Your First 90 Days as an Architecture Student in Kenya
Your first 90 days as an architecture student are a good time to build routines before studio work becomes demanding. You do not need to arrive with a perfect portfolio or expensive equipment. You do need curiosity, a way to keep notes and the willingness to test ideas, accept feedback and improve a drawing more than once.
Days 1 to 30: learn the course and observe
Read your timetable, assessment instructions and equipment guidance. Ask lecturers what materials and file formats are required before buying supplies. Keep one notebook for sketches, measurements, questions and feedback. Practise observing a room or street: note light, movement, materials, shade and how people use the space. Put every deadline in a calendar.
Days 31 to 60: practise core skills in small steps
Set short, regular sessions for drawing, lettering, model-making or software exercises that match your course. Break a large assignment into research, first sketch, review, revision and final presentation. Save versions clearly and back up work in more than one place. Ask for feedback while there is still time to use it.
Days 61 to 90: review and adjust your system
Look back at your early work and identify one skill that has improved and one that needs practice. Organize drawings and models so you can explain how an idea changed. If you feel stuck, bring a specific question to your lecturer or classmate instead of waiting until the deadline. Protect time for rest so you can return to studio work with attention.
Keep a small record of each assignment: the question, your first idea, the feedback you received and what you changed. This makes it easier to prepare for reviews and later build a portfolio from work you are allowed to share. Check the course handbook for assessment and submission rules instead of relying on advice meant for another college or intake.
A weekly routine to try
- Check upcoming deadlines and plan the next small task.
- Keep one observation sketch and one short reflection each week.
- Review feedback, update files and ask for help early.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to know CAD before joining?
Requirements vary by programme. Follow your college’s current joining instructions and focus on learning the tools taught in your course.
What should I buy first?
Wait for the official course list where possible. Start with basic note-taking and drawing materials, then add tools when a lecturer explains their purpose.
Take the next step
For course-specific entry and learning details, read the KENCID Architecture programme page or contact Admissions.