September 19,2023
The fourth week of the academic session is already upon us and activities – Academic and extracurricular activities – are coming in thick and fast. It is imperative for the new students to start getting their priorities right and making the necessary adjustments that will benefit them both academically and mentally.
With the matriculation ceremony out of the way, the honeymoon period is forspent and it’s time for the real business of the day. Students that want to make the best use of their opportunity to start early, and there will be no better time than now.
Here are a few tips students can pick up in their journey through the rigours of academic activities in University of Ibadan.
Academics
As a student your first goal and priority is your academics. Many have come in and have been led astray by the razzmatazz of University life. The freedom and opportunity to engage in numerous activities can be tempting, but one must not forget the main goal of being in this environment which is ‘Education’.
As a freshman you must choose your activities carefully and try as much as possible to get a great start and platform in your academic field. It is important to note that the 100 level is the best opportunity for you to set yourself up and build a good foundation for your academic journey. It is imperative to note that a good start sets you up for a great finish, so to end well, you must start well too.
To start with, have a plan for your studies, set realistic goals for this and each semester and develop a strategy for achieving them. It is advisable that you meet senior colleagues in your department or hall who will put you through on the steps needed to achieve your goal. Try as much as possible not to waver from plans and set goals, as it will not be an easy task.
Extracurricular activities
As a student we can tend to immerse ourselves in our academic activities, so it is advisable to take a little time off and relax. Try to go out more often like attending events, meeting new people and sharing opinions and thoughts.
As it is said “all work and no play make jack a dull boy” it is imperative and advisable for new students to partake in extracurricular activities such as sports, gaming, attending events, making friends and relationships along the way.
The school environment is a very intriguing world on its own, as it gives students liberty to express themselves without the watchful eyes of their Parents or Guardians. And this has seen many follow the path that does not necessarily help their growth.
As a student, you should be mindful of who you walk with and the friends you keep that might influence your decisions and choices you make in the future. There is no crime in trying to make friends and having company, but it is also important to keep good company and connect with people that will leave a positive influence in your life.
Join Organization
As a new student you will want to make good and judicious use of your time. It is advisable that you join existing organisations in the hall and partake in the activities of the hall.
There are numerous organisations and committees that will require members and it will be of great value if you can join one or two of such organisations. The Press Club, the Literary and Debating club, the supporters club, the defense team just to name a few, are recognized clubs, you can join the hall.
Outside the hall there are also numerous organisations like the JCI, Sigma, Kegite club and so on, who will be seeking members every session. In joining this group try as much as possible to seek and understand what you’re getting into in order not to be led astray and pushed away from your set goals.
Visit places
In the University of Ibadan there are many monumental places you can visit that will have a lasting experience on your life. Visiting places such as the zoo, Awba dam, Archives just to name a few will leave a lasting memory on individuals and it helps to make your stay in the institution a lasting experience.
I hope these few tips and messages of mine will be of great help to the new students as they walk through the walls of this great hall and the institution as a whole.
Once again, I welcome you to the world of Zikhall and the University of Ibadan in general. Here is to wishing you a great and eventful experience. Remember a stitch in time saves nine, so make hay while the sun shines- make hay while there is still time.
