At Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST), learning extends beyond classrooms and laboratories. It is a journey of discovery, belonging, and transformation. Through its rich networks of collaboration, mentorship, and intercultural exchange, MUST offers international students not only academic excellence but also a welcoming community that nurtures their dreams.
I am delighted to share the second series of stories from our international graduands. These inspiring accounts highlight their experiences of life, learning, and growth at MUST. Stories that continue to celebrate diversity, resilience, and the spirit of global friendship.
An Amazing Experience at a University of Great Minds
I am Patel Riddhi Mayuresh and have completed my Bachelors Degree in Information Technology from the Faculty of Computing and Informatics at Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST). My time as an international student has been a truly rewarding adventure, and I am excited to graduate from this prestigious institution. What an incredible opportunity it has been to study at such an amazing university, surrounded by brilliant minds and inspiring faculty!
I fully immersed myself in the academic environment, dedicating myself to my studies, while also connecting with students and faculty from around the world. This experience has enriched my life immensely. My journey at MUST has been a journey of intellectual discovery and cultural exposure, offering me the chance to experience a new part of the world first-hand.
Shaped by Excellence: My Experience at MUST
I am truly grateful to have been part of Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST), a remarkable institution known for its strong academic excellence and commitment to practical, community-based learning. 
This journey has been memorable, equipping me with valuable knowledge and skills relevant to my field. Beyond academics, MUST fosters a vibrant and inclusive community, providing opportunities to connect with colleagues from diverse backgrounds and learn about different cultures and languages. My time here has broadened my perspective, strengthened my confidence, and enhanced my competence. Overall, MUST has been instrumental in my personal and professional growth, and it stands out as a great institution dedicated to nurturing both knowledge and character.
Belonging Beyond Borders: Finding my home at MUST
When I first set foot in Mbarara, a warm breeze seemed to carry smiles with it. The town’s rolling hills, the calm greens of the golf course, and the vibrant central market stalls all felt alive, breathing welcome. Yet nothing compared to the embrace I received at MUST, from staff whose guidance felt personal, and fellow students whose kindness never hesitated. It was as if every pathway on campus whispered, “You belong here.”
Lecturers, bright and dedicated, pushed me beyond my limits. The environment was beautifully green and orderly, soft morning light streaming through windows, the kind of place that makes you pause and feel gratitude for every breath.
What struck me most was how affordable life was, yet how rich in every other way. Housing did not demand riches; meals were simple but full of flavour. The real wealth was in learning, in friendship, and in the quiet moments of discovery. I often thought: if I could pause time, I would stay here forever. Because here, in the heart of MUST and in the warmth of Mbarara, I found not just an education, but also a home. One I carry with me and hope to revisit again and again.
In the Radiology Department, every day felt like a celebration, not only of science but of human connection. Patient smiles, laughter when I mispronounced a word and every gentle “thank you” in their mother tongue Runyankore softened the clinical space. Through those small, humble interactions, I learned more than anatomy or imaging protocols, I learned belonging. Radiology became, for me, not just a field of beams and shadows, but a place where humanity revealed its light.
