Letter from the Oriel Head Student
Welcome to Oriel House!
At this time Your Warden, Veronica Moodley, the Sub-wardens, the Head Student and the House Committee of 2013 would like to welcome you to Rhodes University, “Where Leaders Learn”, Courtney-Latimer Hall, “Where LEADERS Dine” and Oriel House, Your home away from home and “Where LEADERS Reside”J.
My name is Thando Lilitha Kema the Head Student of Oriel House for 2013, and I am looking forward to meet you all.
Firstly, I would like to congratulate you for being accepted to Rhodes University. You will soon come to discover that you are a part of a very privileged few who have an opportunity to come and further their academic studies at one of Africa’s most prestigious Universities. This is an opportunity of a life time that only you can make the best of. This year may come as a major transition for you as you leave your family and friends to enter a whole new chapter of your life. If at all you are scared and confused, don’t despair we are here to assist you in making this big transition.
Oriel house is an A-grade residence, full of culture, diversity and tradition, also very small in size which allows close friendships to develop among us and encourages a vast amount of spirit and support present at all of our inter-res events. The residence is situated at the heart of the campus among two other sister residences (Beit and Jameson House) that jointly share a dining-hall (Courtney Latimer hall). Together with our two sister residences, we have several hall functions during the year. These include social dinners, garden parties in the Botanical Gardens, community projects and fund-raising events.
Living in Oriel House serves as a quick walk to town and is close to prominent resources like the Library, Steve Bhiko Union Buildings (swimming pool area), Eden Grove, computer laboratories and most lecture venues around the campus. Campus Protection Unit (CPU) and the Sanatorium (the Health-Care Centre for all your health care needs and emergencies) are also situated right on our doorstep for your convenience.
Academically Oriel House is ranked highly and our academic excellence is a source of great pride to all of our Hall Warden, Hall Fellows and our fellow res mates. We have instilled a very successful mentorship programme where mentors are on hand and are available in the residence to help you if you are in need, as well as a 'big sister' project where each first year is paired with an older student to help you settle in to your new life in residence and at Rhodes. The first thing you will need to do when you arrive is REGISTER at Eden Grove. Once you have your admission papers, you may proceed to Oriel House where the House Committee members will be waiting to welcome you. You are most welcomed to bring your family members and parents with you; they will be pleased to see where you will be living. Your parents will also get an opportunity to meet our Warden and get peace of mind that you will be in good hands.
Once you have bid your parents farewell, its time to get down to serious business – ORIENTATION WEEK!!
O-week will be one of the highlights of your time at University. O-week is a great time to explore the campus and get to know Rhodes, Grahamstown, Your House Committee and your Warden.
The House Committee will ensure that you settle in as quickly and as comfortably as possible. We will be there upon your arrival for Orientation and will be ready to introduce you to Rhodes University. Our main responsibility is your wellbeing and to make you feel safe and comfortable. We will offer you a sisterly supportive environment so that you and your parents have peace of mind as you transition from your old school and home to our beautiful campus.
All this can be very overwhelming, but never fear because your House Committee will always be near. We will be there to answer any questions, problems or issues that you may have; remember that we are there to make your Rhodes experience as rewarding as possible.
Your success as a student at Rhodes University is our passion and aspiration. If you need help in any way, do not despair, there is a team of 7 ladies, including myself, the Sub-Wardens and our House Warden, who are all eager to help out where they can.
Best wishes to your success at Rhodes University.
Thando L. Kema
Head Student Oriel House 2013
