FIRST YEAR STUDENTS FIND COLLEGE LIFE DEMANDING

By: Bongiwe Mhlabane

Photo by: Vhutshilo Mudau- Pressure arises for first years.

Rosebank College CBD, first years who are currently studying Diploma in Journalism (DJ1), find the college orientation very demanding. Their college’s expectations do not correspond with what they are currently experiencing. They regard college life as being hectic and demanding. For them this is a new turning in academics since majority of them are fresh from school.

Students are finding it hard to cope with the second semester because the pressure is double than the first semesters pressure. They mentioned that first semester was easy and less time consuming.

Fortunately, they find the environment conducive, welcoming and fun this gave them the ability free. While, another student mentioned that the environment is compact and crowded. “The environment is sometimes fully packed. I then tend to feel a bit nervous”, said Nobuhle Mgidi a student in RC.

When it comes to Journalism, students stated that they find it intriguing, challenging and exciting because there will be assigned to conduct interviews and to cover stories taking place in the real world. “I am learning beyond just compiling stories, which is how to approach different situations and how to deal with different characters”, said one of the students who refuse to be named.

Some students, stated that they would love to go to class constantly without missing classes because of the passionate they have about Journalism but at times it’s difficult to attend classes as some lecturers quarrel with them because they have once made mistakes or because of misunderstandings.

According to some students they state that they would rather not come to class because they are refuse to clash with a lecturer, which will lead them to get into trouble. Some further stated that they personally feel restricted to have freedom since the second semester doesn’t give them time to be social, the only thing they can think of is work load and the pressure which comes in with it.

The pressure is however seen hectic to a extend whereby students find themselves caught up in between having to study and resting. " It was hard to adjust to the whole college set-up because we are not used to being in college from 8AM until 5PM. We were introduced to new institutional policies like referencing and having portals", said Nalopo Masekoamong, a Education Foundation Phase (BED) student.

Students are however pleased that they are about to complete their first year and that they can’t wait to be in second year, hopefully with the rest as some are at risk regarding their academic performances.