Navigating a new environment with a much larger audience than what you are used to is frustrating. Fortunately, you are not the first. It is important to take advantage of this opportunity and learn from those who came before you so that you can avoid repeating their mistakes. In various conversations with senior University of Pretoria (UP) students, something common emerged when they were asked to give advice to first-year learners. “Make sure you live, ” they said. Transition is hard, and it is easy to get lost in all the pressure that comes with it. Sometimes, you forget to live and enjoy the present moment.
UP has resources available to make sure that you enjoy your university experience, so take your time to utilise them. This will help your university journey to run smoothly. Shelton Otis Khumalo, a 2024 first-year Political Sciences student, mentioned that there is no shame in the fact that you are new and that you barely understand what is happening around you. Khumalo said that this is what new beginnings are all about: learning, evolving, and discovering new ways to live.
Here is a list of advice from some of the 2024 first-year students to help you navigate your own new beginnings as a first-year:
- Get to know your environment.
- Familiarise yourself with the UP
student portal.
- Do not be afraid to ask questions.
- If you feel overwhelmed and confused,
visit your faculty advisors, your peer
advisors, or the Student Counselling
Unit.
- Do not be afraid to try new things.
- Make use of all of the opportunities
presented to you.
- Open yourself up to new connections.
- Remember why you are here.
- Have fun, and do not forget to live!
Every senior and graduate has once been a first-year. They too were once scared and confused. Your first year is where the next stage of your journey begins, and it sets the tone for the next few years. Keep the end in mind and let that push you to achieve your goals. In the words of Tom Brady, “You did not come this far to only get this far.” UP chose you for a reason, so own your accomplishments, and make the most of it.
Live in the present, try new things, meet new people, and discover the beauties around our seven campuses. At UP, there is something for everyone. Find your own thing. It is a bumpy road, but it is definitely an interesting ride. It is both scary and exciting for old and new students alike, but you have all got this!
Every year is a unique experience. Make this year different by intentionally choosing to live in the present, and soak up each new beginning. Make the most of the resources available to you in order to help you navigate this change. UP wants you to know that you are never alone.
