Gaining admission into a university is an exciting experience. After the stress of examinations, repeatedly checking your admission portal, and finally seeing that congratulations message, it is easy to feel like the hardest part is over. But, what happens when you finally arrive on campus?
Beyond gaining admission, adjusting to university life requires preparation, intentional decisions, and a willingness to learn.
If you have just gained admission to Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), here are ten things you should know as you begin your journey.
Set Clear Goals and Maintain a Positive Mindset
Before you begin university life, take some time to think about what you want to achieve. What academic results are you working towards? What skills would you like to develop? What experiences would you like to gain before graduation? Are there interests you would like to explore outside the classroom? You don’t need to have every detail of your future figured out, but having clear goals can help you make more intentional decisions about how you spend your time and the opportunities you pursue.
Set goals that give you direction, but remain open to learning, adjusting, and growing along the way.
Be Intentional About Your Commitments and Build a Support System
University life introduces you to different communities, activities, and opportunities to connect with people who share your interests and beliefs. For students who are religious, this may include invitations to different churches, fellowships, mosques, and other religious gatherings. You may also discover student associations, volunteer groups, and other communities that interest you.
However, participating in several activities can become overwhelming if you do not consider the time and responsibilities involved. Before committing to an activity, think about your academics, personal needs, and other responsibilities. Choose commitments you can manage without consistently neglecting important areas of your life.
Find communities that contribute positively to your life, and learn to balance your commitments with your responsibilities.
Learn to Manage Your Money from the Beginning
One mistake you should avoid as a freshman is spending money without a plan. When you gain admission, family members, relatives, and friends may give you money to support your transition into university life. You may also receive money for specific expenses, such as accommodation, food, transportation, and academic materials.
However, arriving on campus can introduce you to many things you want to buy. Without proper planning, you could spend a considerable amount before realising how much you have used. Learning to manage your finances early can help you avoid unnecessary financial pressure. You can start by distinguishing between your needs and wants and also keep track of your spending.
Another important thing is learning not to spend money simply because your friends are spending theirs. Everyone has different financial circumstances, and you do not have to buy everything you see on campus. Learn to prioritise your needs, spend within your means, and manage your resources responsibly.
Attend Tutorials, but Choose Them Wisely
University academics can be challenging, especially when you are still learning how to study independently, understand lecturers’ expectations, and prepare effectively for examinations. Although attending lectures is essential, you may sometimes need additional support to understand certain topics or courses. This is where tutorials can be helpful. A good tutorial can provide another explanation of a difficult concept, give you an opportunity to ask questions, and help you practise what you have learnt. However, not every tutorial will suit your needs, and joining one does not automatically guarantee academic success. Before committing to a tutorial, consider whether it addresses the areas where you need help, whether the tutor explains concepts clearly, and whether the schedule fits your other responsibilities.
Also, tutorials are meant to support your learning, not replace regular lectures, personal study, or independent effort. Choose learning resources that genuinely help you understand your courses, and remember that your own effort remains essential.
Never Be Afraid to Ask Questions
One thing that can make your transition into university life easier is learning to ask questions when you need clarification.
As a fresher, you will encounter unfamiliar situations you may not know how to handle. Trying to figure everything out alone can lead to confusion or mistakes. You don’t have to pretend to know everything simply because you are now a university student. Your coursemates, departmental representatives, lecturers, and even senior students may be able to explain and direct you to the appropriate office, or help you understand information you find confusing.
Asking questions does not make you unintelligent. It is usually a way to gain clarity, make informed decisions, and avoid mistakes. When something is unclear, seek clarification from a reliable source rather than making assumptions that could create problems later.
Choose Your Friends Carefully and Avoid Peer Pressure
University is an opportunity to meet people from different backgrounds, learn from their experiences, and build relationships that may continue beyond your undergraduate years. However, the people you spend time with can influence how you think, and the decisions you make.
Friendship should not require you to compromise your well-being, neglect your values, or do things simply to gain acceptance. Choose friends who respect your goals, support your growth, and allow you to be yourself without unnecessary pressure.
Start Reading Early
One academic habit you should develop as a fresher is reading consistently from the beginning of the semester.
University studying requires more than opening a textbook, reading through the pages, and closing it. You need to understand what you are learning, identify key concepts, test your understanding, and practise recalling what you’ve read.
Waiting until examinations are approaching before taking your studies seriously can make it difficult to cover your courses thoroughly.Instead, develop a routine that allows you to review what you learn regularly. After lectures, revisit your notes and identify areas you do not fully understand, ask questions or seek additional explanations on them.
You should also pay attention to how you study. Either you read alone, or you assimilate better while reading or groups, during the day, or during the night. Do not wait until examinations are approaching before you begin to take your studies seriously.
Take Care of Your Health and Well-Being
Adjusting to university life involves more than attending lectures, completing assignments, and preparing for examinations. You also need to take care of your physical and emotional well-being.
With new responsibilities and opportunities, it can be easy to neglect basic needs such as adequate sleep, regular meals, personal hygiene, and rest. Try to create habits that support your well-being. Eat regularly and healthy, drink enough water, get adequate sleep, and make time to rest between activities.
You should also pay attention to your emotional well-being. OAU can bring excitement, frustration, stress, loneliness, and tiredness. You should not handle everything alone. Speak with someone you trust or seek professional healthcare.
Learn to Manage Your Time
University life comes with many competing demands. You may have lectures to attend, assignments to complete, examinations to prepare for, social activities to participate in, and personal responsibilities to manage. Without proper planning, it can become difficult to determine what deserves your attention first. So, identify your priorities and be mindful of how you spend your free time.
Learn to Respond to Academic Difficulties and Unexpected Changes
Your university experience may not always go according to plan.
You may encounter a difficult course, receive a result below your expectations, struggle to understand a particular topic, or discover that a study method that worked for you before is no longer effective. When these situations arise, your response matters. Instead of immediately concluding that you are not capable of succeeding, take time to understand what went wrong and what you can do differently. Make adjustments where necessary, and seek help when a challenge becomes difficult to manage alone.
Conclusion
Gaining admission into OAU is an important milestone, but it is only the beginning of your university journey.
As you settle into campus life, you will have opportunities to learn, build relationships, develop new skills, and discover more about yourself. You will also encounter responsibilities and challenges that require patience, discipline, and a willingness to grow.
You do not need to have everything figured out from your first day on campus. What matters is your willingness to learn, make thoughtful decisions, seek guidance when necessary, and adjust as you gain experience.
Take your academics seriously, but remember that your university experience extends beyond the classroom. Be intentional about your relationships, manage your resources responsibly, care for your well-being, and make room for opportunities that align with your goals.
Welcome to OAU!