The pitfalls faced by first year students at varsity.

Every year, South African universities are packed by thousands of first year students from all corners of life. The majority of these first years are usually young ones coming straight from matric and they are all enthusiastic with a common goal of expanding their knowledge and developping their skills in various career fields offered at university.

Some matric learners do not apply on time for varsity admission and they end up desperately doing the late self application after receiving their matric results. The desperation for higher education lead to first year's choosing any available course, which in turn backfires as majority choke in their very first year. Many, after choking change  courses and some drop out before completing their first diploma/degree.

Another challenge many varsity rockies find difficult to overcome is the fast pace of life at these institutions. Some start doing things and engaging in immoral activities, just to fit in the crowd and to keep up with the fast pace. Some live independently for the very first time in their lives which gives them space to misuse their freedom as there is no mom or dad to 'call them into order' when they go off the plot.

At university, there are night clubs nearby,  bashes and parties are thrown all over almost every weekend and these new kids on the block become regular attendants in the name of "enjoying freedom or independence". As they enjoy freedom, many forget their priority of coming to varsity which in turn marks their fall from grace.

The majority of dropouts and failing first year students at university is often blamed at what is termed "university's lack of  proper assistance to first year students", but it appears students usually dig their own graves and shoot themselves in the foot.