First-year students embrace new beginnings at UL

Pure anticipation and joy light up the faces of first-year students at the University of Limpopo, who have triumphed over fierce competition among over 300,000 applicants for just 5,100 spots.

Photos: Lebogang Mathata

By David Mmatli – ulpublications@ul.ac.za

For many young people, receiving an acceptance letter from a university signifies not  just an academic milestone, but a life-changing opportunity

After competing against thousands of applicants, first-year students are arriving at the University of Limpopo (UL)  filled with gratitude, determination, and hope for the future.

Several  new students shared their experiences with   Inside UL, revealing  that the transition from high school to university is a blend of  excitement and uncertainty. This journey brings new freedoms, and  responsibilities, along with  the challenge of adapting to an unfamiliar environment.  Here is how  some first-year students feel  about joining the  UL community and their plans  to make the most of this  opportunity.

 

For Fundiswa Ngcobo, a Bachelor of Science in Medical Sciences student from Kwazulu Natal, gaining admission to UL was a proud moment. She expressed that the experience has already fostered  new friendships and a supportive environment.

“I was thrilled to  meet new people and begin  this new chapter, and I plan to use this study opportunity to improve my  life and that of my community,” she said.

Nonkuleleko Tshabalala from Newcastle in KwaZulu-Natal, who is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology, described a mix of excitement and nervousness.
“Initially,  I felt anxious  about being independent and far  from my parents,” she admitted.

However, she noted that  the welcoming atmosphere on campus, particularly  at the Sport and Recreation Centre, has helped her feel at home. She values  the cultural and linguistic  diversity on campus and is eager to learn from others.

Paballo Mashiane, a first-year Bachelor of Administration student from Mokopane, found  the first few days  overwhelming.

“At first, I felt bored because I didn’t know anyone, and there were so many people around campus,” he said. Nonetheless,  he soon began to adjust as he met fellow students and grew more comfortable in his new surroundings.

Thapelo Mokoena, a first-year Bachelor of Life Sciences ECP student from Mpumalanga, describes the campus environment as friendly and social.

“It is very social here. People are always ready to  engage in conversation,” she said.

Many  students admitted that navigating such a large campus posed an initial  challenge. “I wish someone had warned me about how often  I would get lost,” Mokoena laughed.  “The campus is huge.”

Despite these early hurdles, the students feel  fortunate to have been accepted into the university and are determined to make the  most of their opportunity. They expressed  their commitment to focusing on their studies, building supportive friendships, and making responsible choices.

Ngcobo credited the resident assistants for helping first-year students adjust. “They assisted us with settling into  campus life, creating student emails, and logging into Blackboard. Their support made things much easier,” she said.

Mokoena, meanwhile, finds solace in the  social and recreational spaces. “The sports grounds help me relax and feel more comfortable in this new environment,” she added.