Non-Academic Factors to Consider when Choosing Where to Study after High School in South Africa

One of the biggest decisions you will ever make is where to go to study after high school. The academic reputation of the institution that you choose to study at is very important; however, non-academic matters play a major role in defining how your time in college or university will be spent. Success and well-being in South African higher education boast an incredibly multilevel and multifaceted nature. A number of critical non-academic aspects should therefore drive the choices for university selection:

  1. Location and Campus Setting
  • Urban vs. Rural Setting: South African institutions are found in both urban and rural settings. A university that is in an urban setting may be more accessible to part-time work opportunities, internships, and social activities. On the other hand, campuses that are often found in rural areas are usually laid back and with small communities.
  • Safety: Consider the safety of the surrounding area. Some campuses are in places more prone to crime, which can definitely influence your life on a daily basis. Establish the safety protocol for the institution, e.g. campus security and student support services.
  • Climate: South Africa’s climate is quite varied from place to place. Whether you enjoy the temperate weather of the Western Cape or prefer the warmer climate of KwaZulu-Natal, be sure to take the weather into account when thinking about your comfort and lifestyle.
  1. Cost of Living
  • Accommodation: The cost of living can vary dramatically depending on where one pursues their studies. Cities such as Cape Town and Johannesburg generally have a higher cost of living, most notably for rental accommodations. Consider if the institution offers a student housing facility on or off campus or if one must look for private accommodation.
  • Transportation: take into consideration the cost of public transportation and its accessibility. In choosing an accommodation, you should also consider how much you will be spending each day just to get to campus. Other universities offer shuttle service which is usually a very affordable way.
  • Daily Living Cost: Besides accommodation and transportation, there is still food, utilities and entertainment. In some relatively expensive cities, the meager student budget can really be stretched to its limits, so planning is essential.
  1. Cultural Activities and Social Life
  • Diversity: South Africa is a very culturally rich country with 11 official languages and several cultural groups. Chose an institution which you will feel culturally respectable and you will get to interact with various cultures. This will further your personal development and broaden your worldview.
  • Student Activities and Societies: Look for a university or college that offers the respective clubs, societies, and activities that you are interested in. These may revolve around interests like sports, arts, activism, etc., which will help one to achieve balance and satisfaction in student life.
  • Support Systems: What are the support services available, such as counseling, educational advising, and peer support programs or centers? These are vital when needed and will help you to better navigate through the college experience.
  1. Language of Instruction
  • Language Ability: The main language of instruction must correspond with the language in which one is proficient. Some institutions are bilingual or multilingual in nature, although others will be basically English or Afrikaans institutions. Knowing the language strength at your institution of interest will bring about academic success simply.
  • Internships and Part-time Work: Also look into whether the institute provides opportunities for part-time work and internships. Most institutions situated in or near large cities tend to have links with companies offering internships in the institution itself.
  • Alumni Network and Career Services: If the school has a strong alumni network and puts in the necessary effort into career service, your job prospects after graduation would be highly improved. Look into whether the institution you’ll be applying to has a good record on graduate employment and what do its alumni end up working for.
  1. Institutional Reputation and Networks
  • Industry Connections: Some institutions have strong relations with industry—thereby providing opportunities with leading industries in the world, which is a good advantage when sourcing for internships and job placements. Consider the strength of these connections in your area of interest.
  • Global Recognition: While this one is kind of non-academic, it means so much to the academic set-up as it’s going to spill over for this. The impact on one’s career can vary, considering that most of the programs are sought worldwide and that, if one is outside their country, these credentials have different weight measure.
  1. Personal Growth and Independence
  • Proximity to Home: Some people find it comfortable and secure to study close to home. Others prefer the opportunity to move away to gain independence and experience in another environment. You need to think about how far away from home you might be comfortable going, and what that would mean for you.
  • Challenges and Opportunities: The experience in college or a university is likely to be challenging in an unfamiliar environment at a faraway distance from your home. However, the experience offers a great avenue for one to develop positively. Consider the likely challenges in making a decision to study away from your familiar environment and against the benefits derived from life in a different part of the country.

The selection of institutions is also more than choosing a course. The location, cost of living, cultural environment, and the level of support services in place will all play important factors in determining the tone of your experience. What you append to be determined after considering these non-academic factors is an informed decision that should not only support educational goals but which should contribute to general well-being and personal development. Remember: the right environment can make a world of difference in your success and satisfaction during these important years of study.