If you’re a student or planning to join the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM), then chances are you’ve heard the term ARIS 3 UDSM more than once. At first glance, it might sound a little technical or confusing, but don’t worry. This article will walk you through everything you need to know about ARIS 3, how it works, why it’s important, and most importantly—how to use it like a pro. Let’s break it down into simple terms.
What Is ARIS 3 UDSM?
ARIS stands for Academic Registration Information System. It’s an online platform developed by the University of Dar es Salaam to help manage student information. The ARIS 3 version is the latest and most improved version of this system.
Think of it like your personal academic assistant that lives online. With ARIS 3, students can:
- View and register for courses
- Check exam results
- Track fee payments
- Apply for accommodation
- Access important announcements
- Print examination cards
- Request academic transcripts
In simple words, it’s the go-to place for everything academic at UDSM.
A Brief Background: Why Was ARIS 3 UDSM Created?
Before ARIS, students at UDSM had to wait in long queues just to register for courses or check results. The manual system led to delays, misplaced records, and a lot of frustration.
As one former student, Fatma, recalls:
“In my first year, I missed a course registration deadline because I didn’t receive the right timetable on time. It was a nightmare. But after ARIS came in, everything became easier. I could register from my phone!”
The need for a centralized, efficient, and transparent system led to the development of ARIS, which has evolved over time. ARIS 3 is the newest version, equipped with modern features and a smoother user experience.
What Can You Do on ARIS 3 UDSM?
Here’s a complete list of what students can do using ARIS 3:
1. Course Registration
You can register for your semester courses online without visiting any office. It also allows you to drop or add courses within the specified timeframe.
2. Check Exam Results
No more guessing or chasing lecturers. Your results are uploaded to ARIS 3 once approved by the department.
3. View and Pay Fees
You can track your tuition and other fee balances, generate control numbers for payments, and confirm if your payments have been received.
4. Apply for Accommodation
If you’re a hostel resident, you can request for or renew university accommodation through ARIS.
5. Print Exam Cards
You’ll need an exam card to enter the exam room, and you can print it directly from ARIS 3.
6. Request Academic Documents
You can request transcripts, admission letters, and other official documents.
7. Receive Updates
Important university announcements—like changes in exam dates or new schedules—are posted on your ARIS dashboard.
How to Access ARIS 3 UDSM – A Step-by-Step Guide
Let’s now walk through the process of accessing and using ARIS 3 UDSM.
Step 1: Visit the Official Website
Go to the ARIS 3 UDSM portal. It’s best to use a modern browser like Chrome, Firefox, or Safari for better performance.
Step 2: Log In
You’ll need:
- Your UDSM Registration Number
- A password (default password is usually your surname in lowercase if you haven’t changed it)
Once logged in, you’ll land on your dashboard where all the services are listed.
Forgot Your Password?
Just click “Forgot Password” and follow the instructions to reset it. You’ll receive a reset link via the email address registered with your account.
Using the Main Features of ARIS 3 UDSM
Course Registration
- Click on “Registration” from the main menu.
- Select the current academic year and semester.
- Choose the courses based on your program.
- Click “Submit” to complete the registration.
Tip: Double-check course codes and units before submitting.
Fee Payments
- Click “Payment” → “Generate Control Number”
- Choose the type of fee (tuition, accommodation, etc.)
- Submit and a control number will be generated.
- Pay using mobile money (M-Pesa, Tigo Pesa, Airtel Money) or bank.
Your payment status will be updated automatically after the transaction.
Printing Exam Card
- Navigate to “Exam Info”
- Click on “Print Exam Card”
- Download or print the card directly.
Important: You must have paid all required fees and registered for courses to access your exam card.
Common Issues and How to Solve Them
Can’t Log In?
- Make sure your registration number is correct.
- If you’re using your surname as a default password, type it in lowercase.
- Use the “Forgot Password” option if needed.
Control Number Not Working?
- Wait a few minutes—it might be syncing with the payment system.
- If it still doesn’t work, contact the Accounts Office via their contact on ARIS or visit your faculty.
Courses Not Visible?
- Check whether your department has uploaded them.
- You may also need to clear previous semester dues before registering for new courses.
A Real-World Example: Meet James
James, a second-year Law student at UDSM, shared his experience:
“I was always the guy who forgot deadlines. But once I started using ARIS 3 UDSM, I got notifications right on my dashboard. I managed to pay fees early, register for courses on time, and even helped my classmates. It’s like carrying UDSM in your pocket!”
His advice:
“Use it early in the semester. Don’t wait till the last minute!”
The Evolution from ARIS 1 to ARIS 3 UDSM
To understand how far we’ve come, let’s look at the versions:
- ARIS 1: The basic version – limited to course registration.
- ARIS 2: Introduced mobile money payments and better interface.
- ARIS 3: Full-fledged student management system with real-time updates, responsive design for phones, and more automation.
The improvements make life easier for students and reduce administrative overhead for the university.
Is There a Mobile App for ARIS 3 UDSM?
Currently, there is no official mobile app. However, ARIS 3 is mobile-friendly. You can use your phone browser to access everything. Some students use browser bookmarks or add shortcuts to their home screen for quick access.
Why ARIS 3 Matters in the Bigger Picture
The University of Dar es Salaam has over 40,000 students across different campuses and programs. Managing all their academic records manually would be chaotic.
Systems like ARIS 3 ensure:
- Transparency – No more favoritism or missing grades.
- Accessibility – Students can access their data from anywhere.
- Efficiency – Faster registration, less paperwork.
- Accountability – Every step is traceable.
It’s not just a tool for students—it’s a backbone for modern academic institutions.
Support and Helpdesk for ARIS 3 UDSM
If you face any issues, here are ways to get help:
- Visit the UDSM ICT Centre
- Email: support@udsm.ac.tz
- Use the help section inside the ARIS portal
- Visit your faculty office for academic-specific issues
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a first-year student or a finalist, mastering ARIS 3 UDSM is a must. It not only saves time but also helps you stay organized throughout your academic journey. Don’t treat it as just another portal—it’s your personal academic toolkit.
