Developing independent learners who are ready for post-graduation success requires a progressive support model.

The University of Pretoria’s approach acknowledges the significant adjustment students face when moving from high school to university life. The contrast between high school and university is stark: while high school students typically spend six to seven hours daily in structured classroom settings, university students experience much less direct instruction time.

According to CHE requirements, contact time comprises only 30% for first- and second-year courses, decreasing to 25% in subsequent years. First-year students face multiple challenges simultaneously: adapting to larger class sizes, managing a faster learning pace, navigating reduced structure, handling newfound independence, and often living away from home for the first time.

To ease this transition, we provide comprehensive first-year support through a welcoming environment that includes orientation programmes, tutoring services, mentorship opportunities, and dedicated student advising academic success coaching. This support system meets students where they are while gradually preparing them for increased academic independence in their later years.