By Nicola Reyneke
Students from Kayamandi High School pose for a picture with Die Matie at the Stellenbosch University Open Day on 18 April. Photo by Hannerie Rossouw.
Stellenbosch University (SU) welcomed prospective students from far and wide to their campus for its annual Open Day on 18 April. For many, Stellenbosch is more than just a university – it’s a dream shaped long before stepping onto campus. Open Day offers prospective students the opportunity not only to gather information about their future university, but also to find peace of mind about an uncertain future. Open Day helped them gain a clearer understanding of admission requirements, engaging with faculties and experiencing campus life first hand.
Likhanye Ncedana from Kayamandi High School, who is considering studying drama at SU, said that the day “gave me motivation to work even harder toward my goal”. She explained that attending Open Day inspired her to strive toward achieving the SU dream. It is a dream shared by many students, both locally and internationally, who travelled to Stellenbosch for the day.
Two prospective students, Misha van Reenen and Lara Bruwer, travelled from Johannesburg to attend the event. “The campus is really breathtaking and the vibes are amazing,” Van Reenen mentioned. Experiencing campus first hand left Van Reenen and Bruwer feeling less anxious about the future, replacing uncertainty with a sense of calm and possibility.
Pokkel poses for a photo with Die Matie at the Stellenbosch University Open Day on 18 April. Photo by Hannerie Rossouw.
The Schietekat family travelled from Bellville to attend Open Day. Proximity to Stellenbosch makes it a practical option for Megan Schietekat, who hopes to study BAcc. Yet, beyond convenience, it was the atmosphere that stood out. Although their residence tour was limited to Irene due to the rainy weather, they still engaged with the broader Open Day programme, gaining a sense of campus life. Even so, the glimpse into residence life was enough to leave a lasting impression. Schietekat emphasised that “the warmth and sense of community made it feel like the possibility of a home away from home”.
Both Schietekat and Ncedana also praised the institution for its high standard and quality of learning, with Schietekat noting how impressed she was by the lecturers’ engagement and interaction as lecturers actively answered questions and guided students through their study options. The welcoming environment, strong academic reputation, and sense of community were recurring themes among those interviewed.
From nearby towns to cities hundreds of kilometres away, students gathered for more than just information – they came to experience a future they hope to be part of.
