Latest News Archive

Please select Category, Year, and then Month to display items
Previous Archive
10 February 2023 | Story Lunga Luthuli | Photo Lunga Luthuli
Gateway Amigos
Volunteer Gateway Amigos, a University of the Free State initiative to assist first-entering students during Gateway First-year Orientation and the transition to life at the institution.

The University of the Free State (UFS) will be hosting welcoming ceremonies – which include the 2023 UFS Dream Walk event – for first-year students on the Bloemfontein and South Campuses on 18 February 2023, and on the Qwaqwa Campus on 25 February 2023.  

The Dream Walk – also known as Kovsie Dream – is an annual event, with the first being hosted in 2022.  With the event, the UFS welcomes first-year students to the university community, placing an emphasis on their individual dreams and aspirations. The event is also an opportunity for new students to familiarise themselves with the university, facilities, available opportunities, and to make new friends. 

The UFS recognises the importance of helping students set and pursue their dreams, especially in their first year. During the event, students will have an opportunity to interact with university staff, as well as current students who will share their experiences of pursuing their dreams and overcoming obstacles. 

Students participating in the Dream Walk will have the chance to explore their potential, identify their passions, and by completing their dream cards, they will be able to set goals for their individual futures.

Prof Francis Petersen, Rector and Vice-Chancellor, will officially welcome students to the UFS on both days – on the Bloemfontein Campus on 18 February 2023, and on the Qwaqwa Campus on 25 February 2023.  The welcoming messages on the two campuses will be followed by a Dream Walk.  Students participating in the Dream Walk will move along the same route that students follow on the day of graduation. 

The Division of Student Affairs believes that building a strong support network is crucial for students to succeed in their academic and professional lives. By connecting with staff and seniors, first-year students will gain valuable insight into their chosen courses and receive advice on how to achieve their academic goals.

Dr WP Wahl, Director: Student Life within the Division of Student Affairs, said: “The UFS is committed to providing its students with the support and resources they need to pursue their dreams. The Rector’s Welcoming, coupled with the Dream Walk, is an exciting opportunity for first-year students to start their university journey on the right foot and to set themselves up for success.”

For more information on the Welcoming, the Dream Walk event, and the programme, please click here

News Archive

2017 Matriculant of the Year wants to make the world a better place
2017-10-09

Description: '2017 Matriculant of the Year Tags: 2017 Matriculant of the Year

The group of 14 finalists for this year’s Matriculant of the Year
competition. 
Photo: Charl Devenish

To help others in need is what the University of the Free State (UFS) and Volksblad’s 2017 Matriculant of the Year winner, Elizabeth de Vries, strives for. De Vries, who will be studying medicine from 2018, wants to work for Doctors Without Borders one day. 

All South Africans should unite
in mutual respect and
embrace one another.


Also named Sparkling Personality 

At a recent gala dinner on the UFS Bloemfontein Campus, De Vries was not only named winner of this prestigious competition, but was also elected Sparkling Personality by all 13 of her fellow finalists. She is currently a pupil at St. Dominic’s College in Welkom, where she is head girl.

This year, 96 matriculants participated in the competition, from which 14 finalists were selected. 

Mutual respect important

In addition to achieving well academically, De Vries also performs well in sports and culture. She plays the violin and piano, and does ballet, plays hockey, and swims to ‘clear her head’. 

De Vries will be very welcome at Kovsies, where we strive for inclusivity. She believes that all South Africans should unite in mutual respect and embrace one another.

We use cookies to make interactions with our websites and services easy and meaningful. To better understand how they are used, read more about the UFS cookie policy. By continuing to use this site you are giving us your consent to do this.

Accept