12
Features | 16 January 2016
The four secrets to a frugal first-year JARED DE CANHA First-year comes with new personal responsibilities, especially when you consider that less than three months earlier you needed permission to use the bathroom at school. Perdeby has compiled a first-year financial survival guide which could mean the difference between survival and starvation during the end of the month drought. Exploit student discounts and weekday specials Because the Hatfield economy depends on students as much as it does on the Blue Bulls winning, be prepared to whip your student card out at any opportunity where a student discount presents itself. Also remember to keep an eye open for weekday specials, which can double as opportunities to eat well and forge new friendships because these weekday specials are often frequented by other students. Pubs and clubs are not the only option for a night out A night out in Pretoria can break the bank if it not prepared for properly. This is why any frugal
first-year knows that a fiscally responsible night out begins with proper pre-drinks. Mixing your own drinks and drinking before going out saves you paying club and bar drink rates later in the evening. House parties in general are not only safer, becuase you don’t have to drive anywhere, but also cheaper because you can skip entrance fees and expensive drinks altogether. Other handy pre-drinks tips include leaving your bank card behind and only taking cash with you. This will ensure that you avoid blowing your budget in a moment of weakness on the dance floor. Also, leave going out for as late in the week as possible, as this will prevent you from bankruptcy on a Tuesday morning. Sell, sell, sell Consider selling your notes and textbooks from a completed module. Wize Books and Protea offer opportunities for second hand purchase and resale. Snack smarter, not harder “First-year spread” is a phenomenon which affects countless first-years who succumb to the temptations of an unbalanced eating plan. By
following a routine of packing snacks every day, one can avoid dipping into your weekly budget for fast food concessions, slim your waistline and keep a positive bank balance.
By abiding by these four secrets, the challenge of surviving first year will seem less daunting on the financial front and will ease the burden of blind budgeting.
Dealing with student stress: a guide COURTNEY TINK Feeling stressed or overwhelmed in your first year is completely understandable. You have to make new friends, work in a new and different environment, and possibly adjust to life away from home. Perdeby spoke to Caitlin Barford, a masters student in counselling psychology, who shared a few tips about stress and how to manage it. Stress can present itself in various ways, but some of the most common symptoms of stress include headaches, social withdrawal, feelings of hopelessness or depression and a change in eating or sleeping habits. While this is not an exhaustive list, if you’re experiencing these symptoms it’s possible that stress is getting the better of you. If you suffer from these symptoms, you should consider seeing a professional for help. While first year may be daunting, there are ways to limit the stress you experience. Ensure you stay up-to-date with your work and be aware of deadlines and test dates. Make an effort to avoid procrastination by setting a timetable. While your newly gained freedom may be exciting, don’t forget to communicate with your support system and never be afraid to ask for
advice. It is important to develop a routine and allow yourself enough time for both academic and leisure activities. By allocating different times to different activities, you can avoid feeling overwhelmed. Whether you go for a jog or sit and watch series, when your study time comes around you will feel less ambushed and more prepared. Some tips for dealing with stress include normalising your situation and understanding that all students are placed under pressure. Keep the stress you experience in perspective by discussing the difficulties you experience with your peers and support system. Always remember that you are never alone, as there are group workshops that are offered by Student Support which deal with a wide range of issues, from stress management, adjustment to university life and exam preparation to support with parental divorce, trauma and loss, and depression and anxiety. Personal consultations are also available should students require further assistance. Student Support is located next to the Student Centre, opposite the Tukkiewerf entrance. Student support may be contacted on 012 420 2333. Their office hours are 07:30-15:30.
Always remember that you are never alone
Advertorial
Established in 1959, Woolfson’s Pharmacy is the leading provider of medicine and healthcare within the Hatfield community. With over half a century in the medical and pharmaceutical industries, Woolfson’s has provided professional healthcare by combining traditional values with the best that modern medicine has to offer. Conveniently situated within walking distance from the University of Pretoria’s Hatfield Campus, Woolfson’s offers a wide range of healthcare services including medical screenings, awareness campaigns and vaccinations among the UP student population. Woolfson’s understands the student community’s needs and is therefore constantly involved in student healthcare both on and off campus. Woolfson’s engages in regular awareness campaigns which aid in informing students and the broader community on sexual education, alcohol intoxication, combating communicable diseases and everyday student health. In collaboration with UP’s Department of Health and University Management, Woolfson’s is responsible for all residence vaccinations across UP campuses annually. Woolfson’s also conducts Rabies vaccines on the Onderstepoort campus, ensuring healthy livestock for veterinary students. Among its many features, Woolfson’s has a fully functioning clinic at the disposal of all UP students. Operated by a full-time qualified sister, a visit to the clinic ensures that each customer is offered a professional and reliable service. The clinic offers blood pressure monitoring, cholesterol and glucose testing, vaccinations for a wide range of health issues, family planning sessions and HIV and STD testing. Although Woolfson’s provides
Photo: Kaylyn O’Brien
services to the broader Hatfield community, it’s convenience and reliability is especially geared towards the student community. For all those looking to build their body or merely stay in shape, Woolfson’s Pharmacy offers a Bodymax supplement zone particularly suited for students wishing to maintain a healthy lifestyle. The pharmacy also supplies UP’s infamous High Performance Centre with all its healthcare and supplement requirements on a daily basis. Woolfson’s gives you the benefit of choosing to open student or medical aid accounts with the comfort and satisfaction of free product delivery in the greater Hatfield area. Combined with competitive market prices and Woolfson’s loyalty card programmes, students are assured to get the best value out of their money. Woolfson’s is also registered with most medical aids guaranteeing piece of mind to the many worried parents watching the children head off to varsity. With a friendly staff committed to ensuring customer satisfaction and a caring service, Woolfson’s provides professional and quality service while embedding a sense of community in its line of work. At Woolfson’s Pharmacy sometimes, a smile and a few friendly words are the best kind of medicine which can be offered. Woolfson’s Pharmacy is open Monday to Friday from 08:30 to 18:30, Saturdays until 14:00. Woolfson’s Clinic hours are Monday to Friday from 09:30 until 18:30, Saturdays until 13:00. Visit Woolfson’s Pharmacy for all your healthcare requirements in The Fields, 1066 Burnett Street, Hatfield (opposite the Protea Book store). Alternatively, contact Woolfson’s on 012 342 4546/47 (tel), 086 762 7188 (fax) or check out their Facebook page - Woolfson’s Pharmacy. The Fields, 1066 Burnett Street, Hatfield, Pretoria, 0083 P.O. Box 13983 , Hatfield, 0028 Tel: 012-342 4546, Fax: 012-342 4547 E-mail: info@woolfsonspharmacy.co.za www.woolfsonspharmacy.co.za