Students get creative, relax while waiting for classes to resume

Thousands of students at the North-West University are home for an extended Easter break amidst the ongoing threat of Covid-19. Students are not only trying to cope with lockdown, but many are also worried about the teaching process going forward.

Students were sent home on 17 March and will start studying online on 16 April.

So far there have been nine confirmed cases of the Coronavirus in the North-West province. 

With several weeks of social distancing and self-isolation still ahead of them, some students on the NWU’s Potchefstroom campus say they will keep busy by binging on streaming series, while others will work on their creative skills until classes resume.

Couple Danél Pansegrouw and Johan Roos say they will be spending time apart during this recess. Both of them will be going home to their parents for the isolation period. Pansegrouw, a final-year education student, is planning to catch up on series. Roos, an honours student in microbiology and physiology, is not sure. “I just want to get home and be on the farm!” 

Roos is hesitant about leaving the house during lockdown. “Danél is not too worried about the Coronavirus. I am. There are confirmed cases in the Cape. I’m afraid that if I fly down, I’d get infected and not be able to return in time for the start of university,” he said, adding that he would rather have stayed in Potchefstroom.  

Ciska de Waal, a third-year communication student, plans on keeping herself busy with drawing, painting, sewing, taking walks with her dog and yoga. “I’m not really sure what else; I get bored easily so I plan on doing multiple things,” she said.

Tian du Preez, an urban and regional planning student in his final year, said he will keep busy with work, his mini-dissertation and other assignments. He added that to ensure he doesn’t get bored, he will keep up to date with the news and catch up with some series and movies. “A braai once a week is not harmful to the system, just wash your hands regularly,” he said. 

What about classes?

The NWU recess started on 18 March and will last until 15 April. From 16 April onwards the NWU will offer an online academic programme via eFundi.

There is a special NWU website that the university updates regularly with details about the rest of the academic year and dealing with the pandemic. There is also a Keep on teaching and learning page with advice for students and lecturers on the process once online classes start. The page contains valuable advice on how to study online.

Isolation survival guide

Billions of people worldwide have been forced to self-isolate and practise social distance in an effort to curb the spread of Covid-19. Being confined is no mean feat, and cabin fever can soon cause tempers to flare.

But you can survive isolation. Here are some tips:

• If you’re in lockdown with roommates, talk about potential conflict early on, this will prevent things from getting worse.
• If you are in lockdown with your live-in partner or parents, talk about what to do in moments where things are stressful – it is normal to get on each other’s nerves. Take a moment in separate rooms, or make sure you communicate well.
• If you are alone, try taking on domestic projects to distract you. Check-in on those closest to you, and if you’re cooped up, just remember that staying at home is still doing something. 

Guidelines to protect yourself

The overarching theme to containing the Coronavirus is social distancing and effective personal hygiene. The World Health Organisation website is regularly updated with new Coronavirus statistics and prevents spreading the virus. If you do need to leave the house for essential shopping, follow these guidelines:

• Clean hands frequently with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water.
• Maintain a social distance of at least 1 metre between you and anyone who is coughing or sneezing. If someone is too close, cough or sneeze can transmit the virus via small droplets.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Hands come into contact with many surfaces. Once contaminated, the hands can transfer the virus to the eyes, nose or mouth.