Vox pop

James Cassar asked students about their summer and their last academic year, their expectations for the forthcoming year, if they agreed with the numerus clausus in specific courses, and how they rated the KSU's performance. Here's what they had to say.

Benjamin Pulè:
"It was quite a positive summer because, thankfully, I passed all my exams and earned my law degree. Besides, I also had a summer job which gave me work experience and helped me financially.

"Last year was a very positive experience for me. I was KSU vice-president and a Fourth Year law student. I believe I successfully managed to keep up with both my KSU functions and my studies.

"This is my 'last' academic year because after this I will have to dedicate Sixth Year to my thesis. So I will try my best to enjoy it while it lasts.

"I expect more efficiency, dedication and accountability from all lecturers - unfortunately this is a weak point that our University constantly encounters.

"I am totally against the numerus clausus. I would set higher entry requirements so that no one will be hindered from entering a course they have always wanted to join."

Janet Barthet:
"My summer was a break from studying but lots of work anyway. I am glad to be back at University.

"Last year was probably my most eventful year at university so far. I took part in lots of youth programmes locally and internationally and I'm looking forward to taking it further this year.

"This year I hope to do lots of work for the organisations I am involved in, besides studying.

"The numerus clausus definitely ups the quality of students in courses. However, in certain courses, such as nursing, it should definitely be revised, considering the great shortage of nurses at Mater Dei Hospital.

"The KSU's performance so far has been brilliant. There's lots more to do but definitely a KSU to remember."

Geraldine Sapiano:
"Summer was quite a busy period for me, trying to strike a balance between work, dissertation, voluntary work, and work related to student organisations.

"I think every year brings different learning experiences, and last year was quite a hectic one but, in the end, the long hours at University, and the time spent working on assignments and projects paid off.

"This year I'm looking forward to finishing my last year at University, although I love life on campus.

"I agree with the numerus clausus, especially where students have practical content in their course. I feel some courses should accept a small number of students to ensure the students will be able to start and finish off the practical component without any hitches.

"I think KSU is doing its best to work hard to inform the students about their rights and obligations at University. I think University students should participate more in the activities that are organised during the year."

Luke Micallef:
"I enjoy the summer holidays every year. It is the right time to relax as well as to work and gain important work experience.

"Last year was a very positive one. It was a difficult year, but this is what made it more positive since I had to put in a greater effort.

"Well, I anticipate third year to be quite tough, but I'm looking forward to teaming up with my course companions for our next projects.

"I don't agree with the numerus clausus. One should respect students' freedom if they have the required results.

"The KSU's performance is very satisfactory. I had the opportunity to work with KSU this summer and I realised how much KSU members put their heart into what they are organising."

Ursula Farrugia:
"It was quite a memorable summer: working; a new clique of friends, new life experiences. Everything counts, but mostly it's the friends that made it special.

"I wouldn't say I had a negative year but it wasn't a good one considering the workload we had to handle and the constant pressure we were under.

"This year I want to keep myself as busy as possible. Hopefully, it will be a good year. As long as I look at the glass as half-full, there's no reason why it should be a bad year.

"I totally agree with there being a numerus clausus. It's better to be restricted from entering the course, than having yourself being put through such a tough time just to pass exams to be promoted to the following year.

"KSU have grown on campus. They mean something nowadays; it's no longer just one of the student organisations. It's a group of students that actually have other students' educational well-being at heart."