More than 5 000 newcomer students, accompanied by their parents, will descend on Stellenbosch this week to start their academic journey with Stellenbosch University (SU).
Although many students, especially those who stay in residence, will start to move in from Wednesday (22 January), the Welcoming Event, to be held on Thursday, 23 January at 17:30 at the Danie Craven Stadium, will mark the official start to the Welcoming Week.
Members of the University management will greet and welcome the new Maties during the Welcoming Event. Students will then gather on the field to form a massive “2020". This symbolises the newcomers' integration into the new community they will become part of.
Dream walk taking place for a second year
Newcomers will also be marching from the stadium to Victoria Street on the campus as part of a “Dream Launch" that symbolises the start of their journey to realise their dreams. This is the second year that the dream walk is taking place. The students will each receive a card on which they can write their dreams for themselves. These cards will then be placed at various points on the route, especially in Victoria Street.
A further highlight of the Welcoming Programme is the annual “Vensters" event, taking place on Friday, 31 January. For these colourful outdoor performances, residences and private student organisation (PSOs) collaborate to impress audiences with innovative and creative dance performances around a central theme.
The University's website, www.sun.ac.za, contains all the necessary information for newcomer students. The full week's welcoming programme and information on among others the registration schedule, transport, personal safety, the library, free writing advice and transport are available here.
- Social media updates on welcoming are done via the hashtag #HelloMaties
- Heavy traffic is expected on all the main roads to Stellenbosch as well as in town on 23 January.
- Photo requests: viljoenm@sun.ac.za
