Basic Self-Care
Eat a healthy diet. This means cutting down on processed food that is high in refined sugar and fat and eating more whole foods. This can be difficult with a low budget and time constraints. But try to plan ahead simple, nutritious meals. This might be a sandwich, fruit and water. Better still, make your own sandwiches to bring with you to campus instead of buying take-aways. Eat fruit and vegetables as they will build your immune system. Drink lots of water. Avoid energy drinks – they are just bad for you. Speak to a nurse at the campus clinic for more advice on nutrition. There are also many sites on the Internet that are also helpful. Here are a few that you might find helpful: www.nutritionsociety.co.za; www.heartfoundation.co.za; www.mayoclinic.org; www.berkerleywellness.com/healthy-eating.
Get enough sleep. This means at least 6-8 hours of sleep per night. Your body and mind need this rest to recharge and work at its optimum level.
Regular exercise has so many benefits for you. It helps to keep your body healthy and your mind too. It helps to relieve stress and should be seen as a pleasurable activity. Try to walk or jog on campus or use the sports facilities available.
Have you been to the sports offices to find out which sports clubs you can join?
While your priority at University should be your studies, it is important to have balance in your life. This means including some ‘me’ time. Spend time with friends – just chatting or doing something fun like watching a movie together, meditating, reading, listening to music… whatever works for you. But remember; ALWAYS keep focused on your number one priority – your studies.
Avoid Stress
Here, time management is crucial. Plan ahead. Sets goals. Break your tasks into small units of work. Make the most of your time – this means that what you do with your time should count. Don’t bunk lectures. Take notes, read and engage with your study material. Form study groups. WORK CONSISTENTLY.
Have you been to the sports offices to find out which sports clubs you can join?
Campus Health Clinics and HIV/AIDS Programme
There are Health Clinics on all three campuses, which provide free healthcare to all currently registered UKZN students. Each campus has a team of fully trained nurses. A general practitioner visits each site on certain days. The Health Clinics offer the following services:
- Assessment and treatment of minor ailments (referral as necessary)
- Family planning, prevention of unplanned pregnancies, emergency contraception (morning-after pill), condoms, pregnancy testing
- Referrals for termination of pregnancy
- Referral of students to government and private hospitals
- Partnering with HIV/Aids Programme and other internal/external stakeholders during campaigns and information sessions.
They are located at:
Howard College: | Opposite the main library |
Pietermaritzburg: | House 5, Milner Road, main campus |
Edgewood: | Dining Hall |
Have you found a club or society that you can get involved in?
Safety
Be safe at all times. Be vigilant of your surroundings. Remember, when you have your earphones on, you block out sound from your environment. Walk in groups when working late at the library or going to your room. Keep all your possessions in view and on your person as far as possible. Keep your student card safe. Party responsibly. Don’t accept drinks from others. Don’t have unprotected sex.
Should you have an emergency, you can call Risk Management Services (RMS):
Howard College: | 031 260 3777 |
Pietermaritzburg: | 033 260 5211 |
Edgewood: | 031 260 3493 |
Know Your Rights
The University strives to be a safe place where the rights of every person are upheld. This means that every single student and staff member has a role to play. Don’t harass others – verbally, physically or sexually. If anyone harasses you, report the incident to Risk Management Services (RMS) or Student Support Services. Students who have experienced any violation of their rights may seek recourse via the Proctor’s office. The Proctor’s office is tasked with all student disciplinary matters and upholding the rights of all students.
