Meet Kopano Mokwena, an aspiring publicist and crisis communication practitioner currently pursuing her master’s degree in communication at the Potchefstroom campus. Her journey with North-West University began straight after matric—and she says it’s been one of the best decisions she has made for her personal and professional growth.
“If you're weighing up your options for where to study, let me give you a few real reasons why NWU might be the perfect place for you too, coming from someone who’s been living the NWU life for over five years now.”
Eish, Batswadi!!!
My parents were super stressed about me studying far from home. As a girl child, safety was a big concern, and they weren’t exactly thrilled about sending me across the country with no family or friends nearby. And honestly? I don’t blame them.
So what did I do? I went into full presentation mode! I showed them videos, articles, and literally anything I could find to convince them that NWU had a vibrant student life and a secure campus vibe. Eventually, they came around.
Bonus? I’m from Klerksdorp, so the Potch campus isn’t too far. At first, I tried commuting daily, but I was drained after just one week. That’s when I decided to move into a campus residence (or as we call it, “kooshuis”). Honestly? Best decision ever. It helped me focus and gave me the full student experience.
Also, let’s not forget—NWU is ranked among South Africa’s top 10 universities. That sealed the deal for both me and my family. The peace of mind was real.
Mental Health
“During my studies, I allowed myself to fully experience my emotions and reached out for help when I needed it. That balance kept me grounded, even on the toughest days.”
Let’s be honest, university life can get overwhelming. With tight schedules, back-to-back assignments, and the pressure to juggle academics, social life, and mental health, it can feel like a lot.
Thankfully, NWU cares about more than just your grades; they care about you. The Student Counselling and Development Services played a huge role in helping me stay emotionally grounded throughout varsity life. From one-on-one counselling to workshops, their support is real and accessible.
Also, having a close-knit circle of friends to share my highs and lows with? That made all the difference.
Resources That Actually Help You Succeed
“Varsity is a whole different world compared to high school. The way you write is totally different, and no one’s there to remind you about deadlines, it’s all on you.”
Luckily, NWU has some incredible support tools that make life a lot easier. I made the most of the Writing Centre, eFundi, Referella, and even the Commons Rooms at the library for group discussions.
These resources really helped me stay on top of my workload and polish my assignments. As an NWU student, you can submit your work to the Writing Centre for academic proofreading, use eFundi to access learning materials and track deadlines, and Referella, "trust me, you’ll use this one all the time for proper referencing."
The support system here is truly built to help you succeed.
A Place with Endless Possibilities
“North-West University isn’t just about academics, it’s also a space for meaningful social connections that can shape your future.”
One of the best things about NWU? The people. I actively built relationships with my lecturers and classmates, and those connections opened doors I never expected. From becoming a Student Assistant to landing a J-O-B!; an internship as a communication graduate within the institution, every opportunity started with a simple conversation.
Final Thoughts?
“If you’re looking for a university that not only invests in your education but also your personal growth, mental wellness, and career readiness, then NWU might just be your perfect fit.
Purple really could be your colour too!
