The holiday mood is falling over campus

By Arnia Kiara Oosthuizen

This morning I was walking on campus and was shocked to see this...

Why, would you ask? Because usually I have to push through the crowd of students to get past them. They are usually waiting for classes to start here and this morning, there was not a soul in sight! The university closes on the 28th of March, but it seems that this memo didn't reach everyone, or they decided to extend their long weekend.

I must admit, the holiday mood is creeping slowly into my bones! I struggle to get up in the mornings and I am missing my parents' food! I want to sleep late and enjoy the holiday vibes! Only a few more days, where I have to survive on my own food and getting up early.

This has been a hectic quarter and the work is still pilling up for my second quarter, so I think a holiday is in order.

“After all, the best part of a holiday is perhaps not so much to be resting yourself, as to see all the other fellows busy working.” 
― Kenneth Grahame, The Wind in the Willows

How will you spend your holiday? Me? I'll be on the couch watching mindless TV...

The importance of time

By Arnia Kiara Oosthuizen

I never understood the importance of time or what you can do in the time that you have, until I went to university. Miracles did happen!

Never in my life did I imagine to have 10 projects to be done in a week, but then the reality of university struck me. Sometimes one does try to prepare for the hectic week ahead, but as luck would have it, it is not always possible.

My roommate didn't have so many projects, but she had a lot of tests to prepare for. She said I am crazy to study Communication and Afrikaans, because it is hectic. Not difficult, just HECTIC!

I have typed like Speedy Gonsalez on projects, which I was only able to start the night before. 5000 word research papers are not funny to research and type in one night, but I did it. My roommate had her giggling fits,because I wake up a bit late in the mornings and then I scream and run around like a headless chicken, just to finish the project on time.

My roommate and I at the RAG-farm

I made a new '8 hour' rule for each and every day. I have 8 hours per day to work really hard, then I have 8 hours to socialize with my friends and do something else, and then I allow myself 8 hours of sleep each night. This has been working quite well for me. I suggest every student should try and live by these rules.
The 8 hours I try to spend with my friends, I really take seriously, because I believe a balance in one's life. No matter how busy or hectic, I will always make time for my friends.

I have made miracles happen with projects to get them done, but I also learned how to manage my time and get to spend with my gorgeous friends.


Please feel free to leave a comment :)

The things that university guides will never teach you

By Arnia Kiara Oosthuizen

I am a third and final year Communication student and in my 3 years at university, I have learned some things. There is no guide on what to expect when going to university, you sometimes have to learn by falling face first in the ground and then learn how to stand on your own two feet again.

I asked some friends and family to contribute with the things that they have learned at university, as well. Here is the list:

1. Nobody cares about the marks you got in high school, you are at university which means you are clever. (Jana) 
2. You learn that school was fun and games (Ruan)
3. Hard work really pays off (Ruan)
4. You learn to social (Ronel)
5. You also meet your best friends and who the people are that is always there for you (Ronel & Ruan)
6. You realize what subjects you really love, but still have to have the bad ones with it. (Karen)
7. Nobody cares, but if you find someone that does care: HOLD ON! (Ena)
8. It's the experiences that teaches you something at the end of the day (Mart-Mari)
9. There is no degree like a spine. Just keep on going and finish! (Ronel)
10. You'll learn dressing up is cool.(See photos above)
11. It is every man for themselves. No one will buy you free drinks, unfortunately.
12. Having a bucket list is necessary!
13. Know the titles of your lecturers, for example Dr. Blah Blah. They believe that their titles has contributed to society and they are utterly important. 
14. Alcohol is a solution. Scientifically speaking.
15. Fitting in is so 'high school' ago.
16. Yeah, it sucks doing the laundry, the dishes, making your own food and cleaning the house. Your parents are actually cool.
17. Alcohol resolves everything, except your problems. 
18. Time is precious and you should use it wisely.
19. Falling in love is not easy. But it's even harder to fall on the pavement.
20. You'll learn to eat 2 minute noodles in a thousand ways. 
21. You measure the cost of everything, by the amount of drinks you could have bought. 
22. 50% is the new 80%. Plot twist: You're not as smart as you thought.
23. Procrastination teaches you that you can do amazing things within a few hours. 
24. Cheating in tests and projects is not so cool or smart, it just shows that you're an idiot and will earn you no respect from your 'friends'.
25. Wearing pajamas is totally acceptable clothes to wear on campus, except if you have a onesie; wear that instead.
26. First years are recognizable by the fact that they try to look good at 8 in the mornings. You give up after a year.
27. Do stupid things! You won't get the chance again, because responsibility starts after university.
28. You are only young once. Carpe Diem. YOLO! Enjoy university life and stop worrying!

These are the things that my family, friends and I have learned in our university journeys. If you have learned some other things; please share them!

This is the official 101 guide to university!