With limited opportunities for socialising, especially since studies are after hours, mature and part-time postgrads may have fewer chances to connect with peers. But this didn’t stop Sam Mahoney, a postgraduate student in Entrepreneurial and Management Sciences.
She has always been serious about her studies and hardly participated in student activities. As the year draws to a close, she has resolved to make meaningful changes to cultivate a more balanced lifestyle, enhancing her overall happiness and creating a more fulfilling student experience.
“Simple things, like working in the library, is not even one of the things that I’ve done throughout my part-time studies,” said Mahoney. “I struggled to find the balance between full-time employment and social and academic life, so inspired by a social media post promoting ‘Ten Things To Do Before Leaving UWC’ and seeing what I could potentially miss out on, I tried to complete my ten things and added my own interesting things to do to the list.”
She has encouraged current and prospective postgraduate students to embark on the same journey of exploring the campus. Over the past three months she has explored the Cape Flats Nature Reserve’s Wetlands and picnic areas, attended her first campus event - the International Ubuntu Conference - visited the ultra-modern education building and the Richard van der Ross Education Centre, and indulged in its modern interior design.
She is especially impressed by the crispy tempura prawns sold at a restaurant in A-Block and regularly spoils herself with gourmet coffees at BrewDubs - the campus coffee shop. Taking advantage of some of the beautiful scenery found on campus, she had pictures taken on the grand steps of the university library, which, for many alumni, signifies the importance of tertiary education. Other Instagram-worthy moments were captured in front of the beautiful murals in B-block and on the newly painted colourful steps at the sports stadium.
The notion that children are not familiar with the games their parents used to play intrigued her so much that she attended the traditional games event held in October. It featured a DJ and lively dancing, which was right up her alley.
“Exploring UWC has greatly taught me about its significant historical standing in the political era. Especially how influential the University was and still is in fighting for people of colour’s rights and dignity. I am inspired by UWC’s rich legacy, which continues to impact its students’ lives positively and progressively. Most days, I am greeted with warm and kind smiles from fellow students and staff, and encouraging words from lecturers, which speaks to UWC’s compassionate and diverse campus culture that I am immensely proud to be a part of.
“I admire and am impressed with the state-of-the-art buildings on campus; they are world-class in sustainable design. I also love how beautiful and manicured the campus gardens are. I always feel safe and welcomed on campus and enjoy a good chuckle at the multitude of duck families that waddle around the campus grounds,” said Mahoney,
“My experiences were insightful, enjoyable, and memorable, and I encourage more postgrad students to make the time to participate in campus life. We are more than just part-time students; we must make the effort. We deserve to enjoy the splendours that UWC offers.
“I recommend that social activities be arranged at the campus, specifically for postgrads, to accommodate their full-time work and study time constraints, creating more platforms for improved social connections to foster alumni networks.”
Realities Shared by Postgraduate Students
According to Rone Gerber, a psychologist at UWC's Centre for Student Support Services, postgraduate students returning to academia after a break often share common experiences:
- They have differing academic goals and motivations, often due to age and priorities, compared to undergraduates.
- Many focus on research and specialisation while balancing academic and professional responsibilities, often working part-time or managing family commitments.
- They may feel increased pressure to produce high-quality research.
- Specialised guidance and resources are often required.
- Adjusting to new academic environments and faculty cultures can take time.
- Feelings of isolation or disconnection from the campus community are common.
Postgraduate students can benefit from:
- Joining postgraduate-specific organisations or groups.
- Attending campus events and seminars.
- Connecting with peers and mentors within their department.
- Seeking support from university services such as counselling or academic advising
- Building relationships with colleagues and peers
- Contributing to campus life through volunteering or leading student organisations.
