From Nerves to Confidence: O'Week Welcomes Emeris First Year Students

Student leaders shared practical advice and words of encouragement with first year students during the recent Orientation Week (O’Week) at Emeris Durban North and Vega School at Emeris uMhlanga.

“Attend all your lectures, stay focused, find your balance between academic excellence and student life and remember that you’re not alone. We’re here to support you,” said Sithabile Mbatha (Vega School at Emeris uMhlanga Voice President and third year IIE Bachelor of Communication Design student).

O’Week introduced new students to the realities of tertiary study while creating space for connection, creativity and community. Alongside social activities and collaborative challenges, students were guided through what independent learning requires - from managing their time and taking accountability to using Artificial Intelligence (AI) ethically and responsibly in their academic work.

They also met the academic and support teams, which included wellness and career services specialists, who will assist them throughout their studies.

Jorryn Panjasuran (Emeris Durban North Voice President and second year IIE Bachelor of Computer and Information Sciences in Application Development student) reflected on his first day.

“I remember the anticipation, the nerves and the weight of possibility. There was one question that echoed in my mind: ‘What kind of person am I going to become here?’ That question changed everything for me, and I hope it does the same for you,” he told the new cohort.

Beyond academic preparation, students were encouraged to start thinking about their future careers from day one.

Jessie Kell (Campus Deputy Head at Vega School at Emeris uMhlanga) advised students to not wait until their final year to seek part-time work opportunities.

“As a graduate applying for employment, the biggest hurdle is often not having experience. The more exposure you gain to the world of work while studying, the more confident and employable you become,” she said.

Cathy Durholz (Campus Deputy Head at Emeris Durban North) said O’Week is designed to equip students with more than just information.

“Our goal is to give students the tools and confidence to navigate this next chapter of their lives and to step into the workplace with purpose,” she said.

Vega School at Emeris uMhlanga first year students Bailey-Rae Singh (IIE Bachelor of Experience Design) and Kelsey Furter (IIE Bachelor of Commerce in Digital Marketing) said their highlight of O’Week was spending the day at uShaka Marine World, a combined event from the KwaZulu-Natal Emeris campuses.

“It was such fun. Some of the rides, such as the lazy river, are two seaters, so you pick a person and talk along the way,” said Singh.

Furter got out of her comfort zone and tried experiences and rides she wouldn’t have ordinarily. She also enjoyed meeting and speaking with people from the different KZN Emeris campuses.

A standout moment for Lindokuhle Dlamini (first year IIE Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design at Vega School at Emeris uMhlanga) was his first day on campus where he enjoyed meeting the academic and support staff and participating in the Amazing Race. The objective was to get to know the campus, connect with each other and work as a team.

Emeris Durban North first year students Sbahle Mtshali (IIE Bachelor of Commerce in Law) and Andiswa Zondi (IIE Higher Certificate in Business Principles and Practice) thoroughly enjoyed the O’Chella event on campus organised by the Student Experience team which featured live performances, fun activities and cool prizes.

Mtshali and Zondi also appreciated learning about part-time work opportunities while studying and being introduced to wellness support services available on campus. “As first time adults, we don’t always know how to get a job and with Career Services, we know we have help. The campus already feels more like home. We don’t have to deal with everything on our own,” they said.

During the Faculty of Law academic induction, Julia Heine (first year IIE Bachelor of Laws student at Emeris Durban North) was one of the students who volunteered to speak on behalf of her group when they participated in a case study challenge. “We were split into two groups and had to decide quite quickly what we would present. It was nerve wracking speaking in front of everyone, but I enjoyed it. As someone who did drama at school, I love presenting and speaking. It was a great opportunity to meet new people and build ideas together,” explained Heine.

Another favourite was “Speed Friending”, where students rotated through short, timed conversations to break the ice. “Often, when you meet people, you get a bit stuck about what to talk about or how to introduce yourself. This was a nice basis to get to know each other,” said Heine.

By the end of O’Week, many first year students said they felt more confident, connected and ready to take on their academic journey.