First Year Seminar (FYS)
The First Year Seminar (FYS) supports first-year students as they begin their academic journey at the University of the Free State (UFS). The module equips students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to adapt successfully to university life and to prepare for future career and personal growth.
Section 1: What is FYS?
The First Year Seminar is a compulsory module for all new undergraduate students at UFS. It focuses on helping students make a smooth and confident transition into university studies.
Section 2: Why is it Important?
FYS plays an essential role in helping students adjust to the demands of university life.
Evidence from UFS research shows that students who perform well in FYS tend to achieve higher academic results in other modules and are more likely to complete their qualifications.
Section 3: What does it look like?
FYS runs over two semesters. From 2026, FYS replaces UFSS1504 and is offered under faculty-specific codes:
|
Module Description
|
Semester 1
|
Semester 2
|
| First Year Seminar for The Humanities |
FYSH1512 |
FYSH1522 |
| First Year Seminar for Education |
FYED1512 |
FYED1522 |
| First Year Seminar for Natural and Agricultural Sciences |
FYSN1512 |
FYSN1522 |
| First Year Seminar for Economics and Management Sciences |
FYEM1512 |
FYEM1522 |
| First Year Seminar for Law, Theology and Health Sciences |
FLTH1512 |
FLTH1522 |
Contact usWe have teams on the Bloemfontein, Qwaqwa and South campuses,providing dedicated support to students through our student communication officers.
Bloemfontein and South campus
E: ufs101@ufs.ac.za
Qwaqwa campus
E: ufs101qq@ufs.ac.za