University is a marathon, not a sprint and habits students form early may determine whether they thrive or drop out.
As orientation wraps up across campuses in South Africa, the real deal of university will start to hit as lectures ramp up and assignments pile on. With no-one chasing them to class, students will now suddenly be fully in charge of their own time, money, meals, and headspace.
Once the excitement of orientation week is over, the gap between high school routine and university independence can be huge, warns Dingaan Moropane, Campus Head at The Independent Institute of Education Rosebank College. “That buzz from O-week – the tours, the icebreakers, the promises of epic varsity life – was designed to ease you in and make your new journey feel less intimidating,” says Moropane “For many first years, that’s exactly when the cracks appear: Homesickness creeps in, motivation dips, procrastination takes over, or the workload feels overwhelming. “And the numbers don’t lie. South Africa loses a huge chunk of first-year students early on, with estimates putting non-progression around 35% after the first year and overall dropout rates often much higher before degrees finish. A lot of that slide starts right after the orientation glow wears off,” he warns. After orientation: Time to take control University is a marathon, not a sprint. The habits and mindsets formed in the first few months often determine whether students thrive, merely survive, or take a turn towards future trouble. By recognising and avoiding the classic rookie mistakes early, and by mastering the basics of settling in, new students can turn potential obstacles into steppingstones for resilience, stronger academic performance, and a more fulfilling overall experience. The top 5 rookie mistakes and how to avoid them: Skipping classes and treating attendance as optional Many newcomers view lectures as flexible or skippable, underestimating how quickly content builds and how much value comes from in-person explanations, examples, and engagement. Avoid it by: Treating your timetable like a non-negotiable commitment. Attend every session . Sit near the front, take active notes, ask questions, and participate. These habits boost understanding, marks, and lecturer familiarity. Very importantly, you get seen and become a name, not a number. Poor time management and chronic procrastination Without school bells or reminders, deadlines sneak up, leading to rushed work, stress, burnout, and lower-quality submissions. Avoid it by: Getting a planner from day one. Free workflow apps are also great! Break tasks into manageable weekly chunks and start assignments early. Even small chunks of regular work build momentum and prevent last-minute panic. Isolating yourself and failing to build a support network Shyness, over-reliance on old high-school ties, or feeling overwhelmed can lead to loneliness, homesickness, and missed academic and emotional support. Avoid it by: Attending varsity and hostel events, joining at least one club or res society, introducing yourself to your fellow students in class and on campus, and organising casual study or coffee meetups. Consistent small efforts create lasting friendships, study buddies, and a sense of belonging. Neglecting physical and mental health by sacrificing balance for the university experience Irregular sleep, junk food on repeat, too many late nights out, or just sitting around all day? It hits fast. Your focus tanks, energy crashes, you catch every bug going around, and mentally you start feeling frayed around the edges way sooner than you expect. Avoid it by: Prioritising 8 hours of sleep nightly, scheduling regular balanced meals, incorporating movement , and setting boundaries on socialising and partying. View self-care as essential fuel, and balance social fun with study responsibilities to sustain long-term performance and well-being. Not seeking help early and ignoring support resources If you start struggling, get help sooner rather than later. Good universities make major investment into student wellness resources that help their students reach their potential. Hesitation to approach lecturers, tutors, or student wellness and support services means missing guidance, clarifications, justified extensions, or early fixes for emerging issues. Avoid it by: Investigating the full range of resources available from your institution and campus – before you need them! These may include student counsellor services, career guidance services, mental health support services, tutors and lecturers. At the first sign of trouble – reach out and get the support you need. In addition to avoiding the five classic rookie mistakes, Moropane also advises students to get to grips with their campus and systems as early as possible, as well as starting to network early. “Explore the campus layout and learn how to use the learning management system . University logistics must become second nature, so that you can focus on dealing with the academic workload,” he says. “It is also never too early to start building those connections that will stand you in good stead in future. In the highly competitive workplace facing today’s graduates, you need to build your professional reputation and profile consistently and over time, starting right now in first year. The good habits and great connections you form during your student years won’t just get you through varsity – they will set you up to stand out and thrive long after graduation.”
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