UP Welcome Day 2025: What you can look forward to

Posted on January 30, 2025

Your university years mark the start of one of the most transformative chapters of your life, and the University of Pretoria (UP) is excited to celebrate the beginning of that journey with you.

You will have received an invitation for our Welcome Day event, which is taking place on Saturday, 1 February 2025, at Rembrandt Hall on Hillcrest campus. On this occasion, we officially welcome our first-year students, along with their parents and guardians, into the vibrant and diverse UP family.

Welcome Day is a key event on our academic calendar, and sets the tone for your time at UP. We are excited to share this important day with you. To ensure that all participants can comfortably enjoy our Welcome Day programme, we’ve split it into two sessions:

  • First session: 9am to 10:45am
  • Second session: 12am to 1:35pm

You can look forward to wonderful entertainment on arrival, delicious food from various vendors and exciting exhibitions. UP offers a dynamic teaching and learning experience, whether in the classroom, online or within communities, and we are eager to showcase the full range of opportunities that are available to you.

For those looking to complete their registration, the Department of Enrolment and Student Administration’s (DESA) registration desk will be conveniently located at the Tuks Sports Centre. Our MCs will be roaming the venue, providing guests with helpful information, including reminders to visit the Registration Centre to ensure a smooth start to their UP journey.

You will also be introduced to UP’s senior leadership team, and the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Francis Petersen, will deliver his first official Welcome Day address at both sessions. During the event, you’ll receive valuable information about Academic Orientation Week, the different faculties, how to register and how to choose modules, among other important topics. Plus, there will be spot prizes up for grabs throughout the day!

To make the most of Welcome Day, we recommend you arrive early to ensure that you get a parking spot on campus and access to the exhibitions before the formal programme begins. Please note, seating is limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Keep an eye on the University’s official communication channels – including its website (www.up.ac.za) and social media pages (Facebook, Instagram and X) to stay in the loop about updates or changes to the Welcome Day schedule.

For more details on registration, visit www.up.ac.za/online-registration

For more information on orientation, visit www.up.ac.za/orientation.

Programme: https://up.evlink9.net/public/landing-pages/welcome-day-2025-iXULgMV1IWG0QCCF

Directions: https://www.up.ac.za/article/2749608/hillcrest-campus-high-performance-centre

Refreshments and light meals will be available for purchase during the event.

Congratulations once again on your decision to #ChooseUP. We look forward to welcoming you to #UPWelcomeDay2025!

- Author Yolanda Rakobela

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