engage in cohabitation. The factors driving this trend are not just romance and love, but also economic struggles, parental influence, and peer pressure. Another study at Kenyatta University further revealed that family income levels and social exposure significantly contribute to the rise of cohabitation. Clearly, this is more than just a “relationship choice” it is a social shift affecting university life and student outcomes in profound ways.

One cannot discuss campus cohabitation without addressing the elephant in the room, money. With the cost of living rising steadily, many students view cohabitation as a cost-cutting measure rather than a purely romantic decision. Rent, food, and daily expenses can be overwhelming for a student surviving on limited parental support or HELB loans.

For instance, at Chuka University, a single hostel room costs an average of Ksh 8,000 per semester, while renting a bedsitter off-campus could range from Ksh 5,000 to Ksh 10,000 per month. When shared between two people, these costs become more manageable.

However, this financial arrangement often creates power imbalances. If one partner is more financially stable, they may control decision-making in the relationship, leading to cases of financial dependence, manipulation, or even abuse.

Proponents of cohabitation argue that having a live-in partner provides emotional support, which can be beneficial in handling the pressures of university life. Couples can study together, keep each other accountable, and even share academic resources.

However, multiple studies, including the Commission for University Education (CUE) report, suggest that students in long-term relationships experience more distractions, emotional stress, and reduced study time. Relationship conflicts, unplanned pregnancies, and domestic responsibilities often interfere with coursework.

For some students, cohabitation creates an environment where academic goals take a backseat to domestic duties. Many female students find themselves taking on traditional gender roles, such as cooking and cleaning for their partners, at the expense of their studies.

In Kenyan culture, relationships have always been a serious commitment, with long-term implications. The problem with cohabitation among university students is that many begin living together without fully considering the consequences.

What starts as a campus convenience can quickly turn into an unplanned marriage, where students feel obligated to stay together because they have “built a home” together. The result? Young adults who graduate into marriage without having fully explored their personal or professional aspirations.

One university graduate, Felix, a third year computer science student, who married his campus partner, recalls his parents’ reaction: ”They were furious. They felt we had disrespected tradition by skipping the formal marriage process. But for us, we had already been living together for three years, so it felt natural to continue after graduation.” This raises an important question: Are students unknowingly trapping themselves in premature marriages?

One of the biggest risks associated with cohabitation is unplanned pregnancies. University students, despite being educated, still face challenges with contraceptive use, reproductive health education, and societal stigma surrounding premarital pregnancies.

For many female students, becoming a “Campus Mum” is an overwhelming reality. A number of them defer studies, while others struggle to balance parenting and school. The absence of a formalized family structure also means that some women are left to raise children alone after their partners abandon them.

Universities, unfortunately, do not have adequate support systems for young mothers. Childcare facilities, maternity policies, and financial aid for student parents remain limited, leaving affected students with few options. Kenyan universities have taken different stances on cohabitation. Some, like Strathmore University, enforce strict dormitory rules that separate male and female students. Others, like Chuka University, take a “mature student” approach, allowing students to make their own decisions.

However, ignoring the issue does not make it disappear. Instead of prohibiting cohabitation universities should focus on educating students about responsible relationships. This includes: Incorporating relationship and financial literacy courses into university programs. Providing better reproductive health education and contraceptive access and establishing student support services for young parents and cohabiting couples. Universities should not act as moral gatekeepers, but they should equip students with the knowledge to make informed decisions

Cohabitation in Kenyan universities is not just a passing trend it is a reflection of the evolving social and economic realities students face. While some see it as a way to share costs and emotional support, others warn of its potential to derail academic and career aspirations.

Rather than dismissing or demonizing cohabitation, universities, parents, and society at large should engage in open conversations about responsible decision-making, financial independence, and long-term goals. The real challenge is finding a balance ensuring students graduate with degrees, not regrets.

As the debate continues, one thing remains clear: the choices students make today will shape their futures. The question is, are we ready for the consequences?