You are one of the many first-year students, including those who have come before you and those who will come after you, to be starting your tertiary education in 2026. That is the beauty of a rite of passage. Although these times may be marked by what feels like isolating periods of confusion, anxiety, or chaos, they connect you to every other first-year who experiences and has experienced this milestone. It allows you to have the opportunity to learn from others’ mistakes and discoveries.
To guide you into this journey, here is what some students had to say to their past First-Year Selves:
Dear First Year Me…
“Don’t deny yourself any experiences you want to try, even if you have to do it alone! Uni is your trial adult years and the best time to start figuring out who you are as an individual. You CAN have a social life and be an academic weapon. In my opinion, you need both to earn your degree. My golden rule [is] only go out after you’ve finished the work you’ve set out for the day. [You should also] find a hobby that keeps you fit. You don’t realise how much less exercise you do in uni. [And also], start building your village! But to have one, you need to be a villager too. ;)” – Chisom Emekpo, BSc Computer Science
“Take ownership of your time. University won’t structure your days for you. You have to be the one setting rules, boundaries, and routines. Plan your days intentionally so that you make time to study, sleep, eat, exercise, and socialise. When you organise your own life this way, you can thrive academically without missing out on having fun or meaningful connections. Structure is what will give you the freedom and balance you’re looking for.” – Tahira Solombela, BSocSc Honours in Psychology
“Nuance can exist, and [it] most definitely will exist post-high school. Yes, your uni career and 20s are the best [time] for experimenting, making mistakes, and living wildly. However, in the same breath, there is still a lot of truth in your uni life and 20s being important for building the foundation for the rest of your life. Therefore, trying to stick to one rigid formula post-matric and trying to control everything will be overwhelming and more damaging than beneficial. So, my advice to you is to embrace the nuance and confusion. Take those opportunities and have fun in the process. The most important thing is to stay rooted in what grounds you, whether that is your faith, your family, [your] community, or something as simple as hobbies, because those will always bring you back to the one thing you can control… yourself.” – Nkanyezi Lethule, BCom General
“Don’t lose yourself in the chaos. Stay true to your values, trust your instincts, and don’t let anyone convince you otherwise. And also, never compare yourself to others!!” – Anonymous
“Try to really appreciate the unique rhythm of UP. I’m glad I balanced tough classes with enjoying Tuks events, parties, and making friends, but I wish I’d really focused on the ‘why’. Time flies so quickly, so make sure you don’t lose sight of what’s truly important and make it count for your future.” – Lesedi Mvula, BCom Business Management
“Try to never lose yourself in the streets of keeping up or fitting in (even academically). Allow yourself to adjust to the new environment and don’t put pressure on yourself that may be to your mental health’s detriment. Books? They’ll be up one day. Friends? They’ll come by and form organically. Fun time? Do have it, but balance that, babe. Give yourself grace, be patient, and try to attend at least 70% of those lectures (it’s tempting to skip, but doable). Lastly, be kind to yourself. You’re new to this, so allow yourself to grow xx” – Khanya Mtambeka, BCom General
As they say, hindsight is 20/20, and what you know after the end of this new chapter, you will wish you had known at the beginning. One day, it could be you writing to your first-year self from the future. In the meantime, start living so that you will have something good to say.
Visual: Mila Jordan
