What is Orientation?

Orientation is a series of events and activities designed to help you as a first-year student explore all that awaits you at university. Orientation is face-to-face, supplemented with online information. You will meet people, find out about resources on campus, learn how to find your way around and have some fun too. You will receive important curriculum and general advice to help you to register as a student. Orientation is about our commitment to help you, as a new student, explore opportunities and connect to your new community. Residence students will also have an orientation programme specific to their residence.

Do I have to attend Orientation?

Attending Orientation is highly recommended for all new undergraduate students. It will help smooth the transition into university life. You will meet people, get to know the campus, and get involved in some fun activities.

Why should I attend Orientation?

Orientation is designed to assist students making the transition to UCT, and has something to offer to incoming students, whether this is your first university experience directly from high school, or you are transferring from another institution, or you are coming to university later in your life. During Orientation, you will have the opportunity to meet with staff and students, find your way around on campus, receive information about your degree, learn about the wide variety of campus resources available to you; ask questions and get answers. You will meet different people: current students, UCT staff; new students, talk with student organisations and learn how you can get involved on campus and set up your email and computer lab accounts.

What is International Orientation?

The International Office offers an orientation programme to welcome new international students. The programme consists of fun activities and useful information sessions to help acquaint you with UCT and Cape Town. You will learn about UCT student support services, receive academic advice and have an opportunity to begin making new friends.

For further information, visit the International Academic Programmes Office (IAPO) website.

What is Parent Orientation?

Parent Orientation provides information for parents. Find more information on the Parent Orientation page.

Should I still attend Orientation if I’ve already talked with my academic advisor?

Yes! Your advisor addresses the issues to get you registered for classes but there is much more information covered during orientation about student life.

How and when do I register for classes?

Registration is carried out by the respective faculty. Your faculty will provide detailed information by email.

I declared my majors already, but I want to change them. How do I do that?

You can contact the faculty or an academic advisor and speak to them about changing majors.

When do I get my parking disk?

Unfortunately, first-year students are not allowed to park on campus. We advise students to use the UCT Shuttle. These are buses which operate between all residences, campuses and public bus, train and parking facilities in the vicinity. They are free to use for all UCT registered students.