Preface

Your university years can be the best part of your life. But, unfortunately, it will also be challenging, even gruelling. That is why Let’s Talk About Varsity was born: to introduce you to the university-experience in such a way that you are aware of the pitfalls prospective students face, even before they arise; to enable you to make the most of your resources (time, money and energy) while studying; and to challenge you to use your unique opportunity to make a difference in society.

The reality is that only a small percentage of South African learners currently even consider going to university, and of those who consider university, only a small number are admitted. This need not be the case. Being informed of the challenges and requirements of university life – of possible degree choices, study techniques and coping mechanisms, for example – could allow every capable student to make the correct choices even before they are admitted.

Access to university, however, is not the only problem. Less than a quarter of all first years receive their degree in time. Adapting to university life – academically and personally – is tough. This is why Let’s talk about Varsity includes a large section on how you can make the most of your precious resources – time, money and energy.

A last challenge to the university experience is that many graduates do not know how their skills can contribute to the well-being of their communities and our country. It is our conviction that while at varsity, you should start dreaming about the ways in which your potential field of expertise may contribute to a more equal and humane world.

It is the right choices (often small ones) during these founding years that allowed many of South Africa’s movers and shakers to make a difference in our country. We believe this book can help to do just that. So let’s start talking about varsity.

Willem Fourie and Johan Fourie