Navigating the first year
UNAM’s SRC vice president and a freshman share their advice
Life as a first-year varsity student can be both exciting and challenging.
Felix Nyumbu Siyunda, the SRC vice president at UNAM’s main campus recently shared his insights after the freshmen orientation programme which is aimed at familiarising new students with the campus and the services offered at the university.
Felix emphasised the importance of understanding the difference between high school and university life, offering a piece of advice that resonated with many: “You’ve been granted an opportunity to study, please grab it with both hands”.
Loise Kapolo, a first-year student at UNAM, also reflected on her early experiences. She was surprised by how social the campus community is, which made it easier for her to adapt. “People interact with everyone,” she says, highlighting the welcoming nature of the university. However, she also faced challenges, such as navigating the vast campus and getting lost multiple times while finding her classes.
Loise’s advice for incoming students mirrors Felix’s sentiments about balancing academics with social activities. “Academics come first,” she states, stressing the importance of time management, which she practices by keeping a daily timetable. She also shared how getting involved in extracurricular activities like the NANSO branch and the Art Society helped her build confidence and improve her public speaking skills.
In addition to academics and social events, Loise said that staying informed through social platforms is essential for first-year students. These platforms provide important updates and details about university life, ensuring students are well-prepared. Despite not having made many friends yet, Loise enjoys interacting with people and values keeping her circle of friends small.
Her advice for new students is simple: “Don’t be afraid to ask questions and get involved in social events aligned with your course.”
By doing so, new students can better navigate university life, build connections and thrive in their academic journey.
Felix Nyumbu Siyunda, the SRC vice president at UNAM’s main campus recently shared his insights after the freshmen orientation programme which is aimed at familiarising new students with the campus and the services offered at the university.
Felix emphasised the importance of understanding the difference between high school and university life, offering a piece of advice that resonated with many: “You’ve been granted an opportunity to study, please grab it with both hands”.
Loise Kapolo, a first-year student at UNAM, also reflected on her early experiences. She was surprised by how social the campus community is, which made it easier for her to adapt. “People interact with everyone,” she says, highlighting the welcoming nature of the university. However, she also faced challenges, such as navigating the vast campus and getting lost multiple times while finding her classes.
Loise’s advice for incoming students mirrors Felix’s sentiments about balancing academics with social activities. “Academics come first,” she states, stressing the importance of time management, which she practices by keeping a daily timetable. She also shared how getting involved in extracurricular activities like the NANSO branch and the Art Society helped her build confidence and improve her public speaking skills.
In addition to academics and social events, Loise said that staying informed through social platforms is essential for first-year students. These platforms provide important updates and details about university life, ensuring students are well-prepared. Despite not having made many friends yet, Loise enjoys interacting with people and values keeping her circle of friends small.
Her advice for new students is simple: “Don’t be afraid to ask questions and get involved in social events aligned with your course.”
By doing so, new students can better navigate university life, build connections and thrive in their academic journey.
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