Balancing Academics and Entertainment: A Challenge for LUANAR Students

Balancing Academics and Entertainment: A Challenge for LUANAR Students
By Laura Mpoka
The advancement of technology has taken education to a whole new level. This improvement has also made entertainment more accessible and easy to find. In Malawi, education is regarded as a key to success. However, despite the opportunities for education and personal growth, students in Lilongwe face numerous challenges in balancing their academic pursuit with their desire for entertainment and socialization.

The Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) is one of the biggest colleges in Malawi. Despite its size, its students are facing a daunting challenge. Balancing their academic pursuits with their desire for entertainment and socialization is a daily struggle that requires discipline, time management, and clear priorities.

LUANAR is a hub of academic excellence, attracting students from all over Malawi. The university offers a range of programs, from agriculture to natural resources management. However, despite the university's academic rigor, students are finding it increasingly difficult to balance their academic responsibilities with their desire for entertainment and socialization.

At the heart of this struggle is a fundamental question. How can students balance their academic pursuits with their desire for entertainment and socialization? For many students at LUANAR, finding this balance is a daily challenge.
chelewan"college life is full of stressful days......"

For 25-year-old Upile Chelewani, a fourth-year student at LUANAR, the challenge is all too familiar. College life is a mix of enjoyment and stressful days, he says, sipping on a cup of coffee at the university cafeteria. There's always a need for entertainment, but it needs to be well-balanced. If not, it affects education.

Upile's sentiments are echoed by his peers, who are torn between attending classes, completing assignments, and participating in social activities.

 The LUANAR curriculum demands a minimum of 40% from continuous assessments and assignments, leaving little room for error.

According to Dr. DF Kamala, a lecturer at LUANAR, students need to prioritize their tasks and avoid procrastination. By doing so, they can achieve their academic goals and still have time for socialization and entertainment.

But despite the academic pressures, students are finding it increasingly difficult to resist the allure of entertainment. A 2020 research study by the University of Malawi revealed that 75% of students spend over two hours daily on leisure activities, while 60% of the 700 students surveyed attend classes for the entire week, and 40% skip classes from Thursday to Saturday.

I've seen students who have failed to balance their responsibilities, and it's had a devastating impact on their academic performance, says Dr. Kamala. Some students have even been forced to repeat courses or drop out of university altogether.

LUANAR students are taught time management skills during their first-year orientation. This training is designed to help them prioritize tasks, avoid procrastination, and minimize distractions. However, many students have neglected these skills due to their desire for entertainment.

The university has organizations that provide students with opportunities to socialize and engage in extra-curricular activities, such as clubs and other organizations ranging from sports clubs to cultural organizations, religious clubs like SCOMM, and other groups that provide students with a platform to express themselves and showcase their talents.

Despite these resources, many students continue to struggle with balancing their academic responsibilities with their desire for entertainment. As a result, their academic performance suffers.

To make matters worse, the rise of social media has made it easier for students to get distracted. Many students spend hours scrolling through their social media feeds, watching videos, and chatting with friends. While social media can be a useful tool for learning and connecting with others, excessive use can be detrimental to academic performance.

In addition, the pressure to succeed can be overwhelming for some students. Many students feel like they need to excel academically in order to secure a good job and please their parents. This pressure can lead to stress, anxiety, and burnout.

To address these challenges, LUANAR has implemented various initiatives aimed at helping students balance their academic responsibilities with their desire for entertainment. For example, the university offers counseling services to help students manage stress and anxiety.

 The university also provides resources to help students develop good time management skills, such as workshops and online tutorials.
Despite these efforts, many students continue to struggle with balancing their academic responsibilities with their desire for entertainment. It is clear that finding a balance between academics and entertainment is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted solution.

As the struggle to balance education and entertainment continues, students at LUANAR are learning to navigate the challenges of academic life. With the university's support and resources, students are finding ways to prioritize their tasks, avoid procrastination, and minimize distractions.

 By doing so, they can achieve their academic goals and still have time for socialization and entertainment. Ultimately, finding this balance is key to unlocking their full potential and achieving success in all aspects of life. The university's efforts to provide a well-rounded education are evident in its commitment to supporting students' academic and personal growth.
social weekend vibes

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