As the new generation of first-year students prepare to begin their journey at the North-West University (NWU) campus in the first two weeks of February 2026, excitement and anxiety go hand in hand. For many, it will be the first time away from home, trying to navigate their studies in a new environment. According to senior students, students who have completed their studies and lectures there are a few important things to remember. 

Zané Steyn has a degree in BA Communication and completed her honours in journalism and media studies last year. “First thing I would say to the first-years is to attend all of your classes, even if you do not constantly take notes, just listen and pay attention to the lectures, because that way you hear the information once, which helps to build discipline and a hard-working habit with routine.” 

Steyn emphasizes the importance of avoiding procrastination when doing assignments or studying for a test. “You do not have to start 3 months before the test or assignment, but do not start studying the night before the tests. Always look at how much work it is first and then, based on that information, determine how much time you will need.” 

Steyn also notes the balance between studies and the social life of a student. “Attend campus activities, whether it is a hostel event or one of the social clubs in town, attend those events.”  She says that attending those events will help you make friends and find other students with whom you share common interests. “You need that supporting system in your university journey because university is a fun time, but it is also a very stressful and confusing time, because you learn new things about yourself on this journey. That is a great thing to have friends close to you in those times.” 

“Enjoy it, it is a time that only comes once in your life, and it is a very short time, do not let anyone, including yourself, hold you back because it is a privilege to be able to study.” 

Lastly, Steyn says that during your studies, it is essential to secure shadowing opportunities and gain experience, but do not worry about finding a job until the last year of your studies. Or even get a job on holiday, but even though you are tired and want to rest, the experience that you will gain from that job is very worthwhile to have. 

Janei Myburgh is a second-year BCom management science student with a focus on business management. “All students who are in residence on campus need to participate in activities in the residence.” 

Lesedi Modisane has a degree in BA Communication and completed her honours in journalism and media studies last year. “Starting university can feel exciting but also a little overwhelming, so here are some friendly reminders to help you settle in. First off, your lecturers won’t chase you to hand in assignments (bye high school teachers); it’s up to you to stay on top of deadlines. Those online tests may seem small, but they add up quickly, so make sure you study according to each unit and really understand the material instead of just memorising.”

Azelle Kotze finished her degree in education last year, and her advice on the first year is the following: “Build friendships and relationships with fellow students and your lecturers; those people will help you during stressful times in your academic journey. You cannot face everything alone.” She also says that when times get tough, and you feel like giving up, just remember why you started studying in the first place. “Build your CV from a very early stage in your studies.” She explains that the more experience you have on your CV, the better you will look one day. Lastly, she says to always find a balance between social life and your studies. 

Dr Hannelie Otto, a communication, journalism, and development communication lecturer, has also shared a few words of wisdom. “Even if you do not have your own voice yet, university is a place to form your words. This means that you have to realize your voice matters. University is a place to get involved in important things of society and things that matter to the youth, especially in South Africa.” Otto states that you have to remember that your lecture is not your enemy, but also not your parent. “They are there to support you but will not come after you if you do not manage your studies accordingly,” Otto emphasizes that if something is wrong or you have problems with your studies, communicate it to your lecturers. 

Annabelle Schmidt is currently doing her degree in education, and she says to always ask questions because everyone is willing to help. “Realize that studying education is not just about teaching a class; you have to do other courses to help build your CV.” She also shares that you have to put effort into all of your assignments because, at the end of the day, it will help you become the best teacher you can be. 

Two anonymous students have also shared their experiences and lessons that they learned during their studies. 

The first anonymous source says, “In the first week of orientation, if you live in a private residence, it is important to join a hostel at the university just for the time being, just to get the feeling of campus culture and events. Just to have a group where you can walk together with it also makes it easier to make friends that way.” 

The sources also advise the first-years to get a map of the campus because they are likely to get lost while trying to find their way to all their classes. They can find the map on the University website. “Your first year is a year full of opportunity and things you get to do that you have never done before. Go out with friends and experience the ways of the town. Try to participate in as many campus events as you can. Make friends, you will find the right group you belong in. Spread your wings and make friends with new people. Always get friends to motivate you to do your best in all that you pursue.” 

The second anonymous source shared, “Stay calm and don’t be afraid to socialise, this will make it easier to make new friends. Enjoy everything, join a day hostel, and make the best out of every moment. If there is a student that want to work during their studies, just go for it.” 

Shanell Binedell completed her degree in BA in Communication degree last year, and her advice to first-year students is the following: “University is the most fun experience of your life, but don't let that independence harm your future. Always remember why you are studying. It is very important to find a balance in your studies and social life. University gives many opportunities, be a part of everything on campus, and challenge yourself to take things on.”

A few anonymous education students and an anonymous source, who also completed their degree in education and is currently working as a teacher, share a few wise words for the first-year students. “Do not take your tests for granted. You cannot leave your assignments to the very last minute, especially when you're studying education.” 

The sources also state that you have to plan accurately to complete all of your tests and assignments correctly. One of the sources also said to be cautious of using AI in any of the assignments because the university can see if you used AI or not. Another thing to keep in mind is to take every learning opportunity that you can get during your practicals when you work at other schools during your studies. “Stay late at the school where you are working and watch cultural activities being conducted by other teachers, to learn and build your CV.” The source that is now working as a teacher also explained to build your CV during your studies by doing online courses in your spare time, to not only build your CV but also to gain more experience. 

Dr Lucinda Bella-May Sutton is a senior corporate communication lecturer at the NWU, and her advice is, “Higher education is not a right, it's a privilege, grab that opportunity with both arms. Most students fail because of poor time management. My advice is to plan your time accordingly and set up schedules. Plan your time for fun activities, but also academic time. Time to do the assignment and time to prepare for classes. Enjoy every moment because it is such a great opportunity. It is the best time of your life, play hard and work hard.” 

Abigail Smith, who finished her degree in BCom Management Grad and HR Specialist, said the following: “Make friends and acquaintances everywhere you go, sit with people in your class because that is how we all met our very best friends.” She says just talk to the people about classes or how stressed you are with your studies. “This is not the time to be shy.” She explains that even if you have one friend in your class, it makes the stress of studies more bearable. 

Prof Lida Holtzhausen, Director of the School of Communication at the NWU, says that “To be a first-year starting your university journey can be exciting and stressful, there are a lot of things happening get the big classrooms can be a bit scary. The most important thing is to keep focus, focus on when your class is, to attend all your classes, and to make sure you keep up with the work. To have a clear understanding of your work, and if you do not have a clear understanding, then you need to go back to your lectures or get a tutor. Make sure you understand the context of the work before the lecture moves on to the next chapter of work. “

She explains that the amount of work at university is a lot. It is a risk to fall behind or to not have a clear understanding of a concept when the lecture moves on to another chapter. 

“Stay focused on work and do not fall behind. When assignments are due, make sure it gets done on time; do not wait until the last minute”. She explains that by doing this, you will have enough time to deliver quality work and not rush. 

Another thing that she said is important is balance. “The university has many activities of sport and culture, and a person is only a student once in their life, and it is important to find that balance between studies and activities.” She explains that by doing these activities, it will shape you will be shaped into a person for the world outside of university. “It is important because being a student is not all about academics.”

“For me, everything is about focus and balance. Do the things that you have to, but also give yourself grace by doing other activities, and of course, rest is also very important.”

She ends her advice by saying that you should not compare yourself to other students. “This is your journey and a time to discover who you are as a person.”

Starting a new chapter can be stressful and challenging, but the comfort in the first year is that there is always someone who has been through it before you.  University is the best years of your life, so first-years take a deep breath, calm your heart and mind, and enjoy every moment.