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08 February 2024 | Story Lunga Luthuli | Photo SUPPLIED
Student Campus Tour
The UFS Division of Student Affairs is helping first-time students get their bearings by offering campus tours on the Bloemfontein, South, and Qwaqwa campuses.

The University of the Free State’s (UFS’s) Division of Student Affairs is ready to welcome 2024’s first-time entering students (FTENS) for the new academic year with an engaging campus tour. 

These tours will take place on the Bloemfontein and South Campuses from 5 to 8 February starting at 12:00, and on the Qwaqwa Campus from 12 to 15 February, with one tour daily, from 14:00. Students must note that the 5 to 8 February schedule aligns with specific colleges each day, which means you should attend on the day specified below for students from your college.

The comprehensive tour route covers vital campus locations, including Protection Services, the Administration buildings, examination venues, Kovsie Health, Student Counselling and Development, Arts and Culture, Callie Human, HMS, Main Building, and many more. The itinerary helps students become familiar with significant facilities on the three UFS campuses.

The Division of Student Affairs aims to make the campus tours even more inclusive by allowing commuter students and late registrants to join a later group of tours, on 12 and 14 February on the Bloemfontein Campus.

Campus Tours

Tour guide

ROUTE: 


Main locations: 

Bloemfontein Campus:
Meet at the Kovsie Village (i.e. the tent next to the EXR registration venue)-> Protection Services (Stopping Point) -> George du Toit -> EXR -> Kovsie Health; SCD; Food Environment Office; Arts and Culture -> Callie Human -> HMS -> Main Building -> ECLA Lab -> Vishuis -> 24-hour study labs -> Stabilis -> Bridge (Bank; Van Schaik) -> FGG -> EBW -> Landbou; Visitors Gate-> Kopanong; Genmin Lectorium -> Computer Lab -> Mabaleng Auditorium -> Winkie Direko (Fundza Offices) -> Ned Education Building -> Modlec; Konica Minolta -> Library (organise in faculty).



South Campus Tour:

Dates: 6 and 8 February 2024
Time: 12:00 
Starting point: Amphitheatre (Outside the cafeteria)

Qwaqwa Campus Tour:

Date: 12 February 2024             
Time: 14:00 (Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences)
Assembly point: Amphitheatre

Date: 13 February 2024             
First time slot: 14:00 (Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences)
Assembly point: Amphitheatre

Date: 14 February 2024
First time slot: 14:00 (Faculty of Education)
Assembly point: Amphitheatre

Date: 15 February 2024             
First time slot: 14:00 (Faculty of the Humanities)
Assembly point: Amphitheatre

Qwaqwa Off Campus Tour

Date: 18 February 2024
Time: 08:00
Assembly point: Amphitheatre

To register for the campus tours, please click here

News Archive

Lithium-ion batteries research set to improve ordinary lives
2016-02-11

Description: Dr Lehlohonolo Koao  Tags: Dr Lehlohonolo Koao

Dr Koao is making a much-needed contribution in improving lives of ordinary people through his research on lithium-ion batteries.

The future of relevant and top-notch scientific research at the Qwaqwa Campus is in good hands. Dr Lehlohonolo Koao is one of the five members of the Vice-Chancellor’s Prestige Scholars Programme (PSP) on the Qwaqwa Campus.

The need to improve the efficiency of heating mechanisms in his immediate community in Qwaqwa, and the support he receives from the PSP, have become catalysts for his current research project on lithium-ion batteries. According to Dr Koao, the study will focus on producing batteries that last longer, store more energy, are cheaper to manufacture, and are environmentally friendly when being disposed of. These are key factors in solar energy.

‘’The majority of households in my neighbourhood have benefited from the government’s project of providing households with solar panels to help with lighting, cooking, and heating without worrying about the ever-increasing electricity costs,’’ said Dr Koao.

‘’Since my arrival in the area, I have realized that the heat absorption rate of the batteries used by solar panels is not enough. As a result, these batteries also lack enough power to sustain the supply throughout the day, especially on a cloudy day,’’ he said.

His research project focuses on improving the efficiency of lithium-ion batteries that are now commonly used in portable electronics, such as cell phones and laptops. This kind of battery is rapidly replacing the usual lead-acid batteries. Dr Koao’s determination to contribute towards a safer and more efficient heating absorption system has made him move away completely from his PhD study on lighting material.

‘’My previous study was on reducing the power usage on domestic and industrial lights as they use more electricity. This study, on the other hand, will enhance power retention in the batteries for improved daily life since cell phones, solar panels, and laptops, to mention only a few, are now a way of life,’’ he added.

Dr Koao is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Physics, where he specializes in solid state materials.

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