By Ashley Allard
While Stellenbosch is renowned for its wine farms and pretty views, this city is, first and foremost, known for its university. But, when I first moved to Stellenbosch, it felt like I had been thrown into the deep end. While I had my PSO mentors and my mom there to help me settle in, I still stepped off the plane with barely any information to keep me afloat. So, here are a few things I wish I had known about the first few weeks of coming to Stellenbosch University.
Orientation
Orientation, or O-week as it is more commonly called, is the first two weeks before campus starts. It is fully loaded with activities, including socials with other PSOs and Residences, the societies fair and critical engagement talks (something incredibly crucial for students attending SU). If you are in a PSO, you are not in University accommodation and will be grouped with other students living in private accommodation. While not all of O-week is mandatory, it is the best way to socialise and build a support group. It is the perfect opportunity to get to know your mentor and your new environment.
Vensters
A large portion of your O-week hours will be dedicated to preparing for Vensters, an event where first-years perform a few dances in collaboration with other Residences and PSOs. Vensters is your big debut as a Stellenbosch student. It is a lot of fun and is always something older students look forward to and back upon fondly. Your Vensters song will trigger special memories for years to come (mine was Juice by Lizzo).
Golden Week
Golden Week takes place during the first week of the term, where you are expected to come to every class at least a little bit hungover. It is your unofficial party week, where you get to know which clubs play the best music (Dorp and Fool’s Gold), which clubs to avoid (I won’t name any names) and which clubs charge an entry fee (at Catwalk, ladies get in free; it is not what you can do for misogyny, but what misogyny can do for you). Some dos and don’ts for Golden Week:
- Do not: wear your nice shoes to De Lapa.
- Do: Go to Moody Blues or Pick n’ Pay if you’re hungry after hours and everything is closed.
- Do: Be safe and watch your drink. Spiking happens, even in Stellenbosch.
- Do not: Walk home in the dark alone.
- Do: stock up on Rehidrat.
- Do not: worry if you’re not a club person. There are plenty of events that students will be flocking to.
- Do: Have fun and make many memories.
