FYE Workshops

Embracing Diversity: Shaping Inclusive Spaces

As part of its commitment to creating inclusive campus environments, the First Year Experience (FYE) programme hosted a powerful panel discussion series titled “Embracing Diversity: Shaping Inclusive Spaces.” Delivered in collaboration with STPU, CCDU, CHRL, DRU, GALA Queer, and GEO, the event brought vibrant, thoughtful conversations directly to first-year students across multiple residences. The panel series unfolded over three impactful days.

Exploring themes such as social integration, cultural identity, and language diversity within residence spaces, the sessions drew an enthusiastic attendance of over 300 first-year students. Feedback poured in, with participants describing the discussions as “informative,” “interesting,” and “insightful.” Many students shared that the experience reshaped their perspective on diversity—encouraging empathy, curiosity, and a deeper commitment to inclusive living. These conversations are laying the groundwork for more supportive, connected, and welcoming student communities

Testimonials:

First Year Student:

“I learnt a lot about the LGBTQ+ community and where to go when experiencing different problems.”

First Year Student:

“I learned that creating an inclusive environment starts with recognizing our own biases and being open to different perspectives.”

First Year Student:

“Have compassion. Learn to put yourself in other people's shoes and don't turn a blind eye to other people's struggles just because it doesn't directly affect you.”

First Year Student:

“Don’t be afraid to ask for help, or to ask others to enlighten you about their beliefs and cultures.”

Help Seeking Behaviours: Help Us Help You

From 24–28 February and again on 6 May 2025, over 70 first-year students joined the Help-Seeking Behaviours workshop series, hosted online via MS Teams. In collaboration with five Faculties and the Counselling and Careers Development Unit (CCDU), the sessions supported students in making the critical transition from high school to university.

Focused on encouraging proactive help-seeking habits, the workshops guided students through available academic and psychological support channels at the university. Feedback from participants described the sessions as “informative,” “educational,” “good,” “helpful,” and even “amazing.” A vital first step in fostering resilience and academic success.

Testimonials

First Year Student:

“I learnt that help seeking behaviours strengthens community and peer connections together it enhances academic performances and improves mental wellbeing”

First Year Student:

“I learnt relevant departments that can assist me with the issues I encounter.”

First Year Student:

“To be able to seek help when you need help is not weakness, but it's a form of courage”

Podcast Series

The First Year Experience (FYE) Programme, in partnership with the GRAD Initiative and StudyTrust, launched a dynamic podcast series designed to guide first-year students through key aspects of their university journey. Tackling everyday challenges and offering practical strategies, the series covers a range of essential topics:

• Managing Time
• Managing Money
• Managing Food
• Managing Information
• Making the most of your study time
• Revisit your goals
• Managing Stress, a final word of inspiration
• Find your quite centre. 

The podcast series is hosted on the 2025 FYE Ulwazi Site, allowing students to stream the episodes at their own pace and in their own space.

All episodes went live on 24 April 2025, offering accessible, on-demand guidance to help students thrive both academically and personally. Whether you're figuring out how to budget, stay focused, or just need a moment of calm, there’s an episode to meet you where you are.

On the 15^th of April 2025, the STPU Team, hosted the fourth ME session focused on the theme of self-love facilitated by Dr. Zena Richards. This workshop, conducted via MS Teams from 18:00 to 20:00, aimed to enhance mentors' understanding and application of self-love practices to improve both their personal well-being and their effectiveness in mentoring.

Testimonials

Mentors:

One key realization from my mentorship experience is the importance of fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment. Many mentees come into the program feeling overwhelmed, and a simple reassurance or a structured plan can make a huge difference in their confidence levels. I have also seen the impact of peer motivation—mentees who struggled alone found comfort in knowing that others faced similar challenges.

Moreover, this journey has reinforced the idea that mentorship is a two-way street. While I have guided my mentees, they have also taught me valuable lessons about resilience, determination, and the power of collaboration. Seeing their progress has been deeply fulfilling and has motivated me to continue supporting others in any way I can.

In conclusion, my mentorship experience has been an incredibly rewarding journey. It has not only strengthened my skills and confidence but has also reinforced my passion for leadership and academic excellence. I look forward to continuing this journey, growing alongside my mentees, and making an even greater impact in the future.”

An ‘aha’ moment for me happened during a session where one of my mentees opened up about how they were struggling with feelings of loneliness and self-doubt. They mentioned that they had never really spoken to anyone about it before. It made me realise how important mentorship really is not just for academic guidance, but for emotional and mental support as well. That moment reminded me that even just being present and listening can make a huge difference in someone’s life.”

This block, I noticed significant improvements in my mentees' confidence and self-awareness. They began to take ownership of their goals and develop a clearer sense of direction. One mentee, in particular, demonstrated remarkable growth, transitioning from uncertainty to clarity on their career path. I attribute this success to our regular check-ins, which provided a safe space for them to share their concerns and receive guidance. Another achievement was my mentees making friends amongst the friend group, whereas they came to the meeting not knowing anyone or being friends with anyone.”

“As someone who is starting this mentorship journey for the first time I have to say I am doing a pretty good job on my side as my mentees who I started with from day one keep on showing up even though not all of them come to the sessions. One of the biggest improvements I’ve seen is in my ability to manage time and stay organised despite my demanding academic schedule. Balancing mentorship with medical school has been challenging, but I’ve learned to be more efficient and intentional with my time.”

Mentees:

“Provided a support system with fellow mentees” “Helped me navigate through first semester feeling that I had support”

“My mentor provided various resources to help us with our work and was very supportive.” “My mentor helped me find tools and techniques to make it easier for me to learn and adapt to the university life. He helped me feel supported and encouraged me to be positive and strong in this journey.”

” My mentor helped me understand that repeating first year is not the end of the world and instead tried and helped me make the best out of the first half of it. She helped me with study tips and was there like an older sibling who would give me advice about anything I would ask since she has experience of things and she created a space where I could turn to her and talk to her like an older sibling but with boundaries and that also is something to learn from her.”

“It helped me gain a sense of belonging because I know that I have someone I can rely on & talk to about anything.”

First Semester Activations: 15 - 16 May 2025

The Student Transitions and Persistence Unit (STPU) hosted activations on 15 and 16 May 2025 to raise awareness of its Transitions programmes. Held on Education and East Campuses, the activations created space for student engagement, highlighting the importance of student voice in shaping responsive support initiatives.