It was business as usual at CUT Bloemfontein campus as first-year engineering students in the company of their parents and guardians poured in and waited patiently on queues for their turn to register at the Boet Troskie Hall.

Registration process commenced yesterday (12 January 2016) with the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology. The class of 2015, both locally and surrounding countries were jubilant to be at a tertiary institution for the first time. Although CUT introduced online registration system to avoid long queues, some students preferred the face-to-face process because it allowed them an opportunity to ask questions where necessary and receive proof of registration immediately. Some of the first-year students and parents felt that the queues were moving faster than expected while some felt they came in early but were still on the queue by 11:39 am. Thabo Khang from Tsoseletso high school said, “I am thrilled to be at tertiary, I can’t wait for the academic year to start so that I can see how it unfolds for me. I chose CUT because their engineering field is broad and it was highly recommended by my family. Thabo registered for the National Diploma in Civil Engineering. Johannes Roberts from Grey College chose to study the National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering. For him, the registration process was moving fast and smooth which impressed him. “I chose CUT because it is close to home and their engineering programmes are good. UFS does not offer Engineering courses and I was not willing to change my choice to anything else. I am happy with my choice.” Maaumane Maime is an international student from Lesotho. She completed her matric at Lerotholi Polytechnic School and came to CUT to pursue her dream in Construction Management. “My mentor advised me to consider CUT as it is highly recommended and their National Diploma: Building Programme is one of the best. The only disappointing factor is that I was told to pay my registration fee upfront even when I don’t have any kind of financial assistance.” Another student who was accompanied by his parents is Brandon Sinden, from Koffiefontein. Brandon chose to study at CUT after he was counselled by CUT career advisors who visited his high school when he was in grade 11. He made an instant decision then, that upon completing his matric, CUT was his next home. Brandon registered to study for the National Diploma in Electrical Engineering. His dad, Mr Sinden said that the registration process was moving a little slow and it was quite stressful but he was happy that Brandon was in his last phase of the tiring process. 

Johannes Roberts from Grey College registered for a National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering.