(By Frieda Jona)
At the International University of Management (IUM), peer study groups have become a powerful tool for academic success, especially during exam season. For many, this approach is more than just a study method, it is a way to offer encouragement to one another and turn revision into a shared journey.
“Studying alone is hard. I lose focus quickly,” says Anna Nawala, a Health and Wellness student. “But when I am with my classmates, we help each other understand topics better. It keeps me motivated.”
These informal groups, often made up of three to six students, have become a common sight on campus. Some meet daily, others a few times a week, depending on their schedules. What they share is a commitment to lifting each other up.
In an interview with Campus Connect, Jason Haikali, a third-year Business Administration student, shared that his study group began with just a few members in the first year, but over time, it grew stronger and larger as more students joined and committed to supporting one another.
“We started as a group of five in the first year,” Haikali shared. “Now we are seven, and all of us have passed every semester together. We push each other to stay on track, and it has made a huge difference.” Lecturers at IUM support this collaborative spirit. Many courses include group assignments and presentations to build teamwork and communication skills. They note that peer learning not only helps students prepare for exams but also equips them with real-world skills like problem-solving and cooperation.
Still, group study is not without its challenges. Students stressed that they often struggle to find quiet spaces, especially in shared hostel rooms or busy campus areas. But they adapt.
“Sometimes it is noisy, or we can not find a place to sit,” Lydia Shilongo, a second-year IT student explained. “So we meet under a tree or use WhatsApp voice notes to study together. It is not perfect, but it works.” Despite the obstacles, the impact is clear. Students report feeling less anxious, more prepared, and more connected. For many, these groups have become more than academic tools, they are support systems, safe spaces, and sources of friendship.
As exams continue at IUM, the message from students is simple: peer support matters. It builds confidence, improves performance, and reminds them they are not alone. “Teamwork is not just about passing,” Haikali adds. “It is about growing together and we are proof that it works.”
