University of Mpumalanga’s student counsellor offers advice for first-year students

Peer pressure, lack of time and money management, loneliness and academic stress are some of the issues student counsellors have observed in first-year students.

The first year of university can be a daunting experience – adjusting to a new environment, meeting new people and being away from your loved ones is often overwhelming.

As many students are about to embark on their tertiary education journey, Mpumalanga News had an interview with a counsellor from the University of Mpumalanaga, Xolilie Sibuyi.

She said new students often shy away from opening up about their issues because of their fear of being seen as weak.

“It is not always easy for them to speak openly, they do not feel comfortable with someone knowing they have problems. Sometimes students are not aware that there are student support services available to help them navigate their emotions,” she said.

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She highlighted the importance of first-year students attending orientation so they are aware of the facilities put in place to help them. She elaborated on the challenges that most first-year students are faced with.

“Many of the students are funded by NSFAS [National Student Financial Aid Scheme] and it is their first time receiving such money, so they may not know how to manage it. The right thing is to strategise to avoid financial issues. They may also struggle with adjusting on a social level, which may result in loneliness and isolation. This can lead to depression.

“Peer pressure is another issue, comparing yourself to the other students. The struggle to fit in may lead students to making bad decisions, such as dating older people who can support them financially,” she said.

Sibuyi emphasised the importance of seeking help and connecting with fellow students. “Do not isolate yourself, make good connections with others. University can be a lonely place without a support system. If you are struggling, seek help. Do not wait until your mental health deteriorates.”

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A master’s student, Nongcebo Zitha, described her first year as exciting and challenging.

“I was excited that I made it to varsity and I would be pursuing my dreams, but the environment was totally different. I shared my residence with older girls who were bullies. But when I started settling in and made friends, things became a lot better.”

Zitha shared some words of advice for first-year students who might be feeling anxious about their new endeavour. “Be confident in yourself, plan out everything in time and be ready to speak up for yourself, it’s really going to help you stay positive.”

She listed the do’s and don’ts that all first-year students should follow as a guideline. “Do attend your orientation, consult with your lecturers and participate in sports or tutoring. Do not compare yourself to other students or your lifestyle to theirs, do not cook with your res mates and do not befriend the wrong group of students,” Zitha said.