A warm welcome to your life at the University of Pretoria (UP)! Your time here will be filled with opportunities to grow academically and personally. But let us face it – university life can be as challenging as it is rewarding. Fortunately, UP offers a variety of resources to help you navigate both the highs and the lows of this journey. This article will give you a survival guide to thriving at Tuks.
Financial Aid
Finances can be a major concern while you are studying, so UP offers various options to ease this financial burden. These include bursaries, scholarships, and loans that will help you to cover tuition and other related costs. The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) offers need-based bursaries, while merit-based bursaries reward students for outstanding academic achievements. UP also offers financial aid to students in need.
Be sure to keep track of application deadlines as financial aid applications for 2025 close on 28 November 2025. Additionally, registration on UP’s financial aid database can connect you to potential funding opportunities. Just remember that this does not guarantee assistance. For further guidance, students can visit the Student Service Centre (SSC) on campus, where staff are ready to help with any funding queries.
Laptop Support
In this modern studying environment, a laptop or personal computer is an essential for studying. UP’s Student Laptop Support Centre can ensure that your device stays in top shape.
Located in the Piazza on Hatfield Campus, the Student IT hub offers services such as hardware repairs, software installations, and training to help you make the most out of your laptop for your studies. Since 2015, the centre has supported over 30 000 students, and it continues to collaborate with initiatives such as the UP-Laptop Loan Project and the NSFAS Laptop Project to provide students with reliable devices.
Whether you need some quick advice from the helpdesk or an in-depth appointment with a technician, the Laptop Support Centre has got you covered.
Mental Health Services
University life is exciting, but it can also be an overwhelming journey. The Student Counselling Unit (SCU) is there to ensure that you have the emotional support that you need to succeed. The SCU offers free, confidential counselling services for personal, academic, and social challenges. Their services are available both in-person and online. Additional resources include peer support groups, workshops on stress management, and the Bounce UP podcast series from TuksFM. For around-the-clock emotional support, you can call the UP Careline. Their contact number can be found on the back of your student card.
Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Therefore, make use of these services whenever they are needed.
Academic Support
Succeeding at UP requires more than just hard work. It is about using the academic resources available to you.
Academic Success Coaches (ASCs) are dedicated advisors who help students set goals, manage workloads, prepare for exams, and explore career options. They also host workshops on time management, a variety of study methods, and stress management, thus ensuring that students are equipped with the tools they need to succeed.
Tutors are another valuable resource, offering additional learning support for specific modules. Tutors work closely with the lecturers to help students grasp concepts and stay on track with their studies. Attending tutorial sessions early and regularly in the semester can make a significant difference in your academic performance.
Your time at university is a unique journey that will be filled with challenges and triumphs. The good news is that you do not have to face it alone. By taking advantage of UP’s available services, you can create a fulfilling and successful university experience. Remember that asking for help is a proactive step toward achieving your goals. You have an entire village here to support you – do not hesitate to lean on it!
