With load shedding becoming the norm in South Africa, many students are wondering how to keep up with their studies when the lights go out.Â
Whether it’s stage 2 or stage 6 load shedding, they all come with the same frustration of trying to skim through your notes in the dark. Don’t worry, help is on the way! In this article, we reveal 5 tips for studying effectively during load shedding.Â
Before we dive right in, it’s important to first understand what load shedding is and how it can impact your learning.Â
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What is Load Shedding?
- Load shedding is the controlled way of rotating the electricity that’s available between Eskom’s customers.
- The purpose of load shedding is to remove the electricity load from the main power system to avoid overloading the network as it could lead to a collapse—and we’ve all been there when that happens.
- A surge in overload basically means that you’ve gone from load shedding to a full-blown power outage, which comes with its own set of problems.
- An excess in power distribution leads to faulty generators, power trips and a lack of power supply.
The issues mentioned above have greatly impacted the education sector with many students struggling to navigate student life without electricity.
With that said, let’s investigate how load shedding affects your learning.
How Does Load Shedding Affect Learning?
Load shedding has a massive impact on higher education and continues to affect all university and college students.
From being stuck in traffic jams, and being forced to arrive late to class, many students struggle to keep up with their academic workload during load shedding. Not only that, but load shedding also directly impacts the manner in which you’re able to study.
For example, without electricity, you may be forced to study by candlelight (which is terrible for your eyesight) or forgo studying due to a lack of resources.Â
Additionally, load shedding affects signal use and Internet connection. Considering how much learning material is online, this makes it difficult to access student portals as well as online lectures and study aids.Â
Thankfully, there are a few ways to beat load shedding. With the right tools, you can still study comfortably when the lights go out without breaking the bank.
5 Tips For Studying Effectively During Load-Shedding
Although there is no way to prevent load-shedding from happening, there are tips and tricks that will help you study when the power goes out. In this article, we provide 5 tips for studying effectively during load shedding.
1. Use the EskomSePush Load-Shedding App
As far as load-shedding apps go, EskomSePush is one of the best apps to use during load-shedding. This is because EskomSePush provides accurate load-shedding schedules as well as timely updates regarding load shedding.Â
EskomSePush’s load-shedding schedule is based on geographic location, meaning all updates are personalised to your area and grid.
With EskomSePush, you’ll know exactly what stage of load shedding you’re on as well as the predicted load shedding schedule for the week ahead.Â
Knowing when you’re scheduled for load shedding will allow you to create a study schedule around those time slots, giving you ample time to prepare for tests, assignments and exams.Â
For example, if stage 6 load shedding is in effect—and you have an exam coming up—you’ll have a good idea of exactly when you’ll experience load shedding throughout the week. You can then easily plan and create a study schedule around those times. Â
If you’re eager to get EskomSePush, you’ll be happy to know that the app is free to download on both Google Play and the Apple iStore.
2. Invest in Useful Gadgets to Beat Load Shedding
A great way to study effectively during load shedding is to invest in useful gadgets to aid you while the power is out. Gadgets—such as power banks, rechargeable lights and external hard drives will prevent you from losing your tasks and assignments as well as keep all your essential electronic devices powered when there’s no electricity.
Read on to find out how gadgets can help you beat load shedding while allowing you to complete your tasks and study more effectively.
Power Bank
Power banks keep your electronic devices going when the lights go out. There are a variety of power banks available for purchase in South Africa, and the prices differ according to your study needs.
For example, if you’re looking to power your tablet or smartphone, you may want to invest in the Xiaomi 10000mAh Mi Power Bank 3 Ultra Compact. This power bank features two input ports—Type-C and Micro-USB—and is compatible with most smartphones, and tablets.
Being able to power your smartphone during load shedding will allow you to keep an eye on the clock while you study. Additionally, powering your tablet allows you to complete your assignments offline.Â
Be sure to check your own input ports so that you buy the right power bank for your input devices and cables.Â
Rechargeable Lights
If you’re looking for something to light up the room while you’re reading over your textbooks, then you may want to invest in rechargeable lights.Â
Unlike candles, which strain your eyes when you try to read, rechargeable lights are an effective light source to use when studying. Be sure to get a cool, white LED light, as this will mimic daylight (which is the best type of light to study with).
External Hard Drive
An external hard drive is an ideal way to keep your files backed up during load shedding. The last thing you want is to be on the last half of your assignment or essay, only to have the power go out.
There are all kinds of external hard drives out there, and they come in various shapes and sizes. However, we recommend you purchase an external hard drive with at least 500G of storage available to ensure all your assignments, tasks and projects are kept safe.
3. Form a Study Group with Students During Load Shedding
If your budget is a bit tight and you’re looking for a fun way to study effectively during load shedding, you may consider forming a study group with your fellow students or friends.Â
A study group is a resourceful way to plan ahead and study elsewhere during your load shedding schedule. Of course, you’ll have to ensure that your friend or classmate is not on the same schedule or experiencing load shedding at the same time.Â
With that said, having a study group is an effective way to beat lead shedding, and it has several other benefits too!
Here’s how having a study group can allow you to study effectively:
- Study groups help you learn faster and understand the material better as you’ll be able to debate your content with other students.
- Study groups reduce procrastination as you’ll each be holding one another accountable during your study sessions.
- Study groups reduce exam stress as any topics or ideas you were unsure about can be hashed out and confirmed with your friends or fellow students.
4. Use Electronic Devices Sparingly During Load Shedding
In order to study effectively during load shedding, it’s important to use electronic devices sparingly. Although this may seem like an obvious tip, it’s one that’s easily forgotten.
Ensure your electronic devices—such as your smartphone, tablet, and rechargeable lights—are charged before your load shedding schedule is set to start. That way, you’ll still be able to study and complete your tasks without needing to worry about electricity.Â
You’ll also want to avoid running your batteries empty while the power is out to prevent any damage to your electronic devices. Ensure that you don’t use up your smartphone battery either in case there’s an emergency and you need to contact someone for help.
Tip: If you’re worried about not having enough mobile data or an internet connection, be sure to complete all your tasks on handy tools like Google Docs and save your work offline.
5. Print Out or Write Your Study Notes
If you’re looking for a cost-effective way to study during load shedding—and would like to avoid the use of electronics—then you may consider printing or writing out your study notes.
Printing or writing out your study notes may be old school, but it’s also a great way to spare electricity.
When printing out or writing your study notes, be careful not to write or print your entire textbook. Instead, use this time to create study aids, like flashcards, mind maps or summaries that you can use when load shedding has ended.
As an added bonus, spending time writing out notes for your study aids is also a great way to retain the information, helping you study effectively for your tests and exams.
Beat Load Shedding with Fundi Device Loans
Now that you know how to study effectively during load shedding, it’s time to invest in some study devices! If you’re worried about the cost of study devices, don’t worry, Fundi has got you covered.
Fundi offers study device loans for essential gadgets, such as smartphones, tablets and more! With these devices, you’ll have the tools you need to study effectively when there’s no electricity.Â
Curious to know if you qualify for a loan with Fundi? Then be sure to try out the Fundi Loan Calculator and get ahead of load shedding today!
