There are about 1.4 million young Nigerians who are waiting to hear that word
congratulations; waiting to receive an admission letter that begins with it.
Sadly, only about 700,000 of these students will receive the good news. But
getting admission into the tertiary institution is just a tip of the iceberg.
The sad fate of students, who have been unable to complete their tertiary
education for reasons ranging from peer pressure, cultism, drugs and alcohol
abuse to pure laziness should serve as an example to fresh students, but this is
not always the case.
Many fresh students still fall victims of these vices. Some other times,
challenges could be as minor as the most affordable way to get food or the
best ways to save your money.
Living conditions
Reports say that only about 25 % of Nigerian University students live on
campus. This means that for every student who lives on campus, there are
three others who face the stressful task of commuting to and from school every
day.
Staying off campus isn’t just stressful, it could
sometimes be dangerous. Most incidents of campus violence usually take place
off campus.
But if you can’t make the 25%, and need to stay in an off campus hostel, don’t
be alarmed.
However, ensure that you do your best to investigate your off campus hostel.
What sort of people stay there? What’s the security like? Be sure to begin
searching as soon as possible to get the best deals available. If you need to
share rent and board with someone else, do your best to find out about your
future roommate’s character.
Choose friends wisely
You have probably heard it time and time again that bad company corrupts
good manners. It might sound like a cliché to you; but it’s probably ageless
because it’s true. No, you will not get special grades for making friends with the
most popular people on campus. So don’t be so desperate that you can do
anything for
friendships.
Take out time to pick friends that can spur you on morally and academically.
Remember that although campus streets may sometimes seem like a movie set,
you’re there to get a BSc, not an Oscar for ‘Best Friendship on set.’
Start studying on time
It could be pretty overwhelming when you get into school for the first time.
There are lots of new places to learn about…let the library being one of
them.
Apart from registration and some periodic orientation programmes, your first few
weeks will be the freest you’ll ever be in your schooling career.
Too early for trouble
There are so many things you need to prove when you get into school. That
you can break the rules and get away with it is not one of them. The thing
about trouble is that your record tends to stay with you and put you into more
and more trouble. If you don’t know the rules and regulations of the institution
you are about to enter, find out, and if you can’t take the heat, don’t take the
admission. Ask any parent; it’s more honourable to have a child stay at home
than to have him expelled or suspended.
Watch your pocket
Cut your cloth according to your size. Don’t spend
money because other people are doing the same. Budget properly before
spending a kobo; appropriate for giving, spending and saving.
Activism with caution
Of course, you should not hesitate to fight for your rights. But be sure to do so
within the rules and regulations of your institution, and without violence and
threats.
This Boyfriend-Girlfriend thing
On campus, you will most likely be surrounded by more members of the
opposite sex than you have ever been in your entire life. The choice whether or
not to enter a relationship as soon as you get into school is yours. But bear in
mind that you should get your priorities right, right from the start.