NEW students at the University of KZN are confident they’ll do well this year.
First-year students were welcomed on Wednesday at the start of the annual orientation week.
Mbalenhle Nkonyane (18) from Jozini, northern KZN said she was very excited to be at university.
She will be studying for a BSc degree in applied chemistry.
“I’m looking forward to the challenges that come with being a first-year student,” said Mbalenhle.
Another student, Gogonthle Morupi (19) from Renosterkraal, North West is studying computer science.
She said: “I’m nervous about starting my studies because I’m not from Durban.
“It’s a new environment but I’m looking forward to the year.”
Professor Bala Pillay, the dean for teaching and learning, told students they had made a good choice in coming to the university.
“Hard work is required but will ultimately be rewarded,” he said.
He encouraged the new students to enjoy the social pleasures that came with university life, but to do so responsibly, balancing work with pleasure.
He said they will be supported by university staff at every step they take on their journey towards their degree.
The students were briefed on topics such as campus safety, student support services, student governance and how to use the library and computer network.
They were also told about student housing and residence life, sports facilities, funding and most importantly, essential work habits for success.
After the formal procedures were over the students were split into groups to tour the campus and start registering.
Officials told them that competition for places at the department for agriculture, engineering and science at the university is stiff, with demand far outweighing availability.
The new students had the satisfaction of knowing that they had been offered a place based on their excellent matric results.
