The Impact of FYE Mentorship at UKZN

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Starting university is meant to be an exciting new chapter in a young person’s life - but it’s often just as overwhelming.

Master’s graduate Ms Sanah Masemola knows this first-hand. Reflecting on her own journey from high school to campus life, she channelled her experience into an exploratory study that asked: “Does the First-Year Experience Mentorship Programme for First-year Students at the University of KwaZulu-Natal Yield Positive Results?”

‘I didn’t have any structured mentorship or support to help me navigate that big transition. It was overwhelming at times, and I often felt lost,’ she said.

The UKZN First-Year Experience (FYE) Mentorship Programme was launched in 2019 to help new students adjust to university life.

It matches postgraduate student mentors with first-year mentees, offering guidance not just on academics but on emotional wellbeing and navigating social spaces. The aim is simple yet powerful: to support students, reduce dropouts, and help them settle into university life with greater ease.

Masemola’s research found that the programme was doing exactly that.

‘Students who participated in the programme generally felt more supported - both academically and emotionally. Many said they felt less isolated, more confident navigating university systems, and more willing to ask for help when they needed it,’ she said.

Her study showed that mentorship was about much more than study tips or campus directions.

Many students shared that having a mentor made them feel ‘seen’ and supported - especially during emotionally overwhelming times. That reassurance reduced feelings of anxiety, stress and isolation, becoming a lifeline and a vital source of connection and care during a time of great personal and academic change.

Masemola’s research also highlighted practical and forward-looking opportunities for growth within the programme - including enhanced mentor training with a stronger focus on cultural awareness and emotional intelligence; more targeted outreach to male students; and regular check-ins to hold mentors accountable and ensure consistent support throughout the year.

She advocates for voices of mentees to be heard more clearly, contending that incorporating ongoing feedback from mentees can help the programme stay relevant to their evolving needs.

To first-year students who may be struggling, she offers this advice: ‘You are not alone, and it’s okay to ask for help. Join programmes like FYE, talk to your peers and lecturers, and give yourself the grace to adjust. University can be tough, but it’s also full of opportunities to grow.

Masemola believes that programmes like the FYE Mentorship initiative aren’t just about academics - they are about building a culture of care, growth and resilience.

She expressed heartfelt gratitude to God, and sincere thanks to her supervisor, Dr Motlalepule Adeline Lekeka, as well as the mentors and mentees who shared their experiences. She also acknowledged her family and partner for their encouragement and unwavering support.

Words: Rakshika Sibran

Photograph: Sethu Dlamini