The Durban University of Technology’s (DUT’s) first year experience prioritises the needs of students who have just joined the university’s community, with most of these students coming straight from high school. The orientation is a collective effort aimed at assisting students to adapt to their new environment and be emotionally and academically ready for their new journey.

The first few months into the university may bring anxiety and a lot of confusion to first-year students as they are still trying to adapt and familiarise themselves with the campus environment and physical facilities.

In the context of the Durban University of Technology (DUT) week-long Orientation programme for incoming undergraduate students, there will be a dynamic and engaging experience that will introduce first-year students to the expectations, culture and traditions of the institution. This programme is earmarked for all incoming undergraduate students.

The First-Year Orientation programme aims to introduce first-year students to the university services which will support their educational and personal goals, create an atmosphere that minimises anxiety, whilst promoting positive attitude and stimulating excitement for learning. The event will allow all the academic departments to share their academic requirements and expectations from the students.

Objectives of the orientation are to raise awareness of the resources that many students often overlook or forget are available to assist with their success in the university, and also enhance the staff-student interaction through a comprehensive week-long orientation for the registered first-year students.

The orientation also offers first-year students an opportunity to get a more concrete feel for the university community; meet and network with other first-year students; and identify social, cultural and academic opportunities and resources offered to them by the university.

The 2020 orientation will commence on Monday 27 till Friday 31 January 2020 at the Curries Fountain for all Durban. In the Midlands, commencement is on Tuesday, 28 to Friday, 31 January 2020 at the i

Ndumiso Campus. Gates will open at 9am every day. On Friday, 31 January 2020 there will be a sports day for all Durban based first years at Curries Fountain and then on Saturday, 1 February 2020 there will be a sports day for all Midlands based first years at iNdumiso Campus.

Nomfundo Ngcobo