Transformation of South African education has had profound systemic effects. Various constraints have led to inconsistent policy implementation, which have contributed to the underpreparedness of students for higher education. Internationally, the complex transition from school to university has highlighted the need for new approaches to orientation. Within this context the University of the Free State evaluated its three-week orientation programme. The aim was to assess if the current approach provided the best transition to prepare students for higher education. Results of the mixed methods design indicate students are inadequately prepared and highlights what steps are being taken to create a new programme.