Academic calendar
First Semester 2026 runs Sep 7, 2026 – Dec 12, 2026. Calendar aliases that share a date range are grouped together, with every source term still shown.
- First Semester 2026Relevant now
- Second Semester 2027
- Third Semester: Industry-Based Learning / Recess 2027
Campus language
Search the full glossary. Nothing is sampled or hidden when the search field is empty.
Showing 13 of 13 terms
C
- Comrade
- The standard, respectful term used by students to address one another, especially during student union activities.
E
- Elizabeth Hall
- The primary on-campus female hostel located within the main campus grounds.
I
- IEEE TUK
- The campus branch of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.
R
- Retake
- The process of re-enrolling in and attending a unit a second time after failing it and its supplementary exam.
S
- SATUK
- Student Association of the Technical University of Kenya, the former name for the student union still used by older students and alumni.
- SCAI
- School of Computing and Information Technologies, frequently used to refer to both the department and its specific computer labs.
- Supp
- Short for 'Supplementary Examination,' an exam taken during the holidays if a student fails a regular unit.
T
- The Hostels
- The general term for the limited on-campus accommodation facilities located near the science blocks.
- The Mess
- The official on-campus student cafeteria providing subsidized meals.
- The Poly
- A nickname for the university referring to its historical status as the Kenya Polytechnic.
- TUKSA
- Technical University of Kenya Student Association, the primary student governing body.
U
- Unit
- A specific course or subject within a semester's curriculum.
- Upper Mess
- The dining area typically used by staff and senior students located on the higher floors of the catering unit.
Places and practicalities
Buildings, logistics, and other local references drawn from the approved campus snapshot.
- Block A
- The main administrative block housing the Vice-Chancellor's office and central registry.
- Block L
- A major lecture block primarily used for engineering and social science classes.
- Block Q
- The building housing the School of Computing and various science laboratories.
- Clearance
- The administrative process of obtaining signatures from all departments to confirm a student has no debts before graduating.
- In-service
- Programs or students attending classes in the evening or on weekends, typically working professionals.
- Main Hall
- The central auditorium used for student orientations, graduations, and major university assemblies.
- N-Block
- A newer multi-storey building used for lectures and departmental offices near the Haile Selassie Avenue entrance.
- Portal
- The TUK Student Portal used for checking results, downloading admission letters, and registering for units.
- Smart Card
- The multi-purpose student ID card used for identification and accessing library services.
- Unit Registration
- The mandatory process at the start of each semester where students select their courses on the portal.
- university_cafeteria
- University Cafeteria
Quick answers
Useful facts students can verify from the guide above.
- What academic term is relevant now?
- First Semester 2026 runs Sep 7, 2026 – Dec 12, 2026.
- How much campus context is included?
- 13 approved campus terms and 11 local details are included in full.
- Are all approved campus terms included?
- Yes. The complete approved glossary is available in the scrollable, searchable campus-language section.
- Where does this guide come from?
- Calendar dates, campus terms, and local details come from DormWay's approved campus reference library.