The Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting Sciences (PGDAS) is not, as many would think, only a year of debits and credits, but also an opportunity to network with like-minded people and have fun! On 18 August 2023, the PGDAS academic trainees hosted a picnic and games event on the Aula’s lawn on the Hatfield Campus for the PGDAS students.
Good mental health and a balanced life is paramount to student success. This social event was a small contribution to the holistic well-being of the diverse students. The event strived to give the students a break and recharge opportunity before their academic “busy season” starts.
During the event, students had an opportunity to network with their peers and talk about their PGDAS journey, for example, how they manage stress, keep up to date with academic work and have a balanced life. PGDAS is a demanding year, and it is helpful for students to know that they are not alone on their journey. In sharing their struggles and successes with peers, everyone learnt something.
The PGDAS social gave students the opportunity to recharge before the busy academic season
The group first started with an icebreaker by playing a game of heads and tails. The students had to choose between heads or tails and then moved to the chosen side. After tossing a coin, the students who chose the side which the coin landed on, moved to another round with the same rules until there was a winner.
The group went ahead to play ‘Simon says’, which was led by one of the academic trainees. Students had to do what ‘Simon says’, not just what the instruction said. Students who did what the instruction said without also doing what ‘Simon says’, were eliminated, and the same process was repeated until a final winner was chosen.
Students were asked to send questions to the respective academic trainees via a Google form to build rapport between the students and the academic trainees. To help catch their breath after the physical activities from the other games, the group sat down in a circle, where the academic trainees each answered three questions out of the respective questions they received.
Students who attended the PGDAS social with academic trainees
The students then moved into their own groups and played games that they brought with them to the social to help them unwind and relax. Games including Mafia, 30 seconds and UNO were played by the students, and the academic trainees joined in the fun.
Students who attended the event thanked the trainees for the event, as they enjoyed getting to know fellow students and academic trainees. The feedback that was received showed that the students felt more relaxed and connected with their peers, while also making some new friends.
The PGDAS social gave students the opportunity to recharge before the busy academic season
Students who attended the PGDAS social with academic trainees
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