First-Year Students Embrace the Cold and Have Fun at Refreshers Fest 2025

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Despite grey skies and a winter chill, first-year students from the College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science (CAES) showed up in high spirits for the First-Year Experience (FYE) Refreshers Fest at the Student Union Building on the Pietermaritzburg campus.

The event was an engaging and energetic blend of formal introductions and playful competitions, all designed to give students a vibrant introduction to university life.

Event MC Mr Selvyn Pillay, affectionately known as ‘TinTin’, brought warmth and humour to the chilly day, keeping spirits high from start to finish. The event opened with an official welcome from FYE co-ordinator Dr Snethemeba Ndlovu, who encouraged students to embrace opportunities the University offered.

This was followed by key messages from representatives of various CAES support units, including Mr Sethenjwa Nduli of Critical Social Justice; Academic Development Officer (ADO) Ms Nyameka Diko; Supplementary Instruction (SI) Co-ordinator Mr Aphie Chithway; Mr Luyanda Hlamaphi of The Writing Place, and Mr Mzamo Zondi of Student Support Services.

Each speaker shared tips and resources to help students successfully navigate their first year, reinforcing the fact that they are not alone on their academic journey.

Once the formalities were out of the way, the real fun began. Students were grouped into 10 teams, guided by FYE mentors and identified through colour-coded wristbands. The competitive spirit was alive and well as groups rotated through a series of interactive challenges under the Refresher Fest Challenge.

Fun and games included:

•    Know Your College: Pick a Side - in this event, teams jumped to zones labelled Agriculture, Engineering or Science on prompts by the MC

•    Bottle Flip Blitz - here contestants flipped bottles to score group points. The tension was electric and the cheers were loud!

•    Even or Odd Circle - was a test involving quick thinking and rhythm - ‘one wrong move, and you’re out’

•    FYE Alphabet Relay - during this contest teams scrambled to spell words such as ‘mentor’ and ‘support’ using scattered letters on the field

•    Inflate and Stack Challenge - using only balloons, players needed to pick up and stack cups in a delicate yet speedy balancing act

•    Snatch-a-Cup Showdown and Water Relay Final - in this challenge, groups went head-to-head in a lightning-fast reflex game, culminating in a water sponge race where teams sprinted to fill buckets

Students who answered quiz questions correctly or stayed until the end were rewarded with prizes in a raffle draw, generously sponsored by UKZN’s CAES Public Relations Offices.

The 2025 CAES FYE Refreshers Fest was a heart-warming celebration of student spirit, support and fun. The energy, laughter and connection seen throughout the day set just the right tone for a year of growth, learning and community support!

Words: Cindy Chamane

Photograph: Supplied