Preparing for university can be exciting and yet overwhelming at the same time. With the Covid-19 pandemic, the future might look blurry for most matriculants at the moment. As uncertain as you might be about the future, you still have to plan for it.

Here are a few ways how:

1. Plan ahead

Planning well for the next phase of your life is crucial as it is important to achieve your goals. So when planning, ensure that your career choice matches the subjects you are currently taking. Your planning should include assessing your subject choice as per the course you wish to study for. For some guidance, you can sit down with your parents, guardian, or mentor to discuss your career pathway. For example, if you want to be a medical doctor, you will need your Physics and Mathematics marks to be great. You cannot do Economics as a major and later decide to take the career path of a doctor. Planning is, therefore, essential.

2. Know what you want

Knowing what you want will help you to create specific goals and decision-making. You will make choices that make you happy, even when challenges come your way. Core values become vital at this stage. So, choose a career you love and which matches your values, beliefs and talents. You should also select a field that you are sure you will be able to sustain a living with.

3. Involve your parents or guardian

Their involvement includes assisting you in choosing a career path and not deciding what career you should take. Your parents may already know someone who is in the career field you want; who can provide more information about your chosen career. They may get a mentor for you, or you can do job shadowing if you decide that is what you want. Your parents should show an interest in what you are doing as it may assist with your decision- making.

4. Career assessments

You do not have to wait until you get admission to varsity to get a career assessment done. You can approach any university student counselling department to enquire about such services that are freely available to the community. Ask to speak to a psychologist, and you will be assisted with your career decision-making. When you are sure about which career path you want to take, start applying.

5. Funding

Although it would be ideal for our parents to be able to pay for our educational needs, do not beat yourself up if your parents cannot afford it. Explore several possible options when it comes to funding. Funding opportunities can be found on various social media platforms like Facebook. Ask on Facebook about possible funding that might be available for the career path you want to pursue. You’ll be surprised at the response you get.

You can also visit the following websites:

• https://www.nsfas.org.za
• StudyTrust | Bursary
  Management & Talent
  Development
• https://www.funzalusha
  ka.doe.gov.za
• www.zabursaries.co.za
• www.transnet.net.

6. Safety, safety, safety

For some of you, being accepted to university may be your first time away from home. So, your safety now starts to become your responsibility as parents or guardians will no longer be around 24/7.
Be very mindful of what you engage in;
*Avoid walking alone at night.
*Avoid being reckless, if you find yourself at parties.
*Avoid trusting people you have just recently met, especially if you are unfamiliar with that town.
*Avoid getting lifts from strangers.
*Avoid engaging in certain behaviour for financial gain.
*Social media can be dangerous too, so avoid meeting strangers or people you only know from social media platforms.

Varsity is a great space to find yourself in and, if well-lived, it leaves you with great memories to cherish when you are old. You may easily find yourself lost if you do not know your purpose in life and why you are there. As, fun as it may be, do not forget the reason why you are there in the first place. Remember to study hard.

For different universities across South Africa, visit https://www.saasta.ac.za/links/uni.shtml.