Navigating New Beginnings: Canon Collins Scholars Reflect on Transitioning to University Life

Starting university or postgraduate studies is a milestone filled with excitement, uncertainty, and self-discovery. For many students, the transition extends beyond academic challenges—it’s about adapting to a new environment, building support systems, and, for some, experiencing life away from home for the first time.

Each year, the Canon Collins Trust supports postgraduate and undergraduate Law students from Southern Africa, enabling them to pursue academic excellence. For some scholars, this journey marks their first time leaving home or even their country to embark on a new chapter in South Africa.

To gain deeper insight into this experience, new Canon Collins Trust Scholars share their reflections on the struggles, growth, and lessons learned along the way.

For those leaving home, the transition is both exhilarating and daunting. “Moving away from home has been bittersweet; I am excited to be interacting with so many people from different countries and sharing experiences that are so different but somehow the same. The lectures have been enlightening, and the learning experience is more enriched here than at home, where I did my bachelor’s. There is also a lot of support from the staff and classmates, which makes learning easier. I have been forced to adapt quickly and have learned to ask for help (I usually tend to figure things out on my own),” shares Bahati Msosa, a Master of Laws candidate at the University of Pretoria, who arrived in South Africa earlier this year from Malawi for her studies.

For others, the transition is more than just a change in location—it’s a return to academia after years in the professional world. Cynthia Matonhodze, a Master’s student in Documentary Arts at the University of Cape Town, reflects on this adjustment. “Transitioning to postgraduate studies has been a journey of rediscovering what it means to be a student after 13 years. It’s also been a process of rediscovering myself and learning to adapt. The excitement of new beginnings—a new country, a new city—quickly gives way to the realities of daily student life.”

As a freelance documentary photographer for over a decade, Cynthia initially envisioned an easy transition, but she soon realised that returning to academia came with its own challenges.

“I envisioned effortlessly navigating my academic pursuits, but the reality has been a humbling blend of unexpected challenges and rewarding discoveries.”

Despite the challenges, many scholars find unexpected growth through their experiences. Leeroy Rupande, who moved from Zimbabwe to pursue a Master of Science in Agriculture at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, speaks on the importance of connecting with experienced peers.

“As a newcomer, I found it challenging to navigate a space that did not necessarily expect me to be new. However, I overcame this by aligning myself with individuals who had been in the system for years, those who understood the inner workings of my academic environment. Since my studies are highly practical and require access to specialised equipment and materials, networking with experienced peers and faculty members was crucial in ensuring a smooth transition.”

Beyond academics, building a strong support system—whether through friends, academic mentors, or university services—can make all the difference in adapting to a new environment.

“Having a strong support system has been instrumental in my adjustment. Friends already familiar with the system and family members who have previously navigated the same institution have provided invaluable guidance. Their insights and encouragement helped me settle in faster and focus on my studies,” says Leeroy.

Cynthia also found support through university programs and peer groups.

“I’ve joined the buddy program at UCT, hoping to be paired with a like-minded postgraduate student. I’ve also joined the Canon Collins Trust writing group and look forward to my first session. I am eager to connect with fellow writers and hone my skills.”

When asked what advice they would give to students embarking on a similar journey, the scholars emphasized patience, self-compassion, and adaptability.

“Embrace adaptability,” Bahati advises. “The ability to adjust to new academic, social, and cultural environments is important. Be open to building new friendships, seeking support when needed.”

Leeroy encourages future students to step out of their comfort zones. “My advice would be simple: go for it. The experience is worth it. Beyond academics, fully immerse yourself in the institution, seize every learning opportunity, and build meaningful connections. The postgraduate journey is about more than just earning a degree; it is an opportunity for holistic growth and development.”

Adjusting to university life as an undergraduate, postgraduate, or international student is never a linear path. It comes with its fair share of highs and lows, but it also presents an opportunity for growth, independence, and meaningful connections.

For these Canon Collins Trust scholars, the transition has been both challenging and transformative, reinforcing resilience, adaptability, and the importance of community. As they continue to navigate this journey, they embrace the lessons that come with it—knowing that each challenge is shaping them into stronger, more capable individuals.

For Canon Collins Trust scholars, the journey is not one they take alone. The Trust offers a range of support systems to help scholars navigate their transition and thrive in their studies. There are multiple ways to engage with the network, from mentorship programs that connect new scholars with experienced alumni to academic writing groups that provide a space for collaboration and skill-building. Scholars can also benefit from peer support groups, career development workshops, and networking events, all designed to foster a sense of community and shared learning. Whether through online forums or scholar-led initiatives and advocacy, the Canon Collins Trust remains committed to empowering its scholars beyond the classroom. For more information on how you can be a part of these fantastic initiatives, please email marketing@canoncollins.org.