On Saturday 15 March, prospective students got a sneak peek into their future, when Stellenbosch University (SU) hosted its annual Open Day. Our future Maties seemed to be ecstatic as they were already on the SU’s grounds from 08:00. Determined as they were, many students had one-on-one conversations with lecturers to gather information regarding their potential course. One might not always be 100% certain about what they want to study. This is proven when one of the prospective students, Daniella Baseka stated that she is unsure about what course to study at the moment, however, Stellenbosch University is a place where people find their true identity.
Prospective students and parents gathered in groups of 5-7 for a library tour from 09:00-14:00 to get a glimpse of one of the busiest places on campus, the famous “Bib.” Daniella Baseka, said “The library tour was really nice, and the students there are standing on business.” During the application process, prospective SU students are faced with a choice: ‘Do I want student accommodation?’ SU has student accommodation enriched with culture and traditions which are unique to them.
An interview with the Primaria of Harmonie female residence, Amogelang Molefe took place. Amogelang is currently in her final year of studying Agricultural Economics. She stated that one of the traditions that is unique to Harmonie is that during welcoming they have an event called “claim to fame.” She added, “Harmonie is an inclusive and welcoming place.” The mentors at Harmonie are there to help their mentees with the transition from high school to university” Everyone at this residence strives to have a personal relationship with each other. She said that coming into Harmonie as a first year, people were “welcoming and friendly.”
Many prospective students gathered and spoke to mentors/HC’s from various CSC’s. Stellenbosch University leaves no student behind, and if one decides to have private accommodation, they will be assigned a CSC. Isabelle Swartz, a House Committee member at Capri and a third-year student studying BScAgric Plant and Soil Science (Water and Soil Management) said that a unique newcomer event is the awards evening, which is a welcoming ceremony at the end of the orientation week. “This is a ceremony to officially make you a member of Capri,” said Isabelle. She added, “Seniors are very integrated with newcomers” and that the responsibility of mentors is to “make sure that first years have a communication channel.”
Two members of the Huis Visser male residence, Ceaser Paradzayi – a second-year Chemical Engineering student, and House Committee member – and Thede Tshabalala, a mentor currently studying BSc Food Science, shared their thoughts on their residence. Ceaser stated that the “Halfway House Hike” is the most significant tradition in this residence. “The significance of this hike is that all newcomers come from diverse backgrounds,” he added, “but with this hike once everyone reaches the top of the mountain, they receive a Huis Visser shirt, put it on, and everyone comes down as one.” Ceaser believes that this is an act of unity. He stated, “During orientation week everyone introduces themselves and after that mentors get to choose their mentees.” Thede said that they choose their mentees based on the thought of “Awe, this guy is kinda cool, I’ll match with him actually.” The main duties are to make sure mentees are “alright and lead them.” Ceaser stated, “We’re not the typical men’s residence that’s all crazy and makes a bunch of noise. We’re here to help you, not just through uni, but through life after uni,” when asked why male prospective students should apply to their residence.
To end the day off, prospective students expressed how it would make them feel to become a Matie. Danielle Baseka said, “To become a Matie would be a dream come true”. She also added that the Stellenbosch University Open Day for 2025 was “very well organised!”
By Amber Steyn
