Investigating the Major Contemporary Issues facing First-year Students at a South African University of Technology
Anton Michael Pillay 
, Jeremiah Madzimure and Muntuwenkosi Chili
Issue: Vol.5 No.3 Issue Article 2 pp.183-189
DOI: https://doi.org/10.38159/ehass.2024532 | Published online 1st March, 2024
© 2024 The Author(s). This is an open access article under the CCBY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
This qualitative research study investigated critical contemporary issues faced by first-year students at a University of Technology in South Africa. Drawing from interviews with five participants, the study illuminated three major challenges: academic pressures during the transition, financial constraints, and technology integration. The findings revealed that adapting to new pedagogical methods and academic expectations causes stress and a sense of inadequacy. Financial burdens stemming from tuition fees and living expenses hinder engagement while technology’s integration presents both opportunities and challenges, accentuating the need for digital literacy education. The study underscored the importance of comprehensive orientation programs, financial aid initiatives, digital literacy training, and peer mentoring to address these issues. Recommendations also encompass flexible learning pathways, holistic well-being support, and collaborative spaces. By recognizing and proactively addressing these challenges, higher education institutions can facilitate smoother transitions, foster inclusive environments, and ultimately enhance the overall first-year student experience. This research contributes valuable insights to guide policy development and support mechanisms, ensuring the academic success and holistic well-being of first-year students in the dynamic landscape of higher education.
Keywords: First-year students, Contemporary issues, Higher education, Transition challenges, Academic pressures.
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Anton M. Pillay is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Johannesburg, South Africa. He is based in SARCHI: African Diplomacy and Foreign Policy.
Jeremiah Madzimure, Vaal University of Technology, South Africa.
Muntuwenkosi Chili, Vaal University of Technology, South Africa.
Pillay, Anton Michael, Jeremiah Madzimure and Muntuwenkosi Chili.“Investigating the Major Contemporary Issues facing First-year Students at a South African University of Technology.” E-Journal of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences 5, no.3 (2024): 183-189. https://doi.org/10.38159/ehass.2024532
© 2024 The Author(s). Published and Maintained by Noyam Journals. This is an open access article under the CCBY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
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