Nerina’s ‘Time’s Right’ introduces first-years to Stellenbosch clubbing

Over 200 newcomers from Stellenbosch University (SU) ladies’ residence, Nerina, painted the town red on 5 March, when their primaria finally declared, “the time is right!” This year, the tour of the town’s drinking spots kicked off at Dorp Bar, then moved to Penthouse club, at a last minute-change in schedule, and concluded at Nu’Bar.

“Okay, so Time’s Right in Nerina is the first time the newcomers are allowed to go out for their first time [as Nerinas], and drink alcohol,” said Julie Seynhaeve, primaria of Nerina. It is important to the residence that their newcomers wait a couple of weeks before going out. The event is designed to model safe drinking habits and responsible behaviour on the first-years’ first night out on town. Many other Stellenbosch residences have similar traditions. Near the end of the night, House Committee (HC) members even started handing out cups of water to newcomers on Nu’Bar’s packed dancefloor.

For those less keen on going out, Nerina’s vice-primaria, Karabo Masilela, also took first-years on a waffle-run to the Neelsie.

“No newcomer walks alone,” said Robyn Hough, the other vice-primaria of Nerina. Behind the scenes, Hough was responsible for all of the careful planning that went into the night. She contacted all of the clubs involved beforehand to give them a heads-up about the blue and purple crowd marching their way. She also came to an understanding with the clubs that anyone who knocked at their door with Nerina’s purple ribbons tied around their wrist should be allowed to skip any queues or entry. Every half an hour, a “walking club” was scheduled for seniors, HC members, and Hype Squad (tasked with keeping spirits high at Nerina events) members to escort newcomers back to the residence. Hough even personally organised with her friends to drive newcomers back to Nerina if need be.

Despite meticulous planning, the evening did not come without a couple of hitches. Hough shared that due to a slight miscommunication, Nerina had to share Dorp Bar with a quiz night. To avoid the same situation at Aandklas bar, which was also hosting a quiz night, Hough managed to swap the planned stop at the dive bar for Penthouse club at the eleventh hour.

“Ten out of ten experience, would 100% recommend, and do it again,” said Erna Conradie, a Nerina newcomer, about her experience of Time’s Right, adding, “it’s a safe space to jol.”