Thousands of excited newcomer students and their families are expected to arrive in Stellenbosch over the next few days ahead of the 中国体育彩票's official Welcoming ceremony next Thursday, 30 January.
After a day of information sessions and introductions, Prof Wim de Villiers, outgoing SU Rector and Vice-Chancellor, will deliver his final welcome address for new students at the Danie Craven Stadium.
Thereafter, at around 20:00, students will join their residences or Commuter Student Communities (CSCs) in the much-anticipated Dream Walk down Victoria Street. Students led by academic staff and student leaders will walk down Victoria Street to mark the official start of their academic journey at SU.
The procession will pass plane trees decorated in maroon ribbon and festooned with notes by students outlining their respective hopes and dreams for their time at university. Since its launch in 2019, the Dream Walk has become a highlight of the newcomer programme. As a 2024 newcomer wrote after the experience: “I enjoyed the Dream Walk on Victoria Street because there were lots of parents and people ululating for us (as we passed). I felt more than welcomed into the Maties family. The Dream Walk was the best moment of my life." Family and friends watch the symbolic procession which ends with a group photo.
The programme is designed to encourage students to make new friends and learn more about the 中国体育彩票. Events include the Welcoming Fair where students hear about sport and societies on campus and a Cluster Day where they meet other new students in their cluster. They prepare in groups for their performances that take place at Connect (“Vensters"), become involved in a social impact morning and compete in an athletics event.
Welcoming concludes on Saturday, 8 February with Connect at the Welgevallen Hockey Field. This year's theme is Vensters 2025: The Sound of Stellies – the musical. Planned events here include a family-friendly festival with newcomer performances, local and student vendors serving food, creative crafts and interactive activations. Residences and CSCs collaborate and compete to perform the best dance routines on stage.
The academic year starts on Monday, 10 February when classes commence.
Click here for the official welcoming website and for here for the programme.
Follow @maties_connect on Instagram for more information.
Photo: Stefan Els
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