Going to varsity is one of the most exciting milestones in life. For many young people, it marks the beginning of independence, new friendships, exciting opportunities, and the journey towards building a successful career.
However, university life is not always as easy or glamorous as it looks. There are new responsibilities, academic challenges, financial pressures, and personal decisions that can influence your experience.
Whether you’re going to university for the first time or preparing to move into student accommodation, there are several things you should know before starting your journey.
In this article, we’ll discuss things you should know if you’re going to varsity, from managing your money and choosing friends to studying effectively, staying safe, and making the most of your university experience.
1. Varsity Is Different From High School
One of the first things you need to understand is that university is very different from high school.
At school, teachers often remind you about assignments, homework, tests, and upcoming examinations. At varsity, you’re expected to take responsibility for your own education.
Lecturers may not constantly remind you about deadlines or missing assignments. You need to manage your own time and make sure you understand what is expected of you.
Here are a few things to remember:
- Attend your lectures and tutorials.
- Keep track of assignment deadlines.
- Read your study material regularly.
- Ask questions when you don’t understand something.
- Take responsibility for your academic performance.
The sooner you develop discipline and independence, the easier it will be to adjust to university life.
2. Learn How to Manage Your Money
Money management is one of the most important skills you’ll need at varsity.
Whether you’re supported by your parents, receiving NSFAS funding, working part-time, or receiving a bursary, you need to learn how to manage whatever money you have.
It’s easy to spend your money on takeaways, entertainment, clothes, and unnecessary shopping. However, poor financial decisions can leave you struggling before the end of the month.
Create a monthly budget that includes:
- Food and groceries.
- Transport costs.
- Toiletries and personal care products.
- Data and internet.
- Study materials and printing.
- Accommodation expenses.
- Emergency savings.
Try to separate your needs from your wants. You don’t have to spend money just because your friends are spending theirs.
Remember: Being financially responsible at varsity can save you from unnecessary stress.
3. Understand How NSFAS and Bursaries Work
If you’re planning to study in South Africa, you should familiarise yourself with NSFAS and other available funding opportunities.
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) provides financial assistance to eligible students who meet the applicable requirements.
Depending on the funding arrangements and eligibility rules, assistance may cover approved study-related expenses such as tuition, accommodation, transport, and learning materials.
Before going to varsity, make sure you understand:
- The NSFAS application and eligibility requirements.
- How to check your application status.
- The documents required for funding applications.
- How funding allowances work.
- What to do if your application is unsuccessful.
- The deadlines for bursaries and other financial assistance.
You can visit the official NSFAS website at https://www.nsfas.org.za for information and updates.
Don’t rely on information from random social media posts. Always verify funding information through official channels.
4. Choose Your Friends Wisely
One of the best things about going to varsity is meeting new people.
You’ll interact with students from different backgrounds, cultures, communities, and walks of life. Some of these people may become lifelong friends.
However, remember that not everyone you meet will have good intentions or share your goals.
Choose friends who:
- Encourage you to focus on your studies.
- Respect your boundaries.
- Support your personal growth.
- Are honest and trustworthy.
- Don’t pressure you into harmful behaviour.
- Celebrate your achievements.
You don’t have to be friends with everyone. It’s perfectly fine to have a small circle of genuine friends.
Never compromise your values or future just to fit in.
5. Learn How to Cook Basic Meals
If you’re moving away from home, learning how to cook is a valuable life skill.
You won’t always have someone preparing meals for you, and buying takeaway food every day can become expensive.
Start by learning how to prepare simple meals such as:
- Rice and chicken.
- Pap and vegetables.
- Pasta.
- Eggs and toast.
- Samp and beans.
- Vegetable stew.
- Oats and other affordable breakfasts.
You don’t need to become a professional chef. Knowing how to prepare affordable, healthy meals will help you save money and take better care of yourself.
Also, learn basic food storage and kitchen hygiene to avoid wasting groceries.
6. Time Management Is Everything
University life can become overwhelming if you don’t manage your time properly.
Between lectures, assignments, tests, social activities, and personal responsibilities, you may sometimes feel like there aren’t enough hours in the day.
The best way to stay organised is to create a weekly schedule.
Include:
- Lecture times.
- Study sessions.
- Assignment deadlines.
- Group meetings.
- Exercise and personal activities.
- Rest and sleeping time.
Avoid leaving assignments until the last minute. Some projects require research, group discussions, and several hours of preparation.
A little planning every week can make a big difference in your academic performance.
7. Attend Your Lectures and Tutorials
It can be tempting to skip lectures, especially when nobody is forcing you to attend.
However, missing classes regularly can make it difficult to understand your coursework.
Lectures help you understand important concepts, while tutorials provide opportunities to practise what you’ve learned and ask questions.
Make it a habit to attend your scheduled academic activities.
If you genuinely cannot attend a lecture, find out what work was covered and make arrangements to catch up.
Remember that you’re at varsity to obtain a qualification, so your education should remain a priority.
8. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
You don’t have to figure everything out on your own.
University can be challenging, especially during your first few months. You may struggle with certain modules, adjusting to campus life, or dealing with personal problems.
The important thing is knowing when to ask for help.
You can approach:
- Your lecturers.
- Academic tutors.
- Student support services.
- Academic advisors.
- University counsellors.
- Student representatives.
Most universities have support services designed to help students succeed.
Asking for assistance doesn’t mean you’re weak or incapable. It shows that you’re willing to learn and improve.
9. Be Prepared for Group Assignments
Group assignments are common at many universities.
You’ll sometimes be required to work with other students to complete presentations, research projects, or written assignments.
Unfortunately, not everyone takes group work seriously.
To avoid unnecessary problems:
- Choose reliable group members where possible.
- Divide responsibilities fairly.
- Agree on deadlines.
- Communicate regularly.
- Keep records of completed work.
- Avoid doing everything at the last minute.
Learn how to work with different personalities. Teamwork is an important skill that can also benefit you in your future career.
10. Learn How to Use the University Library
Your university library is one of the most useful resources available to you.
It provides access to textbooks, academic journals, research materials, study spaces, and sometimes computers and internet facilities.
Learn how to:
- Search for academic books.
- Access online journals.
- Use the university’s research databases.
- Borrow and return books.
- Reference academic sources correctly.
- Find quiet study spaces.
Don’t wait until examination season to discover how useful the library can be.
Also, familiarise yourself with your university’s online learning platform, where lecturers may upload notes, assignments, announcements, and other important resources.
11. Protect Your Mental Health
Your mental health is just as important as your academic performance.
The pressure of studying, financial difficulties, loneliness, family expectations, and adjusting to a new environment can sometimes become overwhelming.
It’s important to take care of yourself.
Here are a few healthy habits to develop:
- Get enough sleep.
- Eat balanced meals.
- Exercise regularly.
- Make time for activities you enjoy.
- Stay connected with supportive people.
- Take breaks when you need them.
- Seek professional support when necessary.
Don’t compare your university journey with other people’s experiences.
Some students adjust quickly, while others need more time. Everyone has their own journey.
12. Be Careful With Relationships and Dating
Varsity is a place where you’ll meet different people, and romantic relationships may become part of your experience.
However, don’t allow relationships to distract you from your goals or negatively affect your well-being.
If you decide to date, make sure the relationship is based on mutual respect, honesty, trust, and healthy communication.
Remember:
- You have the right to say no.
- Never allow anyone to pressure you into anything.
- Respect other people’s boundaries.
- Avoid relationships that involve manipulation or abuse.
- Practise safe sex and make informed health decisions.
Your education, personal development, and well-being should never depend on another person’s approval.
13. Avoid Peer Pressure
Peer pressure is something many first-year students experience.
You may meet people who encourage you to drink excessively, misuse substances, spend money irresponsibly, skip lectures, or participate in activities that make you uncomfortable.
It’s important to know your limits and stand by your decisions.
You don’t have to participate in everything to make friends or enjoy university life.
Learn to say no without feeling guilty.
The people who genuinely respect you will not force you to do things against your values.
14. Take Your Personal Safety Seriously
Your safety should always come first, whether you’re staying in residence, renting private accommodation, or travelling to campus.
Be aware of your surroundings and take reasonable precautions.
Some important safety tips include:
- Avoid walking alone in isolated areas at night.
- Keep your valuables out of sight.
- Save important campus security contact numbers.
- Lock your room and accommodation when leaving.
- Be careful about sharing your location publicly.
- Use trusted transport services.
- Know where to report suspicious activity.
If you’re staying in a university residence, familiarise yourself with its safety procedures and emergency contacts.
15. Don’t Spend All Your Money on Campus Entertainment
University offers many opportunities to socialise, including parties, events, concerts, student gatherings, and weekend outings.
Enjoying yourself is part of the university experience, but you need to maintain a balance.
You don’t need to attend every event or buy everything your friends buy.
Set aside a reasonable entertainment budget and avoid using money intended for food, transport, or academic expenses.
Remember that you can create great memories without spending large amounts of money.
16. Build Relationships With Your Lecturers
Many students underestimate the importance of developing professional relationships with their lecturers.
Your lecturers can provide academic guidance, career advice, research opportunities, and information about opportunities in your field.
Make an effort to:
- Participate in class discussions.
- Ask relevant questions.
- Attend consultation sessions.
- Communicate respectfully.
- Submit your work on time.
- Show genuine interest in your studies.
Building good professional relationships can also help you develop confidence when communicating with people in your future workplace.
17. Start Thinking About Your Career Early
Although your main goal at varsity may be to obtain a qualification, you should also think about your future career.
Don’t wait until your final year before exploring opportunities related to your field of study.
Consider:
- Attending career fairs.
- Applying for internships.
- Looking for vacation work.
- Joining relevant student organisations.
- Building your CV.
- Developing useful digital skills.
- Creating a professional LinkedIn profile.
- Networking with people in your industry.
Your degree is important, but practical experience and professional connections can also help you stand out when applying for employment.
18. Learn to Be Independent
For many students, varsity is the first time they have to make important decisions without their parents or guardians being physically present.
You’ll need to learn how to manage your responsibilities, solve problems, and make decisions.
Independence includes:
- Managing your own finances.
- Doing your laundry.
- Preparing meals.
- Keeping your accommodation clean.
- Managing your academic schedule.
- Taking responsibility for your decisions.
- Knowing when to seek assistance.
You won’t become independent overnight. Give yourself time to learn and adjust.
19. Don’t Compare Your Journey With Other Students
One student may have a car, another may have expensive clothes, while someone else may receive more financial support.
Remember that everyone comes from a different background.
Some students have more financial resources and support than others. Comparing yourself to them can create unnecessary pressure.
Focus on your own progress and make the most of the opportunities available to you.
You don’t need to live an expensive lifestyle to enjoy varsity.
Your goal should be to grow academically, socially, financially, and personally.
20. Enjoy Your Varsity Experience
Although university comes with responsibilities, don’t forget to enjoy the experience.
Join student societies, attend interesting events, explore new interests, make friends, and participate in activities that help you grow.
University is not only about passing examinations. It’s also an opportunity to discover your strengths, develop new skills, build relationships, and prepare for adulthood.
Take photographs, make memories, try new things, and appreciate the journey.
However, always remember why you enrolled in the first place.
Essential Things to Pack When Going to Varsity
If you’re moving into a university residence or private student accommodation, preparing your belongings in advance can make your transition easier.
Here are some useful essentials to consider packing.
Academic Essentials
- Laptop or tablet, if available.
- Notebooks and pens.
- Backpack.
- Calculator, if required.
- Headphones.
- USB flash drive.
- Required textbooks and stationery.
Bedroom Essentials
- Bedding and pillows.
- Blankets.
- Towels.
- Laundry basket.
- Hangers.
- Personal storage containers.
Personal Essentials
- Toiletries.
- Toothbrush and toothpaste.
- Soap and shampoo.
- Deodorant.
- Personal medication, if applicable.
- Basic first-aid supplies.
Kitchen Essentials
- Plates and bowls.
- Cups and glasses.
- Cutlery.
- Food containers.
- Dishwashing liquid.
- Dishcloths.
- Basic cooking utensils.
Important: Check your university residence rules before buying appliances or packing items such as heaters, kettles, and cooking equipment. Some residences restrict certain electrical appliances