10 Tips for Making the MOST of O Week

O-week is Stellenbosch’s famous orientation week. Many students around campus take it as an opportunity to have a Golden Week. But for first-years who are learning the ropes, it can be a daunting experience. New people, new place, and sometimes even a new “me”. 

 

Here are 10 tips to make the most of your o-week.

 

1.   Show up

 

Welcoming may feel a bit like high school all over again. And yeah, it’s a humbling to have to learn a dance or follow to a social. But if you just get over yourself a little, you’ll see that actually, it’s an incredible way to launch your new life in Stellies.

Make the most of this week, show up to those events, be there. I promise, you won’t regret it.

2.   Say “hi”

 

This is THE most important tip there is. 

If you’re not a people person, it may be a terrifying experience. But, if I can assure you of anything, everyone else is feeling exactly the same. 

Being that person who has the guts to start conversations with strangers not only enables you to meet people, but communicates that you are a confident, outgoing person. 

First impressions matter, so be that person who is warm and inviting to the people around you. 

 

3.   Get phone numbers, instagrams, anything!

 

Well, there was no point in your bravery saying “hi” if you’ll never see that person again. Stellenbosch is a big place and unless they do your degree, it is unlikely you’ll see them again. 

That is why it is so important to get a phone number, Instagram or anything! 

You don’t need to get every single person’s details, but those you click with, don’t lose them! If you feel like you had a great chat with someone, get a number. 

And, more importantly, message them just a hello while they still remember you. 

Welcoming can be a blur, but many of the friends I kept from then I had reached out to. You can always go from there with follow-up plans to get to know each other better. 

 

4.   Say bye to the parents

 

The safety zone is probably your worst enemy during welcoming. 

You will be exhausted, over-socialised and probably so over meeting new people. But, after welcoming, the intense people meeting is over. This is your week!

I would say make every moment count, including the ones when your resting. You need to immerse yourself in this new world, which means say goodbye to your parents. You are there to set up your life! 

Staying in your comfort zone only hinders that and makes it harder later on.

5.   Stock up on food beforehand 

 

Gosh, when I say we were hungry that week, we were ravenous!

Between the walking, the heat, and all the dancing (Vensters practice) you do an awful lot during the day. Having a snack box and pre-made meals are a real saving grace. 

Don’t forget to bring a water bottle along during the day because February is incredibly hot. 

6.   Go into all different spheres

 

There are so many different kinds of people in Stellenbosch, and whilst you’re still finding your feet I’d recommend going to all sorts of different places just to experience Stellies and find your people. 

There’s all sorts of different social spheres in Stellies. Going on hikes, sokkies, churchcamps, clubbing, bars, Stellies shakeout (a running group) all expose you to different groups in Stellies. 

And until you find your people, I would say experience them all! You’ll find your gems along the way. 

 

7.   Don’t party too hard

 

I would definitely recommend going out! Stellies nightlife is one of the best in South Africa. 

But this week is about relationship building. Whilst a new taste of freedom makes it tempting to go hard, I can guarantee meeting people with a hangover is no fun. For them or you. 

I promise, there will be so much time for those epic nights. 

But the cost of a hard night out in Stellies in o week, in terms of the people you could have met, is too great. 

There is a time and place for clubbing. I see it as a catalyst. I have never met a person in a club -at least not someone I would contact again. But if you have an existing relationship, a night out is a fantastic way to have fun! 

So, definitely go out with your new friends if that’s your scene. Just don’t let it ruin your next day. 

8.   They’re not your bestie… yet

 

You’re going to meet incredible people, some of whom may become life-long friends. 

But remember, not everyone is for you. And although everyone is nice this first week, wait long enough to see their character. 
That doesn’t mean be cold or don’t pursue a friendship with people. But guard your own heart. As my best friend says “let your friendliness be cheap, but your friendship be high-priced.”

9.   Bring the basics

Practical things you’ll need this week are pretty standard. A hat, water bottle, good walking shoes and a little fanny-pack or tote bag is very useful. 

Having a bit of money in your pocket for that spontaneous ice-cream trip is also recommended. 

 

10.  Be yourself!

 

And I’m not talking about your high school self. This is a fresh opportunity to be whoever you want to be – make sure that person is the real you. Be genuine to the people around you because that’s how you find your people. 

And you will find your people. 

I promise.