BRUTUS June 2023 | The Church Street Edition

BRUTUS The Church Street edition | June 2023

RESPECT | INTEGRITY | UBUNTU | POTENTIAL DEVELOPMENT

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Our Story

Nerina’s name comes from the indigenous South African flower, Nerine Filifolia. This delicate, yet enduring flower brings colour to the open grasslands and humid locations in the Eastern Cape, Transkei, Swaziland, Mpumalanga and the Free State. It takes three years for this bulbous to bloom for the first time during autumn – and likewise most Nerinas are rooted here in our precious home in Stellenbosch for about three years before they need to exit into the world and start to bloom in their respective careers.

Nerina hosted our first residents in 1968. The residence was only completed in 1972 and for the first four years the residents had to use the back entrance next to the bicycle stands, as the front door was not yet complete. Mrs Rabie was Nerina’s first residence head. Her dog, Brutus, was a beloved resident of the house and unfortunately passed a tragic death. He is laid to rest in Nerina’s soil where he still finds peace in the purple shade of our beautiful Jacaranda.

Mrs. Kritzinger joined Nerina as residential head in 1995 and had to bid us farewell in 1999. Tannie Annette du Plessis has been deeply planted in our hearts as residential head and house mother since July 1999.

Although greeting Aunty A after twenty years was a heartfelt and difficult goodbye, we are overjoyed to have Joy Petersen as our current resident head. Her name is true to her joyful spirit and with her honest and practical servant leadership she captured our hearts. Oh, the stories our walls could tell... Stories filled with love, tears, joy and growth. Since 1968 Nerina has been home to many. With every new face that she greets, her face changes as well. While striving to grow and adapt as time goes by, we also know that our firm foundation was laid long before our time and will stand long after we leave. We often say, “Nerina is such a big part of our lives” but in fact, for a little while, we have the privilege of being part of hers.

Today Nerina’s heart blooms with pride for our residence – a progressive and innovative home-away-from-home in the beautiful town of Stellenbosch. We stand for respect, integrity, Ubuntu and potential development. In this house, true to the roots of our name, Nerinas prosper and flourish.

Nerina Residence

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in this edition Editorial Letter from the editor The Brutus Team Church Street - Poem

Events Nerina Seniors Dance 2023 Did Somebody say Murder?

Tips and Tricks Surviving Winter in Stellenbosch 10 Places to Visit Before youGraduate Decorating Your Personal Space The Best Series to watch this July

Food Re(s)ipes: Meal prep 101

People How did you know?

What your favourite coffee says about you

Lifestyle Alice in Stellenbosch's Wonderland Exploring the Charms of Church Street

Church Street Edition

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Letter from the editor Dear Nerina, When I think back on this term, one word comes to mind: busy. Strolling down Victoria Street was replaced with running to class, back to res, and off again to who-knowswhere. With every half an hour accounted for, some weeks felt like months and some days flew by faster than minutes. Before anyone could stop to catch their breath, we found ourselves staring at blank answering books; trying desperately to remember what was on week 5, slide 16, in the top left corner.

My friends and I have this tradition where we go for drinks at Java directly after our last exam or test of the term. We catch up on the past few weeks, complain about horrid tests and excitedly babble about upcoming vacation plans. No-one repeatedly checks the time or counts the hours left in the day. In these moments, minutes pass as minutes. They don't fly by like seconds, leaving you gasping for air.

I want to encourage each one of you to find moments like these. Go for a walk, read a book or just sit and stare out the window. Do anything that makes time go slower; anything that makes you realize how much time you really have.

After all, what's the rush?

With Love, Mia

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The BRUTUS team These are the lovely people who made this edition possible. Get to know them and their favourite higlighter colour

Anja Steyn Pastel Yellow

Carla Kotze Pink

Carmen Le Grange Yellow

Jule Booysen

Hanna van Zyl

Nina Germishuysen

Megan Jones Green

Rachel Kleyn

Rosemary Michaels Kyanti Greyling

Tayla Esau

Lucy Clegg

Pastel Pink

Pastel Pink

Blue

Bright Yellow

Pastle Purple

Purple

Pastel Purple

Mint Green

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CHURCH STREET Rachel Kleyn Ding… dong…

Did you hear the church gong?

It’s calling us to a place With history And mystery And it’s calling us for A treat Oh yes!

Church Street.

Ding… dong…

Shhh, listen, the song!

It echoes in the strokes of an artwork on display It magnifies the sorrow of that painting’s sad day It recalls the longing of the beauty of her face Church Street is the artists’ favourite place.

A place for their dreams, memories and creations To be given life in front of all the nations A glimpse by a foreigner through the window Of the art gallery’s home And all at once – the painting has life!

On Church Street, it is not alone.

Ding… dong…

Has it been so long?

Time for lunch? Or perhaps a brunch Java calls my name.

But Basic Bistro does the same.

Each restaurant trying to yell Louder than the church bell.

Aromas waft through the air And for a moment – the world has no care Young, free, let’s meet At a café on Church Street.

Ding… dong…

Come along!

I scream, ICE CREAM! The church bell laughs at my delight And can’t help but enjoy the sight Of happy people, laughing and walking All the while, the church bell is talking…

Swirl’n, Kristen’s or Crème de Levain Which would be your favourite one?

So many choices we have to make, So many things always at stake…

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CHURCH STREET But Ding… dong…

The church bell gong.

Peaceful, quiet, it’s early morning And the bustle of Church Street is still dawning Take a deep breath, a step forward, a stride Church Street joins each student along for their ride For as the leaves fall, year after year And the students go Church Street is still here.

Ding… dong…

Would you be free to meet?

Ding… dong…

On the corner of Church Street?

Let’s explore together…

And make memories That last Forever.

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The Enchanted Forest: Nerina Seniors Dance 2023 Nina Germishuysen And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul. An apt description by John Muir, famous conservationist, of the 2023 Nerina House Enchanted Forest Seniors Dance. Every year this occasion is one of the most spectacular highlights on the events calendar - and this year was no exception.

The venue, which was set against the breath-taking backdrop of Bontevlei, fit in perfectly with the forest theme. Stairs welcomed partygoers to an open wooden deck, draped with dainty fairy lights. Guests lingered in the open air, enjoying welcoming drinks, catching up with friends and taking in the beautiful surroundings.

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True to Nerina culture, where less is always more, the décor inside the venue was simplistic, yet sophisticated. The uncluttered space allowed for more than enough space on the dance floor. Dance enthusiasts were free to uninhibitedly lose their minds and find their souls. The success of the evening was evident, as many die-hards, after lights-out, reluctantly departed.

The food, as described by one guest, was heavenly. Much thought went into the menu, which allowed food lovers to never miss a beat - mingling with friends while savouring the scrumptious hand-held cocktails. To round it all off, the fabulous complimentary wines paired off a perfect meal. The cherry on top was, without a doubt, the freshly baked cupcakes. Nerina seniors and their partners were thoroughly spoilt.

Hats off to Naomi Le Roux, Tanweer Haroon, and their wonderful team, for having a spectacular vision and bringing it to life. Nerina Seniors Dance 2023 - an unforgettable evening, forever imprinted in the memories of Nerina seniors.

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DID SOMEbody SAY MURDER? Mia Ham Palesa is an annual theatre festival hosted by KuKo, where Stellenbosch University communities can showcase their acting and performance talents. Nerina teamed up with Dagbreek this year to deliver a truly showstopping performance. Nerina and Dagbreek (Nagbreek if you will) performed a play-within-a-play, that was both a hilarious comedy and a rather genius parody.

Scene 1 depicted the House Committee meeting of the newly formed Nagbreek Residence, with some sharp commentary on the university’s proposition of turning men’s residences into co-ed ones. During the meeting, which mainly concerned complaints regarding the new co-ed living arrangements, the upcoming theatre festival was debated upon, and an interesting compromise was reached: Nerina and Dagbreek would practice their own plays separately and meet a day before the competition to join the two performances.

Scene 2 was the result of Nagbreek’s arrangement: a mixture between Sherlock Holmes and Snow White, based on The Play That Goes Wrong by Henry Lewis, Henry Shields and Jonathan Sayer. The scene opens with the discovery of the murder of the prince (Snow White’s husband). Sherlock Holmes soon arrives to investigate the murder. As in The Play That Goes Wrong, you guessed it; everything goes wrong. The stretcher meant to carry the prince off, breaks, Snow White is knocked unconscious by a door after her affair with Clumsy the dwarf is revealed, and Queen Anastasia keeps entering on the wrong cue. Ultimately, once Sherlock Holmes accuses Queen Anastasia of the murder, the whole stage backdrop comes crashing down, leaving the stagehands helplessly staring at the audience.

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Everything that “goes wrong” during the play was of course planned and practiced, but it was quite a convincing performance and makes one wonder whether the actual play was not put together a day before the competition. However, as any person involved in the making of the play can assure you, it took many long hours of practice and preparation to achieve the final product.

Nagbreek qualified for the final round of the theatre festival and although Simonsberg ultimately took the crown, none could say they were not amused by the hilarious performance.

The company, led by Vianke Herbst and Waldo Pienaar, can definitely regard their project as a huge success.

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How did you know?

Mia Ham June is international Pride month. This month commemorates the Stonewall riots and celebrates love in the queer community. The month also raises many questions among people curious about themselves and the community. One of the most common questions queer people get asked, is: “How did you know?”. Whether you’re questioning yourself or just curious about people’s perspectives, you might have wanted to ask that question before. So I asked a few lovely ladies to share their experiences:

"I think going to a girls' school makes it hard to differentiate between 'I want to be her', and 'I want to be with her', but my tell-tale sign was when I started changing my walking pattern just so I could see one of the girls in the year above me. That was the first time I felt the abovementioned difference. That was when I knew something was up, lol."

"I didn't really realize until last year, actually. I met this girl and I thought I was just interested in getting to know her, and making a new friend, since she was so 'cool' (and also beautiful, but that's besides the point). I kept going out of my way to bump into her and have a reason to talk to her. I would get super nervous and couldn't think of anything interesting to say, so every time I just ended up looking like an idiot. That was frustrating since I kind of wanted to impress her (lol). I continued being in denial even when I wrote an entire song about her (it's not very good). The moment I figured out I liked her more than a friend was only when I found out she was already taken, and I was confused as to why I was so irrationally upset about it. Turns out I was jealous, and slightly heartbroken, but we move. Took a while for me to get over it; I've never met anyone quite like her. She's still an important person to me, and I care about her, even though I have gotten over my crush."

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"I was standing on the field during a PE practice and I saw a girl (who would soon become my girlfriend) wearing a button down shirt with rolled up sleeves. My heart at that moment fluttered a little just looking at her. I remember thinking to myself 'hmm maybe not everyone feels this way about girls'. And that’s when I knew or at least started to get the vibe that I was queer."

Coming from a very conservative school, I only really started questioning in matric. One day my one friend looked up at me while we were eating lunch and something in her eyes just made me feel weak. It felt like I was melting on the inside. It was super confusing. A few months later that same friend took my hand as we were walking back from dinner with another friend. I couldn’t sleep at all that night, just thinking about her hand in mine. It was when the thought of my name with her surname popped into my head, that I realized this might not be just a phase. I could imagine a future with a girl, which I never thought possible. Nothing happened between us, but she’s still my friend and I am grateful to her for helping me discover that part of myself.

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ALICE IN STELLENBOSCH'S WONDERLAND

Megan Jones In the same way Alice landed in Wonderland, I discovered the fascinating, hidden world of the Botanical Gardens.

On a scorching hot summer day during Welcoming, we had no rabbit’s potion we could drink to escape reality. The only way to get out of the long hours of Vensters practice and Stellenbosch’s summer temperatures, was a visit to the Stellenbosch University Botanical Gardens.

Our budgets were accommodated with the free entry for SU students, and with only an hour to discover the garden’s beauty, we started with the first winding pathway. All along the gravel road, interesting species and artefacts, as well as facts about them, winked us closer. The water lilies showed off their summer blooms, and the bonsai trees bragged with their neatly trimmed coats. Our curiosity led us past a big greenhouse, herb garden and fern house. However, the tick-tick of Rabbit’s watch unfortunately hurried us along.

We weren’t met by the Mad Hatter’s tea party, but the smell of Katjiepiering Restaurant’s morning coffee created an air of sociability. We savoured the opportunity to temporarily escape reality in this peaceful enclose.

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When the outside world started to call us back, we reluctantly folded our picnic blankets and dragged ourselves back to the entrance. The rabbit’s potion wore out and we were left with a faint jealousy of the creatures that call this lush garden their home.

Even though my visit to Wonderland was short, the Botanical Gardens had a lasting impact on my state of mind. I implore you to discover your curious side: drink the rabbit’s potion and dwell through the winding trails of Stellenbosch’s own Wonderland.

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SURVIVING WINTER IN STELLENBOSCH Jule Booysen With winter soon approaching, the warm, sunny Church Street days that we all know and love, are being replaced by strong winds and heavy rain. So, to ensure that you don’t get blown away by the Stellenbosch wind, here are some tips to keep you warm and cozy during the winter months:

1. Layers, layers, layers!

The most important tip is to layer your outfits. When stepping outside, be sure to wear a warm jacket and pair it with a warm scarf and beanie. Even if you are not prone to being affected by the cold, remember that lecture halls tend to become icy cold during winter, so to avoid freezing in class – layer up!

2. Invest in a good pair of winter boots It is important to invest in a good pair of boots for winter, preferably waterproof or with a thick sole. When walking to class, you face many puddles along the way and there is nothing more uncomfortable than wet socks. The thicker sole will keep your foot out of direct water, and the rain boots will ensure the water runs right off, keeping your feet warm and dry.

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3. Prepare winter dishes There’s nothing better than a cup of warm soup after a long day of classes. Although many of us are far from home and getting a cup of homemade soup is impossible, there is a creative substitute. Instead of preparing 2-minute noodles, buy Cup-a-Soup sachets. They are inexpensive and easy to prepare – you just add warm water, making it an easy meal to prepare during loadshedding. Borrow 2 slices of bread from your neighbour, and you’re all set!

4. Use a hot water bottle Sit with a hot water bottle while studying in the rec hall, and you won’t miss your bed too much. There are some safety concerns with using a conventional hot water bottle, however there are safer options available. You can purchase a rechargeable hot water bottle which you plug in and charge for 15 minutes. You also get alternatives which you can heat up in the microwave.

These are just a few simple tips to survive the monstrous winter Stellenbosch experiences every year.

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exploring the Charms of Church Street: A Student's Guide to Stellenbosch's Cultural Haven Carla Kotze Immerse yourself in the ambiance of Church Street, where captivating Cape Dutch architecture, charming boutiques, art galleries, and cafés line the bustling thoroughfare.

With every step you take, the burdens of monotonous lectures and mounting assignments will fade away, replaced by a sense of wonder and excitement. Allow yourself to be transported, if only for a moment, into the shoes of a carefree tourist, as you stroll down the heart of Stellies: Church Street.

Your date night plans are secured with a dinner reservation at Basic Bistro. Be sure to book your table well ahead since this popular Bistro rarely has an empty table. Relax in the cozy atmosphere while exploring their wide range of delicious dishes, including burgers, pastas, steak, curry, seafood, salads, and desserts – catering for all dietary requirements.

When you are in desperate need of a break from the books, a visit to The Blue Crane & The Butterfly might just do the trick! This family-run restaurant is known for their delicious baked goods and tasty food with guaranteed value for money.This is the perfect spot to catch up on some gossip and enjoy the company of friends.

There is nothing wrong with sticking to the go-to of many a student. Java Bistro serves an extensive range of bistro style foods from breakfast to dinner. Java has been a favourite among students for the past 15 years.

Set the tone for the day and treat yourself to Java’s famous breakfast special at least once a week. This includes 2 eggs, bacon, and ciabatta toast for as little as R29 – a blessing to a student’s budget!

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Church Street is not only a foodie’s fantasy – but certainly also Stellenbosch’s fashion haven.

Boutiques such as Lira and Fynn, Indian Summer, Desray – just to name a few – will prickle your fashion sense and leave you feeling inspired. You might need to practice some selfcontrol and refrain from tapping your card – for some of us window-shopping will have to suffice after peeking at the price-tags.

It's never too cold for ice cream! Indulge your sweet tooth at Kristen's Kick Ass Ice Cream, Crème de Levain, and Swirl'n, all conveniently located on Church Street. Prepare to be delighted by the irresistible offerings at Swirl'n, where a visit will transport you back to the joyful feeling of being a kid in a candy store. Their selection includes a variety of soft-serve ice cream flavours, vegan options, sorbets, and frozen yogurts. Customize your frozen treat with a tempting array of toppings and sauces to satisfy your cravings. Meanwhile, Kristen's constantly introduces new flavours to their enticing ice cream display, ensuring that you'll be drawn back for more. For a beautifully adorned setting and a range of delightful treats, Crème de Levain beckons with its scrumptious crepes, waffles, and handcrafted ice cream. Be warned, an ice cream outing will likely become a delightful habit you won't be able to resist.

Feeling like a tourist in your own country is nothing to be ashamed of; in fact, it can be quite refreshing. When the pressures of student life and exams start to weigh you down, simply take a leisurely stroll down Church Street.

Allow yourself to immerse in its vibrant atmosphere, soak up the captivating sights, and let your worries fade away.

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10 Places to Visit Before you Graduate Anja Steyn We are fortunate enough to study in one of the most beautiful places in South Africa.

Stellenbosch has a lot to offer, from amazing food and wine to outdoor adventures. It would be a crime if we did not appreciate it. However, it may seem overwhelming to think about experiencing everything in Stellenbosch and the surrounding area– where does one even begin? Luckily, I have compiled a list of 10 places you should visit before you graduate. Of course, this list cannot include everything, and I therefore urge you to explore Stellenbosch on your own – I find that spontaneous adventures often lead you to the best places.

NATURE 1. Jonkershoek Nature Reserve First up on the list is the Jonkershoek Nature Reserve, situated a mere 10-minute drive away from Nerina. Enjoy a hike with a group of friends and take in the breath-taking view of the Jonkershoek Valley. You can also have a picnic under the trees for a relaxed day out in nature.

2. Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens Now, this may be a way away from Stellenbosch, but it is most definitely worth the drive.

Located on the slopes of Table Mountain, the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens serve as a reminder that we live in one of the most beautiful places in the world. Enjoy a picnic with friends, wander the gardens, or catch an open-air concert.

3.Babylonstoren Located near Paarl, Babylonstoren is not your typical wine farm. Roam the gardens, have lunch in the greenhouse, or peruse artisanal, organic products – Babylonstoren is sure to have something that piques your interest!

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ARTS & CULTURE 4.Rupert Museum The Rupert Museum is located a mere 5-minute drive away from Nerina and sports some fantastic art collections. Best of all – you can enter for free! Join a guided tour and grab a snack at their in-house café, or work in their library. The Rupert Museum truly is a Stellenbosch gem.

5.Conservatorium Stellenbosch University has some amazingly talented music students who perform at the Conservatorium throughout the year. You can catch a free lunch hour concert or attend a performance by the university’s own symphony orchestra. A concert in the Endler hall always lifts the spirits.

FOOD 6.Lanzerac No Stellenbosch bucket list is complete without a mention of Lanzerac. This wine farm is within walking distance from Nerina, and their scones will have you coming back for more.

7.Postcard Café This restaurant has one of the best views of the Jonkershoek Valley you will ever see. It is the perfect spot for lunch when you’re in the mood to get out of town for a bit.

8.Strawberry Picking Go strawberry picking at Polkadraai Strawberry farm for a fun, relaxing activity with friends.

Strawberry season is between September and January, so plan accordingly!

MARKETS 9.Blaauwklippen Family Market Blaauwklippen is a mere 10-minute drive from Stellenbosch and sports gorgeous views of the surrounding mountains. Every Saturday and Sunday, there is a market here with good food and amazing stalls selling clothing and more.

10. Dorp Street Sunday Market The Dorp Street Sunday Market is a weekly occurrence, with loads of stalls selling secondhand clothes and other paraphernalia. Take a relaxing stroll through Dorp Street and top it off with a cup of coffee from one of the many restaurants around.

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WHAT YOUR FAVOURITE COFFEE SAYS ABOUT YOU Carmen Le Grange For many years, Stellenbosch students have been debating and arguing over which coffee spot should be deemed the ultimate favourite. But what does your opinion on which is worthy of being called the favourite say about YOU? I am here to tell you (in my humble opinion):

Let’s start with the most common campus favourite: MyBrew MyBrew lovers are a very specific breed of students on Stellenbosch University campus.

They are the coffee addicts.

Is it because they truly love coffee or because they are trying to survive on four hours of sleep and cannot function without caffeine? We will never know.

What we do know is that this group of coffee addicts is easy-going (when it’s not exam season) and keen to spend time and study with friends. They probably (definitely) struggle to stick to a budget unless they have ‘MyBrew coffees’ as its own category in the budget, because there is just no such thing as one coffee a week for these crazy kids.

Now, onto a more controversial coffee favourite: DCM. They have been ridiculed. They have been scoffed at. They have even been exiled by some coffee snobs.

Yet, their loyalty (to DCM or to their wallet?) never dies. DCM lovers are steadfast, loyal, and money-wise. They stay true to what they believe: that DCM coffee isn’t THAT bad, and they don’t let what other people say affect them. These students are critical thinkers that see the value in spending R19 for a coffee at DCM rather than R24 or more anywhere else. All in all, they are likely to be quite a successful bunch.

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How do you know if someone is a Plato coffee drinker?

They tell you.

Here we have the coffee snobs. The students that drive 20 minutes to Plato and back to spend R36 on something as simple as a cappuccino. They are outspoken, value quality and are willing to make an effort to do something that makes them happy. Although they can be quick to share their opinion and maybe even scoff at yours, their hearts are in the right place. They simply want to share the joy they find at Plato with everyone else.

Finally, we have Vida.

We all know that Vida girlies in Stellenbosch are the equivalent of Starbucks girlies in America. They order a very simple, venti standard double shot caramel macchiato (but hold the caramel), with almond milk, no foam, and a splash of vanilla syrup, with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon on top. Simple.

They’re sweet, just like their coffee order, and always excited to spill all the tea in their cosy little Vida nook. You can most likely spot them with their laptop and headphones, blasting Ms Tay Tay Swift, living their best lives.

And that’s that on what your favourite coffee spot says about you. I could be wrong here and there, but I think there must be a little bit of truth in every answer, even if you don’t want to admit it. And that’s okay! We all spend our money a tad unwisely here and there. We all share our opinions a bit too loudly every now and then. We all have to be a little extra in some aspects of our lives. We’re all humans who love coffee.

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Re(s)ipes: Meal prep 101 Hanna van Zyl Being a university student can be a thrilling and demanding experience, with academic commitments, social activities, and limited budgets. One area that often gets neglected is meal preparation. However, with a little planning and creativity, it's possible to enjoy delicious, nutritious, and cost-effective meals.

1. Embrace the Basics: Having a few staple ingredients in your pantry can make meal preparation a breeze. Stock up on essentials such as rice, pasta, beans, lentils, canned tomatoes, spices, and cooking oil. These items are affordable, versatile, and can form the foundation of numerous dishes.

2. Plan Your Weekly Menu: Spending a few minutes each week planning your meals can save you time, money, and reduce food waste. Consider preparing a weekly menu that incorporates simple and healthy recipes. Include a variety of proteins (like chicken, eggs, legumes), grains (rice, pasta, bread), and plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Aim for a balance of flavours and textures to keep your taste buds satisfied.

3. Prep in Bulk: Allocate time during the week to batch cook and prepare ingredients in advance. This can significantly reduce the time and effort required for daily meal preparation.

Cook larger portions of grains like rice or pasta and store them in the refrigerator for quick access throughout the week. Similarly, cook a batch of protein (like grilled chicken, lentils) and chop vegetables in advance, ensuring they are readily available when needed.

4. One-Pot Wonders: One-pot meals are a student's best friend. They are simple to prepare, require minimal clean-up, and can be highly nutritious. Recipes like stir-fries, pasta dishes, curries, and soups can be made using a single pot or pan. By combining proteins, vegetables, and grains in one dish, you can create a complete meal with minimal effort and time.

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5. Explore Vegetarian Options: Meat can be expensive, so exploring vegetarian options can help stretch your budget without compromising on taste or nutrition. Incorporate dishes like vegetable stir-fries, lentil curry, chickpea salads, or black bean tacos into your meal rotation.

Not only are these options affordable, but they also offer a range of flavours and textures.

6. Meal Prepping on a Budget: If you're working with a tight budget, planning affordable meals is essential. Look for sales and discounts at your local grocery store, and consider buying seasonal produce, which tends to be more affordable. Additionally, frozen fruits and vegetables are often cheaper than fresh ones and can be just as nutritious. Be mindful of portion sizes to avoid wasting food and consider sharing the cost of groceries by meal prepping with friends or roommates.

7. Get Creative with Leftovers: Don't let leftovers go to waste! Instead, get creative and transform them into new meals. For example, leftover roasted chicken can be used in sandwiches or wraps the next day. Cooked rice can be turned into fried rice with a few added ingredients like scrambled eggs, frozen vegetables, and soy sauce. Be imaginative and experiment with different combinations to make the most of your ingredients.

Preparing quick, easy, and affordable meals as a university student doesn't have to be a daunting task. By incorporating these tips into your routine, you can make meal preparation a breeze while nourishing your body with wholesome and delicious food. With a little planning, creativity, and resourcefulness, you can master the art of meal preparation and enjoy healthy meals throughout your university journey.

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Decorating Your Personal Space (YOUR ROOM) Rosemary Michaels As a student, your room is not just a place where you sleep and study, but also a reflection of your personal style and the place where you find comfort. It has been scientifically proven that a clutter free and aesthetically pleasing environment can improve and promote focus and productivity.

“NOT EVERYONE IS THE SAME!” might be the words on some of y’all’s minds right now. That used to be me until I cleaned up my messy desk and suddenly felt the urge to study. That urge did fade after 30 minutes, haha, but that was just my procrastination procrastinating.

Being a student is hard, but coming back to res from a busy day of classes to a room that makes you feel better AND climbing into your perfect bed with your pillows just smiling at you, is what truly makes the world go round.

The world consists of hundreds and thousands of personality types, but this article focuses on only two; namely, minimalism and maximalism.

THIS ARTICLE IS HERE TO : tell you how to decorate your room.

guide you into knowing how you want your room to be decorated

ARE YOU A MINIMALIST OR A MAXIMILIST? Minimalism is a design and lifestyle philosophy that emphasizes simplicity, functionality, and embraces clean lines and open spaces.

Four underlying principles of minimalism: 1. Simplicity 2. Functionality 3. Quality 4. Mindfulness

Maximalism celebrates excess, abundance, and the use of bold colours, patterns, and textures - filled with decorative objects and creates a visually rich and vibrant environment.

Four underlying principles of maximalism: 1. Boldness 2. Visual impact 3. Layering 4. Collections

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If these descriptions do not prickle your mind, here is a visual representation of minimalism and maximalism:

If one of these pictures catches your eye, then you ought to know which you like better by now.

CREATING A MASTERPIECE THAT IS YOUR ROOM: MINIMALIST 1. Space and Organization: Declutter and organize your belongings. Invest in storage containers.

2. Neutral Colours: Soft colour palettes are the best at creating a minimalist look.

3. Wall decor: Even though minimalists don’t opt for statement pieces, they prefer subtle wall pieces that compliment their colour scheme. The goal is not for the colours to scream, but to scheme.

4. Rugs: A soft colour fluffy rug gives a tone of softness to the room. Bonus points if the rug matches your wall decor. SHEIN has lots of rugs at affordable prices, unless you are against SHEIN, then thrifting stores are your go-to!

5. Lighting: Lighting is very important. If you’re going for a desk lamp, choose pastel-coloured lamps – oh those are gorgeous! Also, remember to buy white light bulbs, as the yellow colours most probably won’t fit into your colour scheme.

6. Bedding: Invest in plain bedding sets. Not only does it help bring sophistication to your room, but you can also pair it with ANY and ALL bed decorations, like throw pillows. Also, if you switch to maximalism in the future, your bedding can still be used.

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MAXIMALIST 1. Boldness: Incorporate vibrant colours, bold patterns, and unique combinations of textures and materials into decorating your room.

2. Layering: Layering helps accentuate the boldness. For instance, multiple throw pillows and different coloured blankets on the bed.

3. Visual Impact: Maximalists often like making a statement. They prefer having multiple colours at once; this is where layering and collections come in. Creating a visual impact can be accompanied by hanging bold murals on the wall or bold wallpapers.

4. Curated Collections: Maximalism often involves showcasing collections of art, antiques, or sentimental objects. These items contribute to the overall narrative and visual interest of the space. For instance, I like showcasing my bags on my wall.

5. Textures and Sizes: Using many types of material can bolden your room. E.g. using different sizes of pillows with different textures.

6. Lighting: Maximalists should be careful when using lighting, as lighting can bring your whole room together. If you are aiming for an antique look, refrain from using a white studio light and rather use a yellow toned lamp. Thrifting can be essential when searching for antiques.

7. Wall decor: Any wall decor that is to your liking is appropriate.

8. Rugs: Rather than buying a soft fluffy rug, go for a plain, vibrant colour rug. Here, texture can also be implemented.

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Another side-by-side example: See how the lighting and the vibes it brings differ?

GET STARTED AND REMEMBER: Your room will be a continuous project, mine still is!

Choose decorations that catch your eye.

Shop wisely and keep looking for specials and discounts – you are still a student!

No room is better than your own.

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The Best Series to watch this July Rachel Kleyn I’d like to pose a question to you: Are you a coffee- or tea-drinker?

This question has been asked many times, with varying responses. Of course, avid tea-drinkers do tend to look down on coffee-drinkers, in the same way that a coffee-drinker would look down on going a day without coffee. Some of us are neutral on the topic.

The point being – people have different tastes. Thus, when thinking on how to approach this article, I realised that choosing the “best series” really has to do with what you like to watch.

As the holidays start calling your name, the Netflix scrolling begins, 123movies gets typed into the search box more frequently, and the longing for a good show to watch, kicks in.

For the secret agent inside you Should you be someone who enjoys a good action-packed series, filled with plot twists that have you jumping off the couch with excitement, The Night Agent has to be the one for you.

Based on a novel, this show begins with a lowly FBI agent who works in the basement of the White House, guarding a “phone that never rings”, until one night it does…

I have watched this show three times already and can tell you that each time it only gets better. With only 10 episodes, it won’t keep you from enjoying time with the family for the whole holiday, but perhaps just for a day or so when you can’t keep your eyes away from the screen.

For the lovers of a man with a heartbreak smile and detecting instinct Matt Bomer, in his younger days, stars as Neal Caffrey in this excellent detective show, called White Collar. If you’re someone who enjoys intellectual humour, exciting detective cases and a pretty face, this would be your stop.

White Collar captured my heart thirteen years ago when I watched it with my brother in his first year of university and has captured me yet again in my first year. A conman strikes a deal with an FBI agent to work as his consultant, instead of spending another four years in prison. It is definitely worth your while!

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For the lovers of love A light-hearted romance story, which also touches the dramatic aspects of the life of a girl called Emily, is Emily in Paris.

If you’re looking for a show that’s perfect for rainy weather and a cup of tea (or coffee), I’d recommend you sit down with this one. Join Emily as she continues her adventure in Paris as a marketing executive from an American firm, bringing her viewpoint to the French.

For the ones who sing in the shower Glee! There’s a show for you! Filled with teenage drama and an assortment of some of the best songs, Glee has been one of my go-to shows since I was little.

If your department is jokes that make others uncomfortable, spontaneous singing, and constant TEA (not the Rooibos kind), then this show will be just like home to you.

The Golden Oldies Of course, at the end of the day, we all love a background noise show – one that you’ve seen one too many times, but still think of fondly.

Therefore, should you have an art project you wish to indulge in, a puzzle you want to build, or a journal you want to fill, and you require some happy noise to keep your mind buzzing, I would recommend only the classics: Friends and The Big Bang Theory.

Where both shows are filled with humour and crazy friendships, there’s nothing to keep you smiling like the sentimentality of Ross and the directness of Sheldon.

Whatever you watch this holiday, I hope one thing is true – that you give yourself the rest that you deserve. May your heart be happy, and your mind be peaceful.

With love, Rachel