Leaving home for college can feel a little intimidating. Alice Mungamuri from St. Louis shares how KU became her place to grow, lead and try new things.

 

When Alice Mungamuri first heard about KU, it was from her high school teacher. She was a passionate alumna that encouraged students in St. Louis to consider the Jayhawk experience. Once she visited campus, she saw a vibrant community and beautiful setting that made her decision feel right.

Today Alice is a computer science major in the School of Engineering. She has thrown herself into KU life, finding leadership roles, new hobbies and friendships she never expected. Along the way, she’s gained professional experience as a software engineering intern with H&R Block and taken on leadership within organizations across campus. 

She says the distance between St. Louis and Lawrence feels perfect. It's close enough to drive home for a weekend, but far enough to make KU truly her own home away from home.

Q: Tell us a little about yourself.

A: I’m from St. Louis and originally came to KU for its architecture program. One of my favorite high school teachers, Mrs. Girard put KU on my radar. KU also does a great job of outreach to out-of-state students and offers strong alumni scholarships. Those scholarships gave me a lot of opportunities. I’m now a computer science major! 

Q: How did KU start to feel like home for you?

A: It is truly about the community you make for yourself. As a freshman I joined clubs and tried activities that reminded me of home. At the rec center I met friends who shared my interests. There are also many students from St. Louis here, which helped me feel connected.

I’ve gained more than friendships here, too. There are so many leadership opportunities. KU makes it easy to get involved and explore any interest you have.

Q: Why did KU stand out when you were choosing schools?

A: As an engineering student, research was also important to me. KU is a top research institution, and I wanted real world experience more than just a degree. I wanted to be able to say, “I did this, I created this, I worked on projects that impact the real world.”

Q: What was the best part of living on campus as a freshman?

A: Being able to walk to class and run into friends. I relied on the buses and liked walking around campus seeing everyone else out too. Sunday walks to the Union for food with friends were some of my favorite freshman memories.

Q: What KU tradition means the most to you?

A: You cannot walk under the Campanile [Memorial Campanile & Carillon] until you graduate. My best friend graduated last year, and walking under it with her was emotional. I thought, “That’s going to be me next year.” It is a powerful tradition.

Q: What are your favorite study or hangout spots?

A: If I need to focus, I go to the stacks at Anschutz Library during finals. Throughout the year DeBruce is great for study dates with friends. It has a lot of natural light and feels like everyone is being productive together.

Q: What three words describe KU for you?

A: Welcoming, spirited and ambitious. Coming from St. Louis I only knew my roommate, but it was easy to meet new people. There is so much school spirit. Even living in Kansas City this summer, I saw KU pride everywhere. And my friends here push themselves, which inspires me to do the same.

Q: What has been your most “Jayhawk” moment?

A: My first basketball game at Allen Fieldhouse was Late Night at the Phog. It was the first time we were all there together. I had my student ticket and thought, “This is me for the next four years. I’m a Jayhawk.”

Q: Have you had research or internship experiences?

A: Yes. I participated in the Viceroy research program, which introduced me to radio signals and cybersecurity. It helped me see what I wanted to do with my major. This summer I interned at H&R Block in Kansas City working on tax software and data projects. 

KU and the School of Engineering provide so many networking opportunities beyond a career fair. I met the recruiter at a KU dinner and formed a great connection there. That experience changed my career plans — now I want to go into data.

Q: How are you involved on campus?

A: I’m a Kappa Kappa Gamma member, on the School of Engineering student council, in Senate, on the leadership team for Stumo, part of the Society of Women Engineers, and an ambassador for the School of Engineering. My favorite extracurricular was being a referee at the Ambler Rec Center for basketball tournaments. KU Intramurals are well organized and fun for everyone.

Q: What are your favorite places in Lawrence, and your favorite parts of living here?

A: Sylas & Maddy’s on Mass Street for sure. Mass Street really reminds me of parts of St. Louis, like Kirkwood for example. Wescoe Beach is where everyone gathers at the beginning of the year — it feels like KU’s quad. And the steps by Daisy Hill bring back memories of study sessions and friendships formed in my freshman year.

The college town feel of Lawrence is amazing. It is a small town with big school energy, which drew me to KU. The campus is beautiful. On my first visit everyone was out and about, clubs were tabling, and campus was bustling. I could really picture myself here.

Q: What advice would you give a student from St. Louis thinking about KU?

A: It can feel scary to go out of state, but you will find your people. My biggest piece of advice is to go all in. Don’t worry about who you were in high school. I did so many things I never would have done in St. Louis, and it set me up for a great community. Try anything that catches your interest. It could be something you continue for four years or just one day, but you will meet people and grow.