"Bathong, Bongi": University Student's Winter Study Setup to Save Semester Stuns Mzansi

• A South African university student shared his resourceful approach to staying warm while studying during the winter season, showcasing his determination to succeed academically
• The student's video showcases his makeshift setup, using a broken stove with one functional plate to keep himself warm, highlighting the challenges many students face in accessing basic necessities
• The clip has sparked a supportive response from social media users, who praise the student's resilience and offer words of encouragement to help him push through the semester.

Bathong! The winter season has many people feeling lazy, which leads to procrastination and low work drive. But this young South African university student has captured the hearts of social media users after sharing a glimpse into his determined effort to "save the semester" despite challenging circumstances.

Student shows how he's saving the semester

In the video, the young man is seen studying intently with his notebook open in front of him. Wrapped in a thick blue blanket to fight off the winter chill, he sat at his desk with an old, broken two-plate stove in front of him.

Read also

"Which res is this, Yale University": Student's res dinner stuns South Africans, shares video

Only one of the plates is functional, but he has it switched on and placed nearby to keep himself warm as he works through his studies.

The clip, which was shared by @carlvinnoxeous on TikTok believed to have been filmed in his student accommodation. Resonated with many viewers who were amused by his attempt to save the semester, while others praised his resilience and commitment.

South Africans took to the comments section to commend his resourcefulness, with some sharing their own similar experiences of making do with limited resources while pursuing education.

"Keep pushing, bro, one day it will make sense. We all started here….. siyobonana vele," one person commented.

Many also offered words of encouragement, urging him to keep going and finish the semester strong.

The post that was uploaded on 2 August 2025 has sparked a conversation about the realities faced by many students in South Africa, where financial constraints and limited access to heating and proper study spaces can make academic life especially tough during winter.

Read also

Siv Ngesi on a mission to make sanitary pads accessible for students

Watch the video below:

SA shows support for the student

South Africans rallied around the student as they took to the comments section, showering him with sweet messages, while some cracked jokes, saying:

Wayne Jordan said:

"Bongi said I should tell you he's proud of you, are mo rehab!"

SopheyM added:

"Where's that mini fan so the heat can spread and warm the whole room?"

Fiksnhlapo was stunned:

"Bathong Bongi."

MaNzimande replied:

"Someone call Mr Moloto."

Mutelehope commented:

"It’s the heater for me."

4 Epic res exposes from SA students

• Briefly News reported that a student in Cape Town has shed a harsh light on dire living conditions within a campus residence, exposing significant water leaks and inadequate facilities as winter bites hard.
• The stunner, who goes by the TikTok handle @zimi.sodlongwana, shared a clip where she exposed the impaired conduction they are subjected to as students in a residence in Cape Town.
• A video of a res in KwaZulu-Natal is making rounds on social media, and people are not impressed with the architectural design.

Source: Briefly News