Starting university at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) is exciting, intimidating, and very different from high school. Many first-year students struggle not because they are incapable, but because no one explains how university actually works.
This guide breaks down what to expect academically, how systems like Ulwazi, Moodle and student email really function, where to get help when things go wrong, and the most common mistakes first-years make at Wits, so you can avoid them.
Whether you’re a fresher or a parent trying to understand the transition, this guide is your practical starting point.
1. Academic Expectations at Wits: How University Differs from School
One of the biggest shocks for first-year students is that Wits expects independence from day one.
Key differences from high school:
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No one checks if you attend lectures
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No reminders if you miss deadlines
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Lecturers do not chase students
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You are expected to manage time, notes, and revision yourself
At Wits, responsibility shifts entirely to the student. Missing lectures, tutorials or assessments has consequences, even if the reason feels valid.
Workload reality
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You may have fewer contact hours than school, but much more independent work
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Reading, preparation and assignments often take more time than lectures themselves
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Falling behind early is difficult to recover from
Survival tip: Treat university like a full-time job. Schedule study time the same way you schedule lectures.
2. How Lectures, Tutorials and Labs Actually Work
Understanding how different academic sessions work is critical.
Lectures
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Large classes (sometimes hundreds of students)
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Primarily content delivery
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Often with slides, but not always
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Attendance may not be compulsory, but missing lectures adds pressure later
Important: Slides are a backup or preparation, not a replacement.
Tutorials
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Smaller, compulsory sessions
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Led by tutors (often postgraduates)
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Attendance is usually tracked
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May contribute to your final mark
Tutorials are where:
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You ask questions
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You clarify difficult content
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You lose marks if you don’t show up
Labs / Practicals
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Common in science, engineering, health sciences
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Strict attendance rules
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Missed labs often cannot be repeated
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Lab marks can be required to pass the course
Rule of thumb:
If it’s a tutorial or lab, assume it is compulsory unless explicitly stated otherwise.
3. Using Ulwazi, Moodle and Student Email Properly
Many first-years struggle academically not because of content, but because they don’t use Wits systems correctly.
Ulwazi (Wits Learning Management System)
Ulwazi is where you will find:
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Course outlines
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Lecture slides
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Announcements
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Assignment instructions
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Test and exam details
Common mistake: Only checking Ulwazi before tests.
Survival tip: Log in daily. Important updates are often posted without warning.
Moodle
Some faculties use Moodle instead of, or alongside, Ulwazi.
You may find:
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Online quizzes
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Discussion forums
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Assignment submissions
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Timed assessments
Always check both platforms if your course uses them.
Student Email (Very Important)
Wits communicates officially only via your student email.
This includes:
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Faculty announcements
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Test changes
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Administrative deadlines
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Academic warnings
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Graduation and registration notices
Critical mistake: Using personal email instead.
Survival tip:
Set your student email to forward to your personal inbox, but still check it regularly.
4. Where to Get Help When You’re Struggling
Struggling at Wits is common. Ignoring problems is what causes failure.
Academic Support
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Tutors: Your first point of contact for course content
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Lecturers: Available during consultation hours
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Faculty Academic Advisors: Help with course structure and progression
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Writing Centres & Academic Development Units: Support with essays and academic skills
If you’re confused academically, ask early. Waiting until exams is too late.
Administrative Support
Admin issues happen, registration, fees, course changes.
Where to go:
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Faculty Offices
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Student Enrolment Centre
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Campus Central / Fees Office
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Residence Offices (if applicable)
Important: Admin problems take time to fix. Start early and keep records of emails.
Mental Health & Wellness Support
University pressure is real.
Wits offers:
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Counselling and Careers Development Unit (CCDU)
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Mental health services
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Crisis support and referrals
Seeking help is not weakness, it is responsible.
5. Common Mistakes First-Year Wits Students Make
Learning from others’ mistakes can save your year.
1. Skipping Lectures Early
Missing “just one” lecture often turns into weeks of missed content.
2. Underestimating Assignments
Assignments often carry more weight than expected and build toward exams.
3. Ignoring Emails and Announcements
Important changes are communicated digitally, not verbally.
4. Poor Time Management
Leaving work until the last minute becomes overwhelming quickly.
5. Not Asking for Help
Many students fail silently instead of using available support.
6. Treating University Like School
University rewards discipline, not reminders.
6. Final Survival Advice for Wits First-Years
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Be proactive, not reactive
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Check Ulwazi, Moodle and email daily
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Attend tutorials and labs consistently
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Start assignments early
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Ask questions, early and often
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Balance academics with rest and social life
Wits is demanding, but thousands of students succeed every year by learning how the system works.
Conclusion
Your first year at Wits sets the foundation for your entire degree. Success isn’t about being “naturally smart”, it’s about understanding expectations, using systems properly, and asking for help when needed.
If you approach first year with structure, discipline and awareness, Wits becomes challenging but manageable and incredibly rewarding.