First years
First years as an age group will relatively make up a large portion of a residence. First year intake in residences can range from 30 new members through to over 120 new members yearly depending on the size and makeup of the residence. Most residences personally oversee the process of the first years placement. Once accepted into the residence, the HK will work tirelessly together to place the first years with roommates whom they feel are compatible. They achieve this through an information sheet the first years complete upon application. Information sheets contain personal questions, and through comparisons of information, you are found someone with whom you would hopefully get along with. Not all residences do this. It is also important to note that some residences did not have double rooms and roommates were not an issue. Regardless, the HK in these placement controlled residences would find other ways to get their first years to interact and form friendships.
Over the course of two weeks, all first years are taught their houses traditions and values through the HK. The HK works extensively with the first year group in this first week. When the first years enter into a residence it is expected of them to conform to a number of rules and traditions until the fist year group is ontheffed. Ontheffing refers to a ceremony, usually held near the end of the year where first years are relieved of their greeting duties and are made fully recognized and equal members of the residence. Traditionally, Sonop will have the last ontheffing. this occurs only when their first years have completed their final exam. This means only November sometimes December. Olienhout ontheffs second last traditionally, somewhere in September, while majority of other male residences ontheff in June, July or August. The female residences will generally ontheff in June.
For the duration between their arrival and ontheffing, first years are expected to be respectful to seniors, and greet them appropriately. They must represent themselves and the residence respectfully. This includes no smoking in residence clothing, no drinking in residence clothing. First years have a first year uniform known as Ienkdrag. The name was changed in 2014 in order to negate the negative connotations of the res hierarchy in changing times.
Up until 2015, the social hub of Pretoria and indeed the residences was Hatfield square, a square block containing bars and clubs. It was an important part of residence culture, and a sad fact that Hatfield square no longer exists. In the days of Hatfield square, it served as a meeting point of the residences. The girls residences were 10 meters from square, meaning that the girls were always close to the safety of their rooms. this also leading to less drunk driving as well. The mens residences could also walk to square. Hatfield square was traditionally barred from first years as a rule, until they were ontheffed. Most first years abide by similar rules relating to pubs such as Springboks, where only seniors are allowed. This is done for a variety of reasons. It gives the first years a space to socialise without seniors present this gives them their own space. The ban on certain pubs without accompaniment by a mentor or senior is done to provide safety, academic focus and balance.
Although the regime of respect and the off limit social areas present challenges to a first year, there are a plethora of first year and res activities available to the first years which will allow for much socialization and interaction with their fellow first years and others. Near the end of the year, the first years will apply to senior corridors and flats. This determines where the first years will live in their senior years, or which corridor they will belong to.
Each residence chooses a specific name that applies to their group of first years, which will usually reflect some aspect of the res. For example, Asterhof's logo is a star, and their first year name, Sterretjies, means little stars in Afrikaans. The residence will use these terms when speaking to the group of first years, or an individual first year, and other residences will often refer to these names. They give a form of identity to the first years of the residences.
First year titles
Male Residences
Republic of Kollege - Vremies
Republic of Olienhout - Jarre
Boekenhout - Ysters
Taaibos - Brakke
Republiek v. Kollegetehuis - Vremies
Mopanie - Peppies
Maroela - Jarre
Olympus - Kuikens
Sonop - Eestejaars
Kiaat - Cubs
Female Residences
Erika - Eestejaars/Firsties (no official name)
Asterhof - Sterretjies
Madelief - Knolle
Magrietjie - Spikkels
Jasmyn - Slurpies
Klaradyn - Welpies
Nerina - Spriete
Katjiepiering - Skerf/Skerwe (plural)
Curlitzia - Kloekies
Zinnia - Pixies
Lilium - Geytjies
Inca - Bugsters
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