When I first thought about Mensah Sarbah Hall Week, I imagined a week filled with music, entertainment, food and the usual excitement that comes with university hall celebrations. But after experiencing the activities, I realised that hall week is much more than an opportunity for students to have fun. It is a period where students can learn new skills, explore their interests, build relationships and engage in conversations they may not normally have in the classroom.
The week kick started with the Eco-cleanse and Chill, where students came together to clean sections of the hall and its surroundings. Beyond promoting environmental responsibility, the activity encouraged teamwork and reminded us that taking pride in our environment is everyone’s responsibility. Later in the day, students gathered for a Viewing Party, where residents watched the FIFA World Cup final together on a giant screen. The cheers, reactions and shared excitement transformed the hall into one big family. Whether your favourite team won or lost, the experience reminded me of the power of sports to unite people from different backgrounds.
The next day, “Sarbah Goes Professional”, alongside discussions on Professional Pathways and Financial Literacy, particularly caught my attention. The sessions exposed students to life beyond university by focusing on career readiness, networking and financial management. Listening to the speakers made me realise that earning a degree alone is no longer enough. Students must also develop practical skills that prepare them for the realities of the working world.
The learning was followed by Cinematic Vibes, a movie night where students gathered to watch a film together in a relaxed atmosphere. It was a refreshing way to end a day of insightful discussions, allowing students to unwind while continuing to bond outside the lecture hall.
The third day began with a Wellness Check and Life Saver Drive, where students were encouraged to pay attention to their physical well-being through basic health screenings while also supporting blood donation efforts that could save lives. In the evening, the atmosphere became more relaxed with Sip, Paint and Karaoke, where students explored their creative side through painting before entertaining one another with music and singing.
Soft and practical life skills are increasingly becoming essential in today’s world, yet many university students have limited opportunities to acquire them outside the classroom. Recognising this gap, the executives and students of Mensah Sarbah Hall organised Skill Up I, a hands-on training programme designed to equip participants with practical skills they could use beyond their university education. Students learned soap making, bead making and professional pedicure techniques, exposing them to entrepreneurial opportunities that could generate additional income and even become long-term careers. The evening activities, The Block Wars Football Gala and Game On, added a competitive but entertaining atmosphere, encouraging teamwork, leadership and healthy competition among students through sporting activiities and games.
The celebration of talent continued with Kitchen Wars: Who Cooks?, where students showcased their culinary skills, creativity and teamwork by preparing a variety of dishes. The evening’s Heritage and High Fashion Cultural Runway celebrated the identity of Mensah Sarbah Hall in a unique way. Rather than wearing ordinary fashion pieces, contestants confidently walked the runway in outfits creatively designed from the official Mensah Sarbah Hall cloth. Each design reflecting originality and elegance while promoting the hall’s culture, identity and sense of unity. Watching students transform the hall cloth into stylish and eye-catching outfits reminded me that fashion is not only about trends but also about celebrating where you belong and expressing creativity in meaningful ways.
The week continued with Skill Up II, giving more students the opportunity to acquire practical skills. It was followed by Real Talk: Unscripted and Unplugged, an interactive discussion that created a safe space for students to openly share opinions and ask questions about issues affecting young people.
One of my favourite moments of the entire week came during one of these discussions, which focused on the rise of sex toys and aphrodisiacs.
This topic immediately caught my attention because conversations about sexual wellness are often surrounded by silence, embarrassment and misconceptions, especially in school settings. Rather than encouraging sensationalism, the discussion focused on education and understanding. It explored why the use of sex toys and aphrodisiacs has become more common, the reasons some individuals and couples choose to use them, and the importance of making informed and responsible decisions.
What stood out to me was that the conversation challenged the assumption that these products should simply be dismissed without discussion. Instead, the facilitators encouraged students to ask questions, separate myths from facts and understand the importance of safety, consent and proper education when discussing sexual wellness.
Personally, this was the highlight of the week because it demonstrated that universities can create spaces where students openly discuss real-life issues without fear of judgement. It reminded me that education should not be limited to textbooks and examinations but should also prepare young people to make informed decisions about different aspects of life.
The final day began with a Walk to Peduase and Aerobics, giving students an opportunity to exercise, enjoy nature and interact outside the university environment. It was both refreshing and energising, providing the perfect start before the grand finale.
Later that evening, the much-anticipated Rave Night brought the celebrations to a memorable close. The event, which started around 8 p.m., attracted hundreds of students eager to celebrate the end of an eventful week. Pappy Kojo took to the stage, treating students to an energetic performance that had the crowd singing and dancing late into the night.
Looking back, my biggest takeaway from Mensah Sarbah Hall Week is that hall week is far more than entertainment. It is a platform that allows students to develop practical skills, discover hidden talents, engage in meaningful conversations and build relationships outside the classroom.
From professional development and financial literacy to entrepreneurship, health, culture and conversations about sexual wellness, the activities demonstrated that learning can happen in many different ways. Hall Week reminded me that university education extends beyond lectures and examinations. Sometimes, the most valuable lessons are learned through shared experiences, practical training and open conversations.
As the music faded and students returned to their routines, I left with more than memories of an exciting week. I left with new perspectives, practical knowledge and a renewed appreciation for how hall week can shape students into more confident, informed and well-rounded individuals. That, for me, is what made Mensah Sarbah Hall Week truly unforgettable.
By: Eugenia Ofori Boateng