The students at UP are what make the university what it is. So, how are students feeling about the possible return to campus this year? PDBY spoke to nine students, one from each faculty, about how they are feeling about their potential, or actual, return to campus in the new academic year, and where their favourite spot on campus or around Pretoria is.
Shayna Toye
Faculty: Law
As a fourth year Bcom Law student, the Law Faculty decided that I will be purely online for the first semester as I only have core modules. I am quite disappointed about not returning because I miss the university experience I got in first year (others weren’t this lucky I guess). But I also understand the university prioritising degrees that are more practical, or those in their final year, and hopefully this paves the way for more of us to return next semester. Despite this, I am looking forward to starting the new year as I miss having daily tasks. I am also starting with a new degree which is exciting. Although I will not be on campus this semester, my favourite spot would probably be Aula grass. Lying there with a Vida coffee and a group of friends cannot be topped.
Matthew Velcich
Faculty: Health Sciences
As a fifth year medical student I returned to campus at the beginning of last year for the practical side of my degree and tests, but I am not sure if the theory sessions for this year will be in person or not. I am happy with how things are working at the moment. We are still getting the same practical experience as we would have pre-COVID and having the theory online allows me to do my work in my own time which works better for me. I am especially excited for this year as I start my internship. My favourite spot around Pretoria is definitely Baracas. It’s a great place to grab a drink with friends after a long week.
Samkelo Vellah
Faculty: Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology
I am returning to campus this year and I am anxious about having social interactions and writing tests and exams on campus. Online learning has made me somewhat socially awkward. However, I’m rather relieved to have in person sessions with my lecturers and tutors as they are a lot more accessible. Despite this, I am nervous about adjusting to hybrid learning but I am, overall, pretty optimistic about starting the new academic year. In Engineering 3 there is a patch of artificial grass right under a staircase which is a perfect spot to relax in between lectures. I also enjoy spending time by the willow tree (I think) next to the ponds on Hillcrest campus and the Mining Center.
Ntokozo Mkhize
Faculty: Economic and Management Sciences
I am going back on campus this year and I look forward to getting out of my res room a bit more and having some face to face interactions. I am definitely feeling keen as bean about the new academic year and I look forward to spending some time on the Aula grass with my mates.
Simon Bushell
Faculty: Humanities
I am unsure if I’m going to be on campus, which is very sad. I really want to be on campus because, as a first year last year, I did not get the chance to explore campus. If I am returning to campus, that will be very exciting as I am itching to get onto campus and have a student experience. If I am not going to be on campus, I will struggle as last year my mental health took a toll staying in my room all day and not having a change of scenery. Despite this, I am excited to get the new academic year started. I am keen to get back into my routine and be a student again. My favourite spot on campus is the amphitheatre. This is because it is the only place on campus I have been to because of the COVID-19 restrictions.
Shreya Beekum
Faculty: Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences
I will be returning to campus this year. I am simultaneously excited and nervous about this. I am so happy to be going back because I was one of the unfortunate first years whose first year experience got cut short in 2020. However, I am disappointed as I know it is not the actual on- campus experience due to the current COVID-19 restrictions. I am quite excited for the new academic year because my course is getting exciting for me personally. I enjoy what I study so I am looking forward to learning more about what I love. However, I am disappointed that I am continuing to learn content online. This is because I feel like the most efficient and effective way to learn the content I am studying is through practical demonstrations and interactive class discussions. I often feel like I am not learning how to apply the content that I am being taught.
There are a few places I really enjoy visiting around and on campus. Around campus – I love the Hazelwood food market and the green grocer that is on the way to it on Lynnwood road. It’s a celebration of delicious food and the aromas that come with it and I love supporting the small businesses who really put care and effort into what they sell. On campus, I would definitely say the greenhouses and the bridge to the Javett Art Centre – as well as the Art Centre itself. I find them to be very peaceful spots and the Art Centre is always a great place for me to think and generate new ideas.
Jean-Pierre Basson
Faculty: Theology and Religion
I will be returning to campus unless classes get too full, social distancing is not adhered to, or people are not wearing masks. I am not looking forward to returning to campus as I can be more flexible with my time with online classes and they allow me more
time to complete my assignments. So, for me personally, I think the online learning method is much better. Regardless, I am looking forward to the new academic year as it is the last year of my degree. I also look forward to being able to spend some time at my favourite spot at UP which is the LC sports grounds.
Vikira Naidoo
Faculty: Veterinary Science
I will be returning to campus this semester for practicals and tests. However, lectures seem to be remaining online. I am excited to go back to campus as I am looking forward to seeing my friends and doing my practicals. We had most of last year in person as well so I think I am not as worried as other degrees might be about going back. I am nervous, but excited for the new academic year. I am expecting it to be a very difficult and busy year, but I love what I am studying so it is worth it. My favourite spot on campus is definitely with our beagles as we get to take them for walks.
Bernard van der Berg
Faculty: Education
I will be returning to campus and am very excited to be back. I have missed the campus culture at UP and the sense of community it creates. Although I am excited to experience in-person lectures again, I do feel a little anxious about having to readjust to that style of learning and examination. Despite this I am looking forward to spending time at my favourite spot on campus, the coffee shop in the IT-building. It has great coffee and is a nice place to get some work done and hang out after a long day.
Hi I'm Lauren, I'm passionate about writing and run a personal blog called Life on my Wall (@lifeonmywall). I enjoy writing about student issues and minority group experiences.