On 3 February, the University of Pretoria (UP) kicked off the highly anticipated Orientation Week (O-Week), running until 6 February. This week transformed the Hatfield campus into a hub of activities as thousands of first-year students arrived to begin their university journey. This is by far the most overwhelming week for new students. They get to meet their new classmates and create friendships, join societies and structures, and move from one stall to another. They even have the opportunity to learn how to use UP’s online platforms, including ClickUP. They can gain an understanding of their faculty’s expectations, and learn how to use the tools to start their studies with confidence.
One of the biggest parts of O-Week is the spontaneous advertisement of what UP offers. These include various structures such as faculty houses, societies, the SRC, PDBY, Rag, and the Stars Mentorship programme. These structures are available to help first-years, telling them more about their various services.
PDBY spoke to Stars Mentorship representative Gospel Radipere. Radipere said, “The Stars Mentorship Programme at [UP] assists first-year students in transitioning from high school to university life.” He also mentioned that they provide social and emotional support to enhance students’ academic performance. Each first-year student is paired with a trained senior student from a similar course to help them navigate campus life, set goals, and connect with resources such as Academic Success Coaches and Financial Aid offices. Radipere continued, “O-Week plays a vital role in introducing new students to university life, helping them [adapt] to the campus environment, understand academic expectations, and build connections with peers and faculty”.
When asked how Stars can assist students with adjusting to university life, Radipere responded: “Stars provides first-year students with mentors [from] their faculty who offer guidance on academic and personal matters, helping them navigate challenges and connect with university resources. This support system fosters a sense of belonging and enhances both academic and personal development. Furthermore, the Stars Mentorship Programme holds mentors accountable and responsible for mentees’ mental health and academic performance as long as they cooperate. Mentors are not tutors or peer academic advisors. They are rather navigators towards [Academic Success Coaches], study groups, revision sessions, and qualified tutors.”
Noluthando Cele, a first-year student from the Faculty of Theology and Religion, declared her love for the beauty of the university as an entity. “I come from KwaZulu-Natal as a UP student. I must say this experience has been overwhelming, yet exciting. Coming from a small town, the transition to a big city like Pretoria has been quite an adventure.” Cele went on to express just how fortunate she is to have met some amazing people during O-Week. “The various events and activities helped break the ice, and I managed to form a few strong bonds with my fellow students. I am loving every moment spent here.” When asked what challenges she has faced thus far, Cele went on to say, “The biggest challenge I have faced so far is adjusting to a new way of learning using technological systems. However, I have been attending from day one of [O-Week], seeking guidance and directions from the campus staff to the faculties and libraries around the campus.”
Kholofelo, a first-year student in BA Languages, said that her greatest issue thus far has been waking up early. She confessed just how much she enjoys her sleep, but aside from that, she is excited at the start of a new day, knowing that she has secured her spot at UP. “There is a variety of everything in here,” she added. “I love the fact that we have diversity, and even though [going] from place to place can be rather daunting, I am pretty confident [that by] the end of this month, I will [know] this place [like] the back of my hand.”
O-Week highlights the diversity of UP’s student body, bringing together individuals from diverse backgrounds, provinces, and even countries. Missing orientation may affect the first few days of your journey. Orientation serves not only as a tour around campus, but it also allows you to get an idea on what to expect and what is expected of you. Missing this week may mean losing out on the chance to make friends, weighing different options for accommodation, joining societies, and meeting your classmates. This may affect your student and academic life. O-Week reflects what students can expect from university life: a balance of academics, social engagement, and personal growth. As the week comes to an end, first-years step into their new reality equipped with the tools and connections to make their university journey a fulfilling one.
Lutricia Phiri