Open Day 2011 a big success

The Stellenbosch University’s Stellenbosch campus was a beehive of activity on Friday when thousands of prospective students visited the annual Open Day.

Thousands of students visited Stellenbosch University on Friday to attend the annual Open Day.

Ms Lorna Bartlett, project coordinator for prospective students, says she is they are happy with the way the open day went and expressed her relief that it did not rain.

“The information sessions at the faculties were packed, at the Faculty of Law people were sitting on the stairs to listen. Many people, especially parents, come specifically to listen to these sessions.

“I also think the tent on the Rooi Plein where other institutions had their exhibitions contributed to the better flow of people in the Neelsie.”

Residences, student bodies, academic faculties and support services for students were all at the ready to answer prospective student’s questions regarding bursaries and loans, facilities available for students with disabilities, as well as give information about support services such as the Library, the Centre for Student Counselling and Development (CSCD), the Language Centre and the First Year Academy.

A group of friends from Madrasatur Rajaa in Strand said the open day was very informative and left them excited about the possibility of studying at SU. “We have friends who are studying here and they only have good things to say,” says Naseema Karan.

Jolene Sutton from Vereeniging in Gauteng has been selected to study Speech-language and Hearing Therapy. “This is my first time in Stellenbosch and the campus is absolutely beautiful. I look forward to studying here.”

Ferdi Bloem and his parents came all the way from Phalaborwa in the Limpopo province to attend the open day, because, as his mother Petra puts it, “Stellenbosch is the best”. Ferdi is still deciding what to study, but is leaning towards BComm Actuarial Science. “I would like to stay in a residence, but have no idea which ones to apply for. Hopefully I will have a better idea by the end of the day.”

All residences opened their doors to visitors and the Student Representative Council did hourly campus tours to give future Maties an idea of where things are on campus.

Other educational institutions from the Stellenbosch area like amongst others Isa Carstens Health and Skin Care Academy, the Exercise Teachers’ Academy (ETA), the Stellenbosch Rugby Academy, the Stellenbosch Academy of Design & Photography, Boland College, Elizabeth Galloway Academy for Fashion Design, and Stellenbosch Institute for Photographic Studies (SIPS) also had exhibitions where learners could enquire about the programmes they offer.

For more information contact the Centre for Prospective Students at 021 808 4709 or 021 808 2370.