Starting university is exciting but if you are not careful, even the small mistakes can cost you a lot. Here is what you can look out for and how to avoid making them.
🧭 1. Skipping Orientation
We get it, orientation week might seem boring or even awkward. But it is actually packed with useful info, from where your lecture halls are, to how to use student services. Plus, it is a chance to meet friends before classes get hectic.
Many students regret skipping orientation because they end up getting lost, missing important deadlines, or feeling disconnected. Think of it as your starter pack for success. You’ll also learn about campus safety, student cards, meal options, and how to join clubs.
“I didn’t go to orientation and missed out on bursary information. I had to play catch-up for weeks,” says Lefa, a first-year student at UJ.
🕒 2. Poor Time Management
University gives you a lot of freedom and that is where many students trip up. Cramming for tests and submitting assignments late becomes a habit fast. Use a calendar or planner from day one. Trust us, your future self will thank you.
Set weekly goals and divide tasks into smaller chunks. Try time-blocking — setting fixed times for studying, relaxing, and socialising. Apps like Google Calendar, Trello, or Notion can help.
💸 3. Ignoring Your Budget
Student life is expensive, even with bursaries or NSFAS. Do not blow your allowance in the first week on takeaways and parties. Track your spending, look out for student discounts, and start learning basic money skills early.
Create a monthly budget. Include basics like food, transport, toiletries, and data. Try apps like Goodbudget or 22seven.
For more money advice, check out Edufunds: Student Budgeting Tips.
🤷🏽♂️ 4. Not Asking for Help
If you are struggling with a module or not coping emotionally, speak up. Most universities offer free academic support, mental health services, and mentoring. Asking for help is not a weakness, it is being wise with your future.
Students often wait too long to reach out. But help is there — through tutors, lecturers, support centres and even your classmates.
📚🏃🏽 5. Overcommitting
Trying to do everything — sports, societies, part-time jobs, and extra modules — will wear you out. Keep your schedule balanced. Pick a few things that matter and focus on them.
“I signed up for five clubs, joined a choir and worked weekends. I was exhausted by mid-semester,” says Naledi, a Wits student. Now she focuses on one club and her academics.
🗣️ 6. Avoiding Networking
Making friends is part of the academic journey, but networking also means connecting with classmates, tutors and lecturers. These relationships can lead to study groups, job opportunities, and support when you need it most.
Join workshops, attend department events, or just talk to someone after class. Building a network early makes a big difference.
😴 7. Not Attending Lectures
Lectures are more than just someone reading slides. You get context, insights, and often tips on what’s likely to appear in exams. Even if lectures are recorded, attending them live keeps you disciplined.
Besides, attending regularly builds confidence and improves your understanding of the work.
📖 8. Thinking High School Habits Still Work
University learning is on another level. Copying notes word-for-word or studying the night before won’t work anymore. Learn to study smart: summarise, use past papers, and try active recall.
Use tools like flashcards, past tests, or mind maps to break information into digestible chunks.
🧍🏽♀️ 9. Isolating Yourself
It’s easy to feel alone in a new environment — especially if you’re far from home. But isolating yourself can lead to burnout and mental health struggles. Try joining a club, attending events, or studying in groups.
Even a quick chat with a classmate in the library can help. You are not alone.
“I felt invisible in my first month, but then I joined a debating club — now I have people to study and hang out with,” shares Musa, a student from UWC.
🥦 10. Not Taking Care of Yourself
Studying all night, eating noodles and skipping sleep may sound like typical student life, but it’s not sustainable. Your health affects your grades and your mood.
Eat real food, get enough sleep, drink water, and take short breaks from screens. Even short walks and sunlight can recharge your brain.
🌟 Thoughts
First year is all about learning — about your course and yourself. Mistakes will happen and that’s okay. What matters is how you bounce back and grow.
Be kind to yourself, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to reach out. Whether it’s a classmate, a mentor, or Edufunds.co.za, there’s support out there for every step of your journey.
“Looking back, I realise first year wasn’t about being perfect, it was about finding balance,” says Teboho, a 2nd year education student.
For more student survival guides, tips, and financial advice, visit NSFAS Student Support or follow Edufunds on social media. Your journey is just beginning — and it’s going to be worth it!
💡Campus Safety Tips For First-Year Students
Campus safety is very important and it is even more important for students that will be starting their university journey. By staying alert and using the resources provided by the university, students can enjoy their time on campus whilst caring less about their safety.
These safety tips are aimed at helping students to feel more confident of their safety all the times as they navigate university life. We will be exploring practical strategies that students can use to ensure their personal safety and safety of others all around campus.
🔐 10 Tips to Stay Safe on Campus
1. 🧭 Get to Know Your Campus
- Save Security Contact Numbers: You will have to keep campus security’s contact numbers saved on your phone and written somewhere where you can easy access them.
- Learn the University Environment: It is important to spend your first days (O-Week) exploring your campus and identifying key areas so that you will know where to go during emergencies.
- Find Emergency Services: You have to know where to find security offices, campus police stations, safety buttons and emergency phones.
2. 👀 Be Aware of Your Surroundings
- Stay Alert: You should avoid distracting things like loud music or texting when walking, especially when you are walking at night.
- Stick to Well-Lit Areas: Always walk in main streets where there are good lighting, where you can be seen, especially when you are walking alone.
- Trust Your Gut: If something feels a little off, trust your instincts and stay cautious.
3. 📲 Use Campus Resources and Services
- Safety Apps: Some university campuses around South Africa offer their students apps to alert security when they are not feeling safe or to track their movements, you should check if your university have it.
- Emergency Call Boxes: If you feel unsafe and you see a panic button, press it so that it can connect you with campus security so that they can come and help you wherever you are.
- Escort Services: Use these free services when walking alone at night or when feeling unsafe, they are reliable and they are offered by the university.
4. 🔒 Secure Your Belongings
- Label Your Belongings: Always mark your belongings with your contact details in hidden spots for easy recovery if lost.
- Avoid Showing Off Expensive Items: You should keep devices like phones and laptops out of sight in unsafe areas because they can easily attract criminals.
- Invest in a Good Lock: Find a strong lock for lockers or any shared spaces to keep your valuables safe.
5. 🏠 Stay Safe in Residences
- Know Your Neighbours: In the environment like university where you have large number of people, it’s always important to build trust with people around you because that will enhance a collective safety.
- Always Lock Doors and Windows: Even if you’re just stepping out briefly or taking a nap, it is important to lock your doors and close your windows.
- Ensure Security Doors Close Properly: Do not leave security door open always make sure that they are closed completely.
6. 🌐 Be Cautious Online
- Turn Off Location Sharing: Always make sure that your posts and apps do not give away your real-time location.
- Be Selective with Friend Requests: Only accept requests from people you know and can trust, also do not accept requests from people with locked profiles.
- Limit What You Share Online: Avoid posting your daily routines online as this will make it easy for wrong people to know where to find you very easily.
7. 🥋 Learn Self-Defence
- Know the Laws for Pepper Spray: Check with your university if students are allowed to carry pepper spray on campus.
- Carry a Whistle or Alarm: These small tools can deter threats by drawing attention and make people away of what is happening to you.
- Take a Self-Defence Class: Many universities offer free or discounted classes.
8. 🎉 Stay Safe at Social Events
- Use Reliable Transport: Use trusted taxis or ride apps and share trip details with someone close to you.
- Go with Friends: Stick with a group all the time if you are out and always plan to leave together.
- Watch Your Drinks: Never accept drinks from strangers or leave your drink unattended.
9. 🗞️ Stay Informed
- Read Notices: Safety info is often shared on bulletin boards.
- Sign Up for Alerts: Many universities notify students of emergencies like bad weather or safety threats all the times.
- Follow Campus Security Pages: Always stay updated via official university social media or SRC official social media pages.
10. 💆 Take Care of Your Health
- Prioritise Rest: Do not let late-night studying harm your health, always try to get enough sleep.
- Visit Health Centres: Use free health care check-ups and vaccinations in campus clinics.
- Use Mental Health Support: Make use of free counselling services when you feel overwhelmed.
🛡️ Why Your Campus Safety Matters
Campus life is an exciting time to learn and grow as a Student and by taking small steps to protect yourself and others, you can enjoy this stage of life without any unnecessary risks.
While universities securities work hard to keep their campuses safe, students who take responsibility for their own safety add another layer of protection for themselves and their friends.
Follow EduFunds for more safety tips.