On 24 April the Faculty of Humanities peer advisors partnered with House Humanities to host a peer hangout. This was hosted with the intention to introduce and ensure that humanities students know who the executive committee members of House Humanities are. Keneilwe Mokgatle, a humanities peer advisor said, “We have noticed that, for example, students do not know who to reach out to for academic obstacles they may encounter.” In her role as peer advisor, Mokgatle offers academic advice to students based on her experience.
The peer hangout anchored on the topic of time management and procrastination. Mokgatle says they chose those two topics as they have observed that it was a prominent challenge for students especially in quarter one , with peer hangouts occurring after each quarter has commenced. Mokgatle says the hangout was more informal as it allowed students to have fun and learn from each other and encouraged a safe space for them to share their experiences. “Everyone was free to talk about anything, there was no intimidation.” Peer advisors are students themselves, it is for this reason that Mokgatle says students can easily relate to them compared to academic success coaches. Refreshments were served and prizes were also up for grabs such as a voucher from the UP shop. Currently in the second quarter, students are finalising assessments and preparing for mid-year exams which are set to take place between 8 June and 27 June 2024. The “saving the semester” season is here. Mokgatle advises students that no matter how many words of encouragement they have been told it is innately up to them to act in accordance with what you have been motivated to do. “You need to keep yourself accountable or else you will still procrastinate,” says Mokgatle. She advises students to strive to be five days prepared before an exam. “This is an important and smart tip as being ahead can actually help one to better navigate unforeseen circumstances that may occur during the exam season , this is a tip that will also ensure that students regulate their emotions and alleviate stress or anxiety.”