Annually, first year students across the country embark on a new journey where they transition from high school to university.
One may say that this chapter is exciting and thrilling. However not all that glitters is gold.
Transitioning from what was a norm to many, to a new city and new life is exciting yet scary. Navigating life alone comes with a challenge, IOL spoke to students who opened up about their experiences and challenges they faced when transitioning to varsity life.
Koketso Moisane, a final year student from University of Pretoria shared his experience and challenges he faced when he was transitioning to university life.
“As a black student coming from an unprivileged background, it was a whole lot more complex because we didn't have the necessary means to ensure that your process is smooth,” he said.
“And also not being digitally literate. Remember you can’t even press your laptop, you don’t even have one to start with. You have to utilise your book allowance to get a second hand laptop.”
@iolnews Koketso Moisane, a final BEd student at University of Pretoria expressed that one of the many challenges he faced, as a black student that comes from an unprivileged background was having to learn how to use a laptop/computer when he transitioned to university. Video: Kamogelo Makhura/ IOL #studentsurvival2025 #southafrica #fyp ♬ original sound - IOL NEWS
This is a reality for most students who come from rural areas and do not know anything about a laptop. And not having access to technological gadgets is a disadvantage for them.
Moisane further mentioned the struggles of getting used to the academic pressure in varsity compared to high school is different. In some cases, most students do not obtain higher marks in the second semester which results in one questioning their academic capabilities.
Moisane added that meeting new people and adapting to the new environment helped him to grow in certain areas of his life.
“You meet peers who have the same goals and values as yourself. So I can say that the process (the transition) helped me to develop personally. Learning new values and norms which are now coming in handy,” he said.
Bongiwe Kafi and co-authors wrote in the International Journal of Learning, Teaching and Educational Research about the challenges that most first-year UNISA students face, which is relatable to a majority of first-year students nationally.
Kafi and co-authors wrote, “The experience of transitioning from high school to university is often difficult to process because transition itself is difficult and needs time and effort for emotional and social adjustment to minimise the impact of the problems encountered during the process.”
Which is true because change is scary, and leaving home to be in a big city all by yourself is nerve wrecking.
These are the tips on how to survive varsity as a first year student:
- Ensure that you have applied for at least two bursaries to avoid being stranded when the school year begins.
- Saving money for food and toiletries is essential as bursaries may take time to allocate funds.
- Buy food in bulk in case your bursary takes time to allocate funds.
- Budgeting is important in varsity. The allowance you get, make sure you spend it wisely and save at least more than R200 in case of emergency.
- Doing enough and extensive research about student accommodations is important because that will be your new home for an entire year.
- Attend orientation and network with other students.
- Prioritise your studies and strive to obtain more than 60%.
- Familiarise yourself with a laptop or computer before going to varsity as you will be using either 90% of your varsity life.
- Attend lectures always and consult with your lectures if there is something you do not understand.
- If you are struggling to cope with your studies, book with the university’s psychiatrist to get help and advice.
- Sometimes it is okay to take a break. Do not exhaust yourself and let your studies consume you.
- Have hobbies or things to do outside of school work.
- Do not forget the reason why you are at varsity, and working toward getting your qualification is more important than friends.
IOL