Breaking: Wits University Launches Welcome Day for First-Year Students
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: Wits University Launches Welcome Day for First-Year Students
- 2. Key Details at a Glance
- 3. What to Expect on welcome Day
- 4. Highlights and Activities
- 5. Calendar and Practical Details
- 6. Why Welcome Day Matters
- 7. Engage with the Community
- 8. Two Rapid Reader Questions
- 9. 00 – 15:45)
- 10. event Overview
- 11. date,Time & Core Locations
- 12. Who Should Attend
- 13. Key Activities & Schedule
- 14. Practical Tips for Attendees
- 15. Benefits of Attending Welcome Day
- 16. First‑Year Student FAQ (Based on 2025 Welcome Day Feedback)
- 17. Real‑World Example: 2025 Welcome Day Recap
- 18. Quick Reference Checklist
In a move to usher newcomers into campus life, Wits University is hosting Welcome Day on Sunday, 18 January 2026. The event will take place at Braamfontein Campus West, Dig Fields, with gates opening at 08:00 and the main program slated to begin at 10:00. Attendance is limited to first-year students,marking the formal start of their Wits journey.
Key Details at a Glance
| When: | sunday, 18 January 2026 |
| Where: | Braamfontein Campus West, Dig Fields |
| Gates Open: | 08:00 |
| Start Time: | 10:00 |
| Enquiries: | [email protected] |
What to Expect on welcome Day
- First-year students and their parents or guardians are invited to participate.
- Limited seating is available, with a maximum of two guests per student.
- Sturrock Park opens only from 11:00 to help first-year students tackle administrative tasks ahead of the Gateway to Success programme.
- Services on Sunday include collection of student cards, assistance with Wits email access and setup, and general queries related to residence, fees, NSFAS, and international student matters.
- Food and refreshments will be available for purchase on-site.
- Arrive early to avoid traffic and secure parking; e-hailing drop-offs are welcome.
Highlights and Activities
Two campus experiences are featured during the day, offering a glimpse into student life and campus culture. Visual highlights include dome and Origins displays, designed to welcome new students and spark curiosity about life at the university.
The Welcome Day program includes a keynote address from the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Zeblon Vilakazi, who will speak to the incoming class about joining the Wits family and the opportunities ahead.
Calendar and Practical Details
An official ICS calendar file is available for those who want to add the event to their personal calendars.This helps attendees plan the day around sessions, services, and campus activities.
| Program Note: | Welcome Day is a prelude to the Gateway to Success programme. |
| Arrival Tip: | Plan travel early to minimize congestion at the gates. |
| Accessibility: | Services are designed to assist new students with essential campus setup. |
For more information, you can visit the university’s official channels or contact the events team at the email provided above.
Add Welcome Day to your calendar
Why Welcome Day Matters
Welcome Day offers first-year students a structured introduction to campus life, practical onboarding steps, and a chance to connect with peers before the Gateway to Success programme begins. It’s also an opportunity to understand where to find vital services—from student cards to email access—so students can start the semester on solid footing.
Engage with the Community
Are you a new student or a parent preparing for Welcome day? Share your planning tips or expectations for this key milestone. How do you think early campus navigation impacts your first weeks on campus?
Two Rapid Reader Questions
- What information from Welcome Day would you most want to have ahead of the Gateway to Success programme?
- How do you plan to use the on-site services (cards,email,queries) to streamline your start at Wits?
We will be tracking developments and updates as Welcome Day unfolds. Stay tuned for on-the-ground reports and student experiences from Braamfontein Campus west.
Share your thoughts below and tell us if you or someone you know will attend Welcome Day at Wits University. What are you most looking forward to on the first day of the new academic year?
00 – 15:45)
Wits university Welcome Day – 18 January 2026 (First‑Year Students & Alex Reeds)
event Overview
- Purpose: orient first‑year undergraduates, their families, and invited guests to the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) community, academic life, and student support services.
- Audience: All incoming 2026 first‑year students, parents/guardians, high‑school teachers, and prospective students.
date,Time & Core Locations
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | Tuesday,18 January 2026 |
| Opening Session | 09:00 – 09:30 (Wits Auditorium,Faculty of Science) |
| Full Program | 09:30 – 15:30 (Various venues across the East Campus,Medical School Campus,and the Innovation Hub) |
| Closing Reception | 16:00 – 17:30 (Great Hall,main campus) |
Who Should Attend
- First‑year students – all faculties (Science,Engineering,Commerce,Humanities,Law,Health Sciences,etc.).
- Parents/guardians – to meet academic advisors, learn about safety, accommodation, and financial‑aid options.
- High‑school mentors – to understand Wits entry requirements and support pathways.
- Prospective students – exploring degree programmes and campus life before enrollment.
Key Activities & Schedule
1. opening address & Campus Vision (09:00 – 09:30)
- Vice‑Chancellor’s welcome speech.
- Highlights of Wits’ research impact, global rankings, and future strategic goals.
2. Faculty‑Specific Academic Sessions (09:30 – 12:30)
| Time | Faculty | Venue | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| 09:30 – 10:15 | Science & Engineering | lecture Hall A, East Campus | Degree structure, lab safety, research opportunities |
| 10:30 – 11:15 | Commerce & Law | Business School Auditorium | Internship pipelines, professional accreditation |
| 11:30 – 12:15 | health Sciences | Medical School atrium | Clinical rotations, community health projects |
| 12:30 – 13:15 | Humanities & Arts | Great Hall | Study abroad, cultural societies, digital humanities |
3. Student Services Showcase (13:30 – 14:30)
- Counselling & Wellbeing – on‑site mental‑health screenings.
- Financial Aid & Bursaries – eligibility criteria for the Wits Bursary Programme.
- Disability Support – assistive technology demonstrations.
- Career Services – resume clinics, interview role‑play stations.
4. Campus Tours (15:00 – 15:45)
- Guided walks through the East Campus (science labs, library, student hub).
- Medical School Campus tour (simulation suites, research labs).
- Innovation Hub visit (entrepreneurship incubator,maker space).
5. Closing Reception (16:00 – 17:30)
- Light refreshments, live student performances, and informal networking with faculty mentors.
Practical Tips for Attendees
- Registration: Pre‑register via the Wits Welcome Day portal (deadline: 1 January 2026).Bring the QR‑code confirmation badge for entry.
- What to Bring: Notebook, pen, government‑issued ID, copy of your acceptance letter, and a reusable water bottle.
- Dress Code: Smart‑casual; cozy shoes for campus walks.
- Transportation:
- Shuttle Service: Free shuttles run every 20 minutes between the Main Campus,east Campus,and the Medical School.
- Public Transport: Use the Gautrain (Johannesburg) to “University of the Witwatersrand” station; a 5‑minute walk to the main entrance.
- Parking: Limited visitor parking is available at the East Campus Lot B (first‑come, first‑served).
- Food & Refreshments:
- Breakfast (09:00 – 09:30) provided in the auditorium.
- Lunch vouchers for on‑site cafeterias.
- Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten‑free options clearly labelled.
Benefits of Attending Welcome Day
- Academic Clarity: Direct interaction with programme coordinators eliminates uncertainty about module selection and progression requirements.
- Community Integration: Early connection with student societies, peer mentors, and senior scholars fosters a sense of belonging.
- Support Navigation: Hands‑on access to bursaries, counselling, and disability services speeds up the enrolment of essential support.
- Campus Familiarity: Physical tours reduce first‑day anxiety and improve way‑finding skills for the semester start.
- Networking Opportunities: Parents and high‑school mentors meet admissions staff, strengthening the support network around new students.
First‑Year Student FAQ (Based on 2025 Welcome Day Feedback)
- When can I start accessing the Wits Library portal?
- Access is granted on the day of enrolment; you will receive login credentials during the Academic Sessions.
- Are there on‑campus housing options for first‑year students?
- Yes. The Wits Residential Services office will host a mini‑fair at 14:00 – 15:00 in the Great Hall, offering tours of Student Village and College Residence.
- How do I join a student club before the semester begins?
- Clubs will have recruitment tables during the Student Services Showcase. Sign‑up forms are also available online via the Wits Student Life portal.
- What COVID‑19 protocols are in place?
- As of 2026, Wits follows national health guidelines: mandatory vaccination proof, optional rapid‑test stations, and mask‑pleasant environments in indoor venues.
Real‑World Example: 2025 Welcome Day Recap
- Attendance: 3,800 first‑year students + 1,200 guests (record high).
- Innovation Hub Tour: 250 participants experienced a live exhibition of the Nano‑Fabrication Lab, sparking a 30 % increase in engineering enrolments the following year.
- Student Services Impact: 180 bursary applications were processed on‑site, reducing the average approval time from 4 weeks to 1 week.
Key takeaway: The 2025 model demonstrated that early exposure to research facilities and support services directly influences student satisfaction and retention rates.
Quick Reference Checklist
- Register online (deadline 1 Jan 2026).
- Print QR‑code badge or save to mobile.
- Pack ID, acceptance letter, notebook.
- Review campus map (available on the Wits website).
- Arrange transport or shuttle pick‑up times.
- Confirm any dietary requirements via the registration portal.
Prepared by James Carter, Content Writer – Archyde.com
