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

Shimlas dust off Pukke before Varsity Cup semifinal
2015-03-24

Even the persistent Pukke from North-West University (NWU) fell short by losing 29-26 on Monday 23 March against the UFS Shimlas in this year’s Varsity Cup rugby tournament.

This means Shimlas have their first ever home semifinal and, for the first time, they are also the only unbeaten side in the tournament. Come Monday 30 March, the men from Kovsies will host the University of Cape Town Ikeys for the first semifinal clash of the day at 16:45 at Shimla Park on the UFS Bloemfontein Campus.

Despite the loss, Pukke did manage to secure a bonus point by scoring four tries. It was only the good kicking to the posts by Shimlas captain AJ Coertzen that made the three-point victory difference on the final score. Pukke ended fourth on the Varsity Cup log, earning them a position in the semifinal as well. The men from NWU will travel next to the University of Pretoria to face the top of the log Tuks side in the second semifinal clash.

In the Shimlas match against Pukke, UFS flank Gerhard Olivier managed to be dubbed the Player that Rocks for a second time now this season.

Shimlas point scorers against Pukke:
Tries: Elandre Huggett, Niell Jordaan, Gerhard Olivier (2)
Conversion kicks: AJ Coertzen (3)

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