A week of fun, laughter and culture has been happening among students on campus, as a few residences have their residence week this month. Every residence has a unique way of expressing itself, from the planned outfits you see during the day, to the serenades you hear at night. A few activities are shared amongst residences, but executed differently; similar activities with a different essence.
Many residences and Commuter Student Communities (CSCs) agree that the week is a bonding experience for the seniors and newcomers. There is also a sentiment that the week is an amazing break from academics, and a great way to interact with other residents. When asked what happens during residence week, Jordan Fernandez, a third year student in Nemesia shared the following: “During Nemesia week, we have activities that accommodate the entire res. Ranging from campus tag to culture evening or a quad party to an early morning walk to Plato, it is an opportunity for the whole house to bond.” The week is full of activities that keep all the residences occupied.
Some residences and CSCs plan their residence week with a big event in mind. Helshoogte ends Hoenderweek (Helshoogte week) with a “bergklim”, where the newcomers embark on an ascent up Botsmanskop, in hopes of officially being welcomed as brothers. Other spaces collab to have a shared experience, Oude Molen and Aristea end their week with a huisfondsdans at Dorp. Huis Marais also hosts a quad cricket tournament held at the end of the week.
The week is a time to form friendships and strengthen the bonds within the residences and CSC’s. Chelsea Bruyns, a seniors committee member at Irene, says “Irene week is a bonding experience; regardless of what year and faculty you are in, you bond over bubble tea or a water slide. There’s never a moment you feel out of place.”
Ethan Pillay, an HC at Oude Molen shares how much he enjoys the week, “Oude Molen has offered me a home in the university and helped me build friendships that I will cherish forever. It’s helped me find myself and mold myself into who I wanted to become. Molweek is the reason that I started getting involved with Oude Molen as I missed the majority of Orientation week in my first year.”
Many students have activities that they favour over others, “The highlight of the week, for me, is undoubtedly the night before Bergklim. This event, known as “Bondfire,” holds deep symbolic meaning, as each Helshoogte Newcomer adds a piece of wood to the fire pit, representing their personal contribution to the residence community. It is a truly remarkable occasion and remains one of the most memorable moments of the week,” says Josh Jacobs, an HC from Helshoogte.
Residence week has been an ongoing tradition in SU. It is enjoyed by many and adds to the culture and values of residences and CSC’s, whether its earlier or later. The week is characterised by giggles, multiple Instagram stories and a culture that will continue to shine bright throughout Stellenbosch.
By Lavinia Shapumba
