Student perspectives on the challenges of an online orientation at a large South African university during the COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic that began in March 2020 gave rise to a number of challenges for first-year experience activities at universities globally. One the key was process onboarding students through an orientation programme could not take place face-to-face as per norm. In 2021, large South African university this study moved online platform, becoming week-long conducted on Microsoft Teams and comprising variety live pre-recorded videos. included seven core learning sessions designed introduce services available lay foundation student success. Using data from university’s 2021 Orientation Week (O-Week) Survey, paper seeks explore – perspective associated with during pandemic. employs descriptive statistics decipher profile survey respondents well participants’ various sessions. A thematic approach used analyse open-ended questions provide contextual perspectives experienced orientation. identified five categories challenges, which had negative impact their transitioning into environment. study’s findings will help understand drawbacks empirical guidance them how they leverage success shaping remote, blended, hybrid discourse. particular under discussion subsequently these guidelines conceptualise new three-week blended programme, Gateway Success, introduced beginning 2022.