READY, SET, R&O!

Christabell Lourens

@_clourens_

 

Registration and Orientation (R&O) is every first-year’s first step into university life, which quickly evolves into a run. Wapad asked three on-campus residences to contribute their best advice on how to make it absolutely unforgettable.

 

There’s a saying among seniors that R&O is both the best and worst few weeks of your life. Many recall sleepless nights and early mornings, copious amounts of coffee, a sea of new faces and much more. In many ways, it’s a precursor to what university life will become – with classes included down the line.

 

That doesn’t make it any less daunting. Luckily, first-years don’t take this step alone. Like knights through the mist, on-campus House Committee (HC) members and other leaders are here to help. So, it seems only fitting that they have the best advice. Wapad spoke to the HC members of Klawerhof, Eikenhof and HEIMAT to gather their best tips for survival. But first, introductions are in order.

 

Miëtte Wissing is Klawerhof’s Primaria and also a third year in BCom Management Sciences with Marketing and Tourism. She describes R&O in one sentence as “Life is amazing, and then it’s awful.” Christene van der Merwe is Eikenhof’s HC member for SRCS and their residence newspaper ‘The Hoffer’. She’s a third year studying BA Language and Literary Studies and can’t wait to show off her home to the incoming first years. Last but not least, Liam Deprost is HEIMAT’s Finance and Academics HC member. He is a third year in BCom Management Accountancy. He describes R&O as a week of long days, lots of walking, memories and making new friends.

 

1. Try everything. 

Your first couple of days at university are a whirlwind of activities. Inbetween everything, you’ll have the chance to try out for a bunch of things like First-Year’s Concert, sports, and even campus societies. “You might discover hidden talents or start meaningful connections while you’re there,” says Wissing.

 

Similarly, van der Merwe has an optimistic viewpoint. “Each day of R&O brings its own challenges and adventures, so my advice would be to be open to every experience and to go outside of your comfort zone. Your new life is about to start, and nothing good is ever built while staying in your comfort zone – challenge yourself and do things you never could have imagined doing!”

 

2. Savour the time away from your classes. 

There is one thing that makes R&O truly special – it’s about the only time you’ll spend at university where classes aren’t also added into the mix. “This time period is really unique because you get to experience the whole “university life” in such a short time span and without any pressure from your lecturers,” comments Deprost. “With this, you can take full advantage of everything that the university has to offer.”

 

This might also be the ideal time to learn more about the town you’ll be studying in. Wissing says R&O is the best time to walk around and really get acquainted with Potchefstroom in general. “Potch can feel overwhelming at first. Take some time to get to know this vibrant place better. Google maps is your best friend.”

 

3. Start building friendships from day one.

Orientation week is the perfect time to meet new people. That’s obviously easier said than done, but it’s important to remember that – like you – everyone else is new to this. It’s definitely in your best interest to turn to your neighbour and strike up a conversation. In the words of Van Der Merwe, “This is your first opportunity to make life-long friends and learn about your residence and university.”

 

As R&O is a very transitional time, it’s also okay to be scared. Maybe you feel like you’re not connecting with your group or can’t find someone with similar interests – it’s important to know that that’s also completely normal. “Sometimes you meet your bridesmaids in the first week, and sometimes you don’t—and that’s okay,” adds Wissing. “Build as many connections as you can. You’ll meet people from all walks of life—reason, season, or lifetime friends.”

 

4. Plastic is your new best friend. 

Unsurprisingly, you won’t have a lot of free time. That means that the dishes are inevitably going to pile up in a corner, staring at you each night while you (try to) sleep. You won’t feel great about it, neither will the turtles in the ocean, but plastic is going to be your saving grace.

 

Wissing recommends using paper plates. Not only are they plentiful but they are also easy to discard. Deprost, however, suggests something a bit more sinister. “If you don’t want to keep washing your knives and forks, take a few of the plastic ones from the SS or dining halls.”

 

Unfortunately, Wapad cannot in good conscience recommend an alternative to washing your clothes.

 

5. Take care of yourself. 

If you’re nervous about how you’re going to present yourself, the last thing you want is to be the person who faints because they didn’t drink enough water. It goes without saying that summer is hot and many seniors will tell you that Potchefstroom is the second planet from the sun – meaning it gets hotter than hot.

 

“Some essential items you will need for R&O include: a water bottle, good walking shoes, an umbrella for the unpredictable weather in Potch, snacks, a small backpack for everyday use, sunscreen and vitamins to keep your immune system going,” says van der Merwe. “R&O can seem endless and exhausting at points but keep your energy up by taking naps whenever you can and keep some energy drinks handy.”

 

Deprost echoes a similar sentiment, “My personal favourites were – and still are – wine gums and Switch energy drinks. They’re cheap too, which is a bonus.”

 

6. Just have fun. 

“This is your first and last R&O, EVER. Admire it out loud. If you appreciate something or someone, say it—it might spark a beautiful conversation,” Wissing says. “So, R&O can be amazing and awful, but it is what you make of it. You will never know what to expect. Here is your reminder that you will survive. Your life is not made for only this moment.”

 

On the same page, van der Merwe describes R&O as your first chance to make memories on campus, whether they’re good or bad – they’re still memories, the first of many more. “Make every second count, live in the moment and just enjoy this time, it only happens once,” advises Deprost.

 

It’s clear that R&O is what you make it out to be. Whether you decide to throw yourself into everything and anything or be a wallflower, all of it is up to you. Don’t miss this chance to reinvent yourself or perhaps discover who you’ve been all along. Wapad wishes you all the luck in the world and we’ll be here to document your journey as you go, so stay tuned.

 

Edited by Simoné de Witt