​New Maties flocked to campus on Thursday (19 January) to be welcomed at their new residences or PSOs.  Across campus, one can catch glimpses of parents helping to lug hefty furniture up stairways or troops of new Maties in bright t-shirts exploring the town, led by senior Maties. Next Friday, the welcoming period will conclude with the much-anticipated Vensters, where the newcomers will entertain the town with a variety of lively, short performances.

Some of the new students have travelled many miles to attend Stellenbosch University (SU).

Dan-Angelus Zembere has come all the way from Zimbabwe to study Actuarial Science. His mother Monicah is also a student at the University, studying towards her PhD in Educational Policy.

"When I first came here, I knew it was a good university for my son," she said. "In Zimbabwe we have only one university offering Actuarial Science, and he could not get a place there, although he had passed so well with three distinctions. So we opted for Stellenbosch."

"I'm very glad to be here, and I expect to be happy during my entire course," said Dan-Angelus.

Gherda and Dean Thomson travelled from Mpumalanga to see their daughter Monique move into Minerva residence. She is studying BSc Mathematical Sciences.

"I heard this is the best university for the course," she said, on why she chose to study at Stellenbosch. "And the campus looks very nice and safe!"

The welcoming ceremony for new Maties and their parents will take place on Thursday (19 January) afternoon at the Danie Craven Stadium, with the pre-programme starting at 17:00. Prof Wim de Villiers, Rector and Vice-chancellor of SU, will address the newcomers at the event.

"Stellenbosch University strives to provide an inclusive, welcoming home to all and we are looking forward to warmly and heartily welcome all new students at Stellenbosch University," says Dr Birgit Schreiber, Senior Director: Student Affairs. "We wish students a joyful and peaceful year and hope that together with all the committed and hard-working staff at SU we will complete this year with success!" 

To view the full welcoming programme, click here.