• Behind the scenes of Welcoming 

    Behind the scenes of Welcoming 

    By Emma Theron Stellenbosch University (SU) has earned itself a reputation of being a student town. Residence culture, Commuter Student Communities (CSC) signage, and merchandise filter their way into everyday life at the university. Welcoming is the… read more

  • Surviving Stellenbosch culture shock

    Surviving Stellenbosch culture shock

    By Zandri van Greunen Most new Maties arrive in Stellenbosch ready to experience what “Dis altyd lente in die oë van die Stellenbosch-studente” (It’s always spring in the eyes of the Stellenbosch students) is all about. This… read more

  • Starting from scratch at your university 

    Starting from scratch at your university 

    By Ella Bosman For many, arriving in Stellenbosch for the first time feels a bit like walking into High School Musical. Oak-lined streets buzzing with life, students everywhere, the Neelsie, and of course its infamous night life.… read more

  • So… you’ve got a roommate. What to do next?

    So… you’ve got a roommate. What to do next?

    By Anica Hattingh, Julian Rael Gordan & Emma Olivier  As the new year kicks off, residences are once more filled with moving boxes and unfamiliar faces. During this liminal time, many students experience uncertainty. How do you… read more

  • A hitchhiker’s guide to Dorp Street and beyond

    A hitchhiker’s guide to Dorp Street and beyond

    By Jana Gous Stellenbosch feels like a dream until your phone is stolen, you are walking down a dark street, and your friends are nowhere to be found. Safety in this town should not be underestimated, and… read more

  • Living in Stellenbosch on a (tight) budget

    Living in Stellenbosch on a (tight) budget

    By Jana Gous Stellenbosch may be known for its oak-lined streets and vibrant student culture, but when it’s the end of the month and your bank account is scraping zero, even the town’s charm can feel expensive.… read more

  • Important SU contacts

    Important SU contacts

    By Amber Steyn  Administration A  IT Hub Campus Security 24-Hour Rape Crisis Helpline HIV/AIDS Helpline Campus Health Services CSCD SU Client Services Centre Academic structures Academic Affairs Council read more

  • Iconic Welcoming traditions across different Stellenbosch residences

    Iconic Welcoming traditions across different Stellenbosch residences

    By Jana Burger Residences and their residents at Stellenbosch University (SU) annually pride themselves on their unique events and traditions during Welcoming.  Die Matie interviewed a few senior residents from different residences regarding iconic events aimed at… read more

  • Beginner’s guide to being a Matie 

    Beginner’s guide to being a Matie 

    By Abigail Powell  Beginning university is a tumultuous experience and a huge step in life. Beginning it in a strange town, away from family and friends, makes it even more intimidating. But you are not alone. Here… read more

  • One year on: Into Style is re-dressing Stellenbosch

    One year on: Into Style is re-dressing Stellenbosch

    By Rebecca Rossouw Into Style has returned once again to end off the spring season in the already blazing hot Stellenbosch. It has been a year since the Into Style duo, Marize Mulder, a MPhil (Interdisciplinary Arts… read more

  • Sandasonke: Exploring Language and Belonging at SU

    Sandasonke: Exploring Language and Belonging at SU

    By Zandri van Greunen The Zive Usekhaya: Language and Belonging workshop, hosted by Stellenbosch University (SU) Language Centre from 7 to 9 October, explored how language influences students’ sense of belonging at SU. The workshops invited students… read more

  • Japan Day 2025: A celebration of Japanese culture

    Japan Day 2025: A celebration of Japanese culture

    By Anica Hattingh Japanese culture is one that emphasises the importance of heritage, tradition and etiquette. Group harmony, respect for hierarchy and elders, and politeness through indirect communication, such as bowing and punctuality, are a few of… read more

  • Sara Klere: A new way of thrifting

    Sara Klere: A new way of thrifting

    By Anica Hattingh The mission of Sara Klere is simple – to bring high-end thrifting to Stellenbosch while supporting a good cause, the Hanna Charity and Empowerment Foundation. In a video of the opening ceremony hosted on… read more

  • The Neelsie turns 50

    The Neelsie turns 50

    By Anica Hattingh It’s no surprise that Stellenbosch University (SU) – nestled in the heart of a historic town – has a rich story of its own. The Neelsie, as it’s affectionately known by generations of SU… read more

  • Fashion Galore: Stellenbosch edition 

    Fashion Galore: Stellenbosch edition 

    By Ella Bosman and Rebecca Rossouw Under the soft glow of Stellenbosch’s Church Street lights, creativity blossomed on the runway of Fashion Galore on 24 October – a celebration of young artists who are redefining local style.… read more

  • Is it really recess?

    Is it really recess?

    By Chelsy Rickard Although no one in their right mind would wish to be an engineering student during Eng Week, when recess finally rolls around and the rest of the university has to continue studying for their… read more

  • Students “Ecoslay” in trash couture 

    Students “Ecoslay” in trash couture 

    By Ella Bosman On Thursday 25 September, the Neelsie became an unlikely runway as the Stellenbosch Environmental and Sustainability Society hosted its first Ecoslay Trashion Show. Forget New York or Milan, this catwalk was about Checkers Sixty60… read more

  • Get your ducks in a row!

    Get your ducks in a row!

    By Anica Hattingh On 26 September, Stellenbosch University’s Faculty of Education, in partnership with The Crazy Store, gathered all their (rubber) ducks and released them into the icy waters of Eerste River in Stellenbosch. This race, the… read more

  • Celebrating Heritage Day: Honoring culture and community on campus

    Celebrating Heritage Day: Honoring culture and community on campus

    By Lilja Flohr Every year, National Heritage Day is celebrated on 24 September. This year, Stellenbosch University (SU) hosted a variety of festivities, including themed parties in traditional attire, live music and dance, braais, and more to… read more

  • The politics of Residence Visiting Policies 

    The politics of Residence Visiting Policies 

    By Ella Bosman In some residences, staying over is as easy as tapping your student card to open the door. Yet, in most others, the process is almost as impossible as sneaking a person into the house… read more