UP opened its doors to first-year students on Saturday when it hosted Welcome Day. There were blue Tukkies goodie bags and big smiles on campus as students began arriving.

From seven o’clock in the morning marshals and volunteers helped direct a steady stream of students, family and friends onto campus. For many students it was their first proper campus tour and for parents it was a chance to get a glimpse of the life their children will embark on at UP.

Prospective students and other visitors were given useful facts and information about the various faculties from faculty representatives. Experienced students were on hand to answer newbies’ questions. There was also a touch of ceremony and protocol as senior university staff in full academic regalia took to the stage in the amphitheatre to address students and their families. This formal touch was a strong reminder for the first-years that university life is a journey with a definite end goal – that of earning a degree, broadening the mind and becoming the next generation of critical thinkers, professionals and leaders.

Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Cheryl De La Rey, encouraged the students to seize the opportunity of being part of the UP family, to work hard to realise their academic dreams and to strive for balance.

She said the day marked the start of great things. “This is the start of a new phase of your life’s journey,” said Prof De La Rey.