By Jimmy Zwane | SA Varsity News
Starting university can be an exciting yet challenging experience—especially for students coming from rural backgrounds or disadvantaged schools. Molatelo Shirley Tala, a third-year chemical engineering student at the University of Pretoria, shares valuable advice for first-year students struggling to adjust to campus life.
“I grew up in Lephalale, Limpopo, and attended a high school with no computers or internet,” Tala explains. “I used to walk about five kilometers to school every day. Transitioning to university, where everything moves fast, was overwhelming at first.”
She points out that many first-year students feel isolated and confused as they navigate new environments, academic workloads, and social pressures. To tackle these challenges, Tala encourages new students to reach out for help early.
“Contact your tutors and academic advisors to help you create effective study schedules and manage your time,” she advises. Tala herself made use of the Faculty Student Advisor services at UP to cope with her workload.
Another hurdle many first-years face is being away from home for the first time, which can lead to feelings of loneliness and homesickness. Tala stresses the importance of using university emotional support services and maintaining regular contact with family and friends to ease this transition.
Financial adjustment is also a major challenge, particularly for students moving from rural areas to urban campuses. Tala highlights the value of applying for financial aid through schemes like NSFAS, which helped her cover tuition, accommodation, and food costs.
Beyond university services, students can access support from HIGHER HEALTH, a national agency dedicated to promoting mental health and well-being at public universities and technical colleges across South Africa. Minister of Higher Education Blade Nzimande emphasizes the need for safe and supportive learning environments, noting that institutions work closely with HIGHER HEALTH to ensure this.
For students who prefer confidential support, the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) offers 24/7 counselling services, providing a safe space to talk with professionals anonymously.
Tala’s experience and advice serve as a reminder that seeking help is a sign of strength, and universities offer a range of resources to support students through their academic and personal journeys.
