First Year Experience Programme Sets the Tone for the 2026 Academic Year
The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) officially launched its 2026 First-Year Experience (FYE) Programme with the College of Health Sciences on Monday, 09 February 2026, welcoming first-time entry students into a supportive academic environment designed to ease their transition into university life.
The programme commenced with a Meet and Greet session where College leadership and support staff welcomed students who had excelled in gateway subjects such as Mathematics, Physical Sciences and Life Sciences – achievements described as their “golden ticket to pursuing world-class degrees from a variety of health sciences disciplines at the College of Choice.”
Annually hosted by the Student Support Services unit, the FYE Programme was described as a key intervention that “plays a vital role in enhancing the wellness and holistic development of students, contributing to improved throughput.”
Addressing the incoming cohort, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (DVC) and Head of College, Professor Busisiwe Ncama, encouraged students to remain focused and take full advantage of the opportunities presented through the programme.
The day’s activities concluded with a Mental Health and Wellness Indaba, held under the theme “Your First Year, Your Best Start: Making Appropriate Choices for Student Wellness and Success,” which highlighted the importance of self-awareness and informed decision-making in achieving both academic and personal success.
In remarks delivered during the proceedings, Dean of Teaching and Learning, Professor Sinegugu Duma, reminded students of the journey ahead, saying: “It is indeed an exciting journey ahead that will require focus, dedication and hard work. We look forward to welcoming you to this venue again in a few years’ time at your graduation ceremony.”
Welcoming the new intake, College leadership shared a message of encouragement: “Siyanamukela and halala for making it this far. Enjoy the journey. Learn. Grow. Unleash your full potential.”
Students have enrolled across a wide range of health disciplines, including Anatomy, Audiology, Biokinetics and Sports Science, Dentistry, Dietetics and Human Nutrition, Medicine, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Optometry, Pharmacy, Physiology, Physiotherapy and Speech-Language Therapy – programmes underpinned by the College’s commitment to being “a progressive, caring, ethical and socially responsive College.”
The week-long FYE Programme concluded on Saturday with a university-wide Meet and Greet event held across four UKZN campuses, reinforcing the institution’s mission to provide “a holistic experience of excellence in health professions education, research, innovation, entrepreneurship, community and stakeholder engagement and health services.”
At the Westville campus, first-year Commerce students were welcomed by the DVC and Head of the College of Law and Management Studies, Professor Ernest Khalema.
Congratulating the incoming cohort on their academic achievement, Khalema reminded students that gaining admission into the College was a noteworthy milestone, saying: “You should be proud of yourselves for making it this far. Being accepted into this College is no small achievement.” He further emphasised the importance of perseverance, noting: “Your success here will depend on your discipline, your resilience and your willingness to put in the work beyond the lecture room.”
Encouraging students to make use of available academic support, he added: “Do not hesitate to seek help from your lecturers, tutors and mentors. Asking for assistance early can make all the difference in your academic journey.” Highlighting the need for balance, he advised: “Make decisions that will positively shape your experience here and prepare you for the careers you aspire to in the commerce sector.”
Meanwhile, first-year Engineering students were inspired by Academic Leader for Civil Engineering, Professor Mohamed Mostafa, who addressed the cohort on behalf of the Dean and Head of School of Engineering, Professor Glen Bright.
Welcoming students to what he described as “the foundational profession of human civilisation,” Mostafa encouraged them to reflect on the impact of their chosen field, stating: “If you take engineering away from the world, you are left with nothing.”
While acknowledging that many are drawn to Engineering for career opportunities, he urged students to adopt a broader perspective, saying: “While financial security may come with success, your ultimate goal should be the pursuit of knowledge to transform communities and build civilisations.”
He encouraged students to envision the projects they hope to complete within the next decade, adding: “Print your vision and place it somewhere you will see it every day for the next 10 years.” He concluded by reminding them that Engineering is not just a career, but “a lifelong vocation dedicated to improving the human condition.”
At the Howard College campus, first-year Humanities students were welcomed by DVC and Head of the College of Humanities, Professor Nhlanhla Mkhize, who congratulated them on earning their place at the University.
Acknowledging the competitiveness of securing admission, Mkhize said: “Gaining admission to UKZN is a significant achievement… You are among a select group who earned a spot, which tells us something important: we see your potential and we believe in it.”
He described the University as “a place where ideas are explored, voices are nurtured and futures are shaped – rooted in African scholarship and connected to the wider world,” and reminded students that their disciplines equip them with essential lifelong competencies, adding: “You are developing skills that truly matter: critical thinking, communication, ethical reasoning, creativity and empathy.”
The programme has brought vibrant energy and excitement to the start of the academic journey for many new students, including first-year MBChB student Ms Mawande Dlamini, who has embraced university life with confidence and enthusiasm.
Reflecting on her own experience, Ms Lihle Mzizi shared her positive outlook: “So far, I’m really enjoying UKZN. My favourite place is the library because I like how big it is, and the views when you’re studying are just beautiful.”
Echoing this sentiment, Mr Cebisa Nhlangothi added with a smile: “So far, I’ve found it very nice. My favourite place is the cafeteria because there’s a lot of food there and I like eating.”
As the academic year begins, UKZN continues to place student wellness and academic success at the centre of its mission, supporting the next generation of professionals to make a meaningful impact in communities across South Africa and beyond.
Click here to view a selection of photographs: https://studyatukzn.ukzn.ac.za/gallery/first-year-experience-meet-and-greet-2026.
Click here to view a reel: Facebook
Words: Nombuso Dlamini
Photographs: Supplied
