Whether you’re a first‑year student or returning Witsie looking to make the most of Freshers’ celebrations, this guide gives you what you need to know about event timing, logistics, expected attractions, costs, travel, and practical tips.
1. What Is the Wits Freshers’ Party?
The Wits Freshers’ Party (often referred to as Freshers’ Bash, Freshers’ Party, or Freshers’ Night) is a highlight of Orientation Week , typically an evening music and social event with DJs, performances, food stalls, and student socialising. It’s aimed at welcoming first‑year students into university life.
In past years (including 2025), the event featured big names in South African music such as Focalistic, Scotts Maphuma, DBN Gogo and more, creating energetic atmospheres with lights, sound, and dancing.
Location: Sturrock Park or a nearby West Campus field (official O‑Week schedules place the 2026 event at Sturrock Park).
Typical time: ~18:00 – 02:00 (evening into early morning) ,based on official 2025 and 2026 orientation booklets.
2. When Does It Happen?
Freshers’ Party is aligned with Orientation Week timing:
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Orientation Week: Last week of January into early February (for January starts) or early in the academic semester depending on the year.
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Freshers’ Party night in 2026: Friday during Orientation Week ,e.g., 30 January 2026, 18:00–02:00.
Note: The party usually happens before classes begin or just as the semester is starting, making it one of the official social kick‑offs for the year.
3. Planning Your Travel
On Campus / Local Students
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Many residences are walking distance to Sturrock Park; leave with plenty of time to find friends and settle in.
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Wits Campus Shuttle buses often run until ~02:00 or slightly later to return students back (as in past years).
Off Campus / Commuters
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Use Uber, Bolt, or public transport to Braamfontein, planning to arrive before 18:00 to avoid queues.
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If returning home late, pre‑book your ride or confirm safe shared rides with roommates/flatmates.
4. Predicted Budget Breakdown (2026)
Exact prices vary by year, but based on coverage and typical student spending at similar events, budget for:
Tickets
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Official freshers event may be free or included in Orientation Week registration.
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Side parties or concerts with headliners may cost extra (sometimes R100‑R300 or more, depending on performer fees).
Food & Drinks
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Expect R100–R250 minimum for street food or stall snacks.
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Soft drinks/energy drinks ~R30–R50; alcoholic beverages at external vendors (if allowed) can be higher.
Transport
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Shuttle/Walking: Free or negligible.
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Rideshare from Braamfontein to nearby residences: R40–R80 late night.
Estimated Total Night Budget: R200 – R600+ depending on how much food or rides you need.
5. What to Bring (Essentials Only)
Pack smart, light and practical:
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Student ID / Ticket/Phone with ticket screenshot
Many events require check‑in. -
Small backpack or waist bag
For essentials only. -
Water bottle (empty to fill on site)
Staying hydrated is critical. -
Cash & Card
For food stuff, merch, etc. -
Charged phone & power bank
You’ll want to stay reachable and capture memories. -
Comfortable shoes / layers
Johannesburg nights can be cool; dancing demands comfort. -
Basic first aid (plasters, pain relief)
For blisters/headaches; friends will thank you.
Avoid carrying valuables you don’t need; pickpockets can be a risk in crowded spaces.
6. Safety & Smart Party Tips
Go in Groups
Plan with friends and stick together , it’s safer and more fun.
Stay Hydrated & Eat First
Drink water between any alcoholic drinks and eat before heading in. Hydration prevents hangovers and fatigue.
Stay Aware with Drinks
Keep your drink in sight, never leave it unattended. Students at parties often advise holding drinks at all times to avoid interference.
Agree on Exit Plans
Know how you’re getting home, pin friends or rideshare app contacts.
Use Official Transport
If Wits provides buses late at night, these are preferable to unregistered taxis.
7. Other Orientation Week Events You Should Know
The Freshers’ Party sits within a larger week of socials that can include:
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Comedy Night / Movie Night: relaxed events before the big party.
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Beer Garden / Night Race / Spirit Games / Movie Night: various social events during the week.
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Student Club Fairs and Info Sessions: daytime social meets where you connect with clubs.
Participation in these lets you meet people, expand social circles, and find communities beyond the Freshers’ Party.
8. Predicted End Time & What to Expect
Past Freshers’ Parties have run until early morning, for example, previous editions saw festivities continue until around 02:00 am, with official Wits shuttles available into late night.
Expect:
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Live DJs or artists
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Large crowds of first‑year and senior students
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Vibrant music, lights, and snacks/vending stalls
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Photo ops and student video crews
9. Final Tips for Freshers
Arrive Early
Beat traffic and queues; arriving by 17:30–17:45 ensures you have time to find mates, settle in and avoid missing your favourite acts.
Keep Essentials Secure
Use zipped bags, keep your wallet/phone against your body.
Respect the Event Rules
Look after one another and follow security instructions for everyone’s safety.
Enjoy Daytime Orientation Too
Freshers’ experience includes meet‑ups, info sessions, and social mixers — not just the party.
Summary Checklist
Before the Event
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Confirm party date/time & ticket details
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Check transport plans
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Pack essentials (ID, phone, water, cash/card)
During the Event
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Stick with friends
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Stay hydrated
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Manage your budget for food/drinks
After the Event
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Use official transport if available
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Stay in contact with your group