Online registration of first-year and senior students at the University of Pretoria (UP) is off to a smooth start.

By Wednesday 23 January, enrolment numbers had risen to approximately 25 500 undergraduates and 4 800 postgraduates, bringing the total number of registered students to just over 30 000. Of these, 898 are international students from countries including Belgium, Bulgaria, Greece, Hong Kong and some African countries such as Namibia, Nigeria and Swaziland.

First-year students who haven’t registered yet are encouraged to register as soon as possible, as student cards will be required to gain access to your campus for Orientation Week, which takes place from 28 January to 1 February on the Hatfield, Groenkloof, Prinshof, Onderstepoort and Hillcrest campuses. Students attending Welcome Day at the Hillcrest Campus on Saturday 26 January will be able to collect their student cards that morning, but it is advised that you pick up your student card before Welcome Day. Students who are still experiencing difficulty in registering online are advised to visit the Hillcrest Campus, or contact the registration call centre on 012 420 5347, or email [email protected].

According to Michele le Grange, Operations Manager: Client Care and Projects at UP, "Registration has been running smoothly. More students have registered as compared to the same time last year. We have streamlined the registration process, by having all the relevant departments at one venue, offering the student a one-stop service.” 

Although lectures start on Monday, 4 February, Professor Anandhevelli Naidoo, Deputy Director, Academic Development at UP’s Department for Education Innovation, urged new students to attend Orientation Week (28 January to 1 February), which is designed to help them find their feet before classes start.

She said Orientation Week aims to enlighten students on where “to get help and support, encouraging engagement, preparing for adaption to university, preparing for academic demands, and fostering a sense of belonging”.

She said the programme has been condensed to focus on aspects that introduce students to what is available and possible at UP. The sessions have been divided into three categories: Technology@UP; Transitions@UP and Support@UP, which will be delivered through panels.  “Students are encouraged to attend the orientation sessions, as it will give them a head-start into their academic experience,” Naidoo stressed.

UP Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Tawana Kupe will deliver a welcome speech to new students before they embark on their academic journey.