The perks of being a student in another country

JUSTISIA SHIPENA
Ruwardo Wemmert

I am studying towards a bachelor’s degree in accounting at the University of the Free State (UFS) in Bloemfontein, South Africa.

I stay on campus in the oldest men’s residence, called House Abraham Fisher, more commonly known as Vishuis.

Being the oldest residence, Vishuis has a lot of history and exciting traditions. It is not just a residence but a place where young men are taught to become true gentlemen. As their slogan says: “Doing everything with a touch of class.”

It’s located in the centre of the campus, so all the classes are literally just around us.

Coming to study in South African was a tough decision I had to make, leaving all my family and friends behind and starting afresh in a place I don’t know, with people I don’t know.

But I guess one time or the other one has to leave the nest and explore the big world out there.

So far it has been a journey of excitement and surprises. The welcoming ceremony for the first-years was totally breathtaking. It started out as a presentation of the different cultures and residences we have on campus and ended with a spectacular light show on the main building.

The rector and vice chancellor, Professor Francis William Petersen, personally welcomed all non-South African students to UFS at a formal dinner hosted by the international office on campus, where I met different people from both from South Africa and other places all over the world, so I truly feel welcome.

Since January I have interacted with people from different cultures during the social events we call inters, which takes place between two residences at a time, where I even learned a Pedi word or two. Even though I can’t sing to save my life, I was taught a few energetic traditional songs.

This past week we had a lot of excitement and nerves. The first-years had stage-door rotations and finals were held on Saturday. Each residence had a team of first-years to represent them in the play which involved both singing and drama.

The University of the Free State is really a great place to be. You can be assured that you will have the time of your life, because there is always something happening and they live by the saying: “University isn’t only there to develop the academic side of students, but the social side as well.”