Many learners who completed Grade 12 in 2025 will soon be heading off to university, a university of technology or another tertiary institution. Leaving behind the structure and familiarity of school life can be exciting, but also daunting for many.

Here are 10 tips to help you navigate and survive this important transition:

1. Accommodation

The application for a tertiary institution usually involves stating whether you will be living on- or off campus. Whichever choice you make, make sure you know if the facility is catered or self-catered.

Ensure you know if the living arrangements are co-ed or single sex.

Depending on the type of person you are, you will need to select an accommodation based on your noise level; that is, whether it is a quiet or a noisy environment.

2. Finances

Many students apply for student loans or scholarships. Whatever the case may be, it is important to open a Student Bank Account, as there are no banking fees involved.

The other option is to apply for a student loan at your local bank, ensuring to pay it off during a time set by the bank.Spend money on the essentials only!

Groceries and study materials are more important than designer clothing and jewellery.

3. What to pack

Residences on campus are usually fitted with the necessary furniture: a bed, a mattress, a desk, a chair, a closet, a bedside table… What you will need is a microwave, fridge, bed lamp, curtains/blinds, and bedding.

If you are staying off campus, make sure you find out what furniture is provided so you can arrange anything else you may need in advance.

Pack what you need to write with, as well as your laptop, charger and headphones.

Clothing, towels and cosmetics are important too.

4. Travelling

Tertiary institutions offer students shuttles at little to no cost. This is an effective and cheap way to get to and from lectures.

Carpooling with friends to shops is an option if you do not want to walk all the way.

Taking the bus home to visit your family is cheaper than driving by car, as your bus ticket’s price includes fuel and tolls.

5. Reading

This is not necessary, but can be beneficial: search the course material on your student portal and read some of the core modules’ textbooks. This will help you get a better understanding of your studies.

6. Health and Wellness

See your GP before leaving for university, to catch any medical or health issues in time.

If you are on a specific medication, be sure to fill your prescription beforehand, and Google GPs and pharmacies in the area where you will be living/studying, in case you need a top-up.

7. The area

Familiarise yourself with the campus layout: library, lecture halls, administration office, and student centre.

Another good thing is to search for shops and hairdressers nearby.

8. Cooking

Learn how to cook! You do not need to be a Masterchef, but being able to cook a simple meal on your own will get you a long way.

Many stores have ‘student discount prices’ provided that you present your student card at the cashier.

Cooking helps you develop the skill to fend for yourself in your new home away from home.

9. Transition to university life

Skills required to survive university life are critical thinking, researching, academic reading and writing, and analysis. Your parents are not there to think for you anymore, you are on your own now.

Also, unlike teachers in school, lecturers do not care if you are in class or not.

Frequent communication with family is necessary, especially when you feel homesick.

10. 1st Year’s Week

The best way to make your first year a little less scary is to participate in orientation week. This is where you are shown everything, mixing with other faculties and getting to know the university community. Residences do facilitate these programs and help the new students to find their feet.

Happy university-ing!

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