What to Expect

UP prides itself on producing well-rounded, creative graduates who are responsible, productive citizens and future leaders.

You’ve probably heard your teachers and older friends or family tell you that university is not like school. That’s because at university, you are expected to make decisions on your own. These range from selecting modules (subject choices) to compiling your personal timetable (if that is applicable to your course), and deciding whether to engage in extra-curricular activities such as sports or joining a student society.

When you first come to UP, it is compulsory for you to attend the Orientation Programme, either in person or online. The programme will give you a good overview of everything that’s on offer to help you make your journey at UP easier. You will learn valuable tips and skills, and be provided with important information and contact details that you will need for the rest of your time at university.

It is important that you keep up to date with reading notes or the applicable chapter before class. During class, ask questions about the topic and make additional notes. After class, revise and consolidate what you know. Study for tests to maintain a good average and make sure that your assignments are handed in on time.

There’s a range of additional resources such as notes or videos available for you online. You’ll be given opportunities to apply your skills in practical ways, such as lab work or assisting with community engagement.

To assist you, we offer a comprehensive network of support, such as lecturers, tutors, mentors, faculty advisors and student administrative staff, so that you are always able to achieve the best for yourself throughout your studies and beyond. Through these support structures, we are able to give you good advice to help you graduate on time.

We know that you might sometimes feel overwhelmed or unsure of how to do something. Always ask someone for help if you need it. Your tutors, mentors, faculty advisors and lecturers will often be able to guide you fairly quickly or point you in the right direction.

To help you be a successful graduate by getting that first interview, first job and remaining meaningfully employed in the future, UP offers free online modules as part of its Ready for Work programme. There’s also a free Entrepreneurship programme that teaches you how to start your own business.

With everything in place to ensure your success, all that’s left for you to do once you #ChooseUP is to follow the tips you are given, choose your modules carefully, make use of the support offered, work consistently and keep up with your work schedule. This will help you to graduate on time.


Hybrid = Contact + Online. UP’s hybrid teaching and learning model makes transitioning to fully online learning so much easier. Let’s hear what some of our students have to say.

In this video we share a few things you need to know to help you get the best possible start to your academic career at the University of Pretoria. The focus is specifically on our teaching methods, and the technological requirements for studying at UP.

 

The Department of Student Affairs supports you on your journey to success by helping you to further develop your strengths, looking after your wellness and health, making education accessible for students with disabilities, and ensuring good student governance.

The University of Pretoria understands that studying at a tertiary level comes with many expenses for you and your family. We have financial aid available to all students, regardless of their household income, study programme or year of study.

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