The University of Cape Town (UCT) welcomed a cohort of 4,500 first-year students as they embark on their academic journey at the institution. The eagerly anticipated First-Year Campus Reception (FYCR) took place from January 27 to January 29 at the Sports Centre on the upper campus.
The FYCR introduced a few years ago, plays a pivotal role in providing first-year students with a seamless transition into university life. From 08:00 to 17:00 daily, students engaged in crucial tasks, including obtaining their student cards and collecting laptops for those enrolled in the laptop programme.
UCT received a staggering 92,841 applications from prospective first-year students for the 2024 admissions cycle. Notably, the Faculty of Health Sciences received the highest number of applications, totalling 19,029. It’s important to clarify that this figure represents the number of applications, not individual applicants, as students often apply for multiple programs.
Commenting on the significance of education, UCT Vice-Chancellor (interim) Emeritus Professor Daya Reddy emphasized, “At UCT, we believe education is not just about earning a degree. Certainly, a certificate helps to open doors to a career, but what is most important at UCT is what people do with what they learn. We believe the most important goal of education is to unleash human potential, to build a fair and just society. This is the central focus of UCT’s Vision 2030 strategic statement.”
Following the FYCR, orientation activities are scheduled between January 30 and February 9, 2024. Students are encouraged to visit their faculty websites, especially the registration and orientation pages, for crucial information to guide them through this vital phase of their academic journey.
The Campus Life 2024 publication, set to go live on January 27, serves as an essential resource containing valuable information and guidelines on how first-year students can navigate life on campus and in the surrounding areas. UCT’s teaching and learning program will officially commence on Monday, February 12, 2024.
For more details, prospective students can watch Professor Reddy’s full message and access the full list of faculty orientation programs on the official UCT website.
