University features that assist students to adapt to the university environment.
Most people know how devastating varsity can be. But did you know that there are steps that are put in place to assist students, new and returning?
A university is a complete new environment with its distinctive demands. To most, it is scary and yes, it is. Let's tell you what the Universities have put in place to assist all scholars. Note this to enjoy your university days.
Easy access libraries
Like the community library, a university library is reliable. Most Universities have faculty libraries. Such system (faculty library) allows students to have easy access to their course books at their convenience.
Students who can't afford textbooks, need not worry since these libraries keep the best editions of their textbooks.
In addition to books, these libraries also offer reliable printing 24/7. Students may print at any time.
Classes and tutorials
We've all heard students complaining of university classes and tutorials. Trust me, lectures are an important source of information for your course. In order for you to excel, you need to follow up on the lecture notes and an engagement with the lecturers is also the best adhesive of knowledge to the brain. Students, use these state-of-the-art facilities!
Tutorials are also an essential part of university. Lecturers use this session to engage with the students, to understand students needs. They also use these sessions to update students on what to expect in tests and exams. It is important for students to attend these sessions
Computer centres
The name says is all. This is the place to can access computers and do anything that requires data. Now let us be honest. For a country like South Africa where data costs are high, where should where should one go to access computers with no data required from you?[sic]
So why computer centres? Well, today's life is about technology. You will also need to access your e-mails, class and exam timetable, marks, etc. on the PCs. Lecture notes are also found online. Also to mention, there are lecture videos online(get lecture videos on online). Yes, students like watching series but imagine if one can opt to download lecture videos instead of series or music videos.
In the computer centres you have unlimited access to data. You may download whatever amount of data (documents or videos) you want. Get a USB flash drive or a hard drive to store your notes, mate!
Same faculty residences
Most universities have a residence system that allows students of the same faculty to reside together. This system is best because juniors have an opportunity to mingle with seniors and get mentorship. It's also great in the sense that students can form study groups in their vicinity and no much travelling will be required. These groups can also disperse late without fear of being robbed en route home
Student residences are also equipped with WiFi to allow for effective studying and access to information. Furthermore, they have a properly furnished and spacious study rooms.
Student Councils
Like we know from high school, students need to elect a body that will represent them in the school Council/Board. Such Councils like the Students Representative Council (SRC), School Council, Residence Council, etc., are there to assist students in all issues related to universities and some like the SRC have much power to can assist with funding or any issue that affects the student's well-being.
Newstudents need to acquaint themselves with such Councils to can know their universities better. These Council can also assist in teaching the university culture.
Sports facilities
All work and no play make Jack a dull boy. Yes, the environment is an intense academic environment but sports is also encouraged. Universities have sport grounds/centres and sport clubs too. If you are sporty, do not fear that varsity is the end of your sport career.
Inaddition to sport clubs, some Universities have clubs for hobbies like music, hiking, yoga, politics, etc.
Social, religious, and cultural clubs
As mentioned in the sports facilities, Universities have clubs.
There are clubs for political parties. Such clubs are ones that run for SRC (candidates can also be independent) elections.
There are other clubs like those celebrating students' heritages. In one case of such case at Wits University, there are clubs for West African Students, Basotho, AmaZulu, Batswana (Thari e Ntsho), VhaVenda (Maitazwitoma), VaTsonga, etc.
Lastly, there are religious clubs. The are clubs for most religions. Do not fear that you won't fellowship with your brothers and sisters
