Advice for Freshers from a 400-Level Student’s Experience: Gaining admission into the University is a great achievement no matter the course you choose to study. However, university life comes with different experiences for different students. The advice shared below is based on the personal experience of an anonymous 400-level student who has navigated both the academic and social realities of the institution. While individual experiences may differ, these insights are meant to guide freshers in making informed decisions during their time in the university.
1. Attend Classes and Lectures
Do not miss Classes/Lectures, Learning from your Lecturers are one of the basic activities from the university, but even if you miss class due to a valid reason class try to get the notebook audio note and importantly assignment from your colleague or course mate, but don’t skip class if possible. Some lecturers takes class attendance very seriously.
2. Avoid Dating for Now
For now, avoid dating. By the time you reach 300 level, suitors will start coming for that your babe, and she may leave you and marry. Apart from that, you will be the one doing her assignments and spending the small money your parents give you. That is not the kind of relationship you need.
Do not feel bad when female students ignore you and go for older men that come with cars. After graduation, you will become the older man with a car. Life is turn by turn.
3. Build a Strong CGPA Early
Try hard to build a good CGPA in your first year, at least 3.00. Once you get that foundation, double your hustle every year to improve it. It is easier to maintain a good CGPA than to repair a bad one.
4. Do Not Waste Money on “Miracle Tutorials”
Once you enter 100 level, many tutorial masters will come to your class to sell “miracle” textbooks and tutorials for one hard course. Do not waste your money. There are free PDF materials circulating everywhere. Just ask older students from your department or faculty.
If you are ever in doubt, ask yourself this question: why do they not go to 200 level and above classes to sell those tutorials?
5. Night Class Is Not for Everybody
If you can only study outside your room, it is okay to attend night classes, but go as a group. We live in dangerous times.
If you can study in your room, stay there and study. Do not go to night class to deceive yourself. Many people go there to sleep, wash cars for girls, and return with empty heads, thinking they impressed someone. At the end of the day, your result will speak.
6. Special Warning to Female Students
We live in dangerous times. Some guys will drive around with cars and ask you to enter. Do not enter. If you are planning to do hookup, end that thought now.
Many female students have lost their lives in the University, and people will talk about it for three days and move on. Be warned. Do not become a victim.
7. Always Do Your Assignments
Make sure you do all assignments. Sometimes, when students perform badly in exams, lecturers use assignments to patch results and reduce failure. If your assignment is missing, sorry, your name will be missing too.
8. Do Not Allow Carry Overs to Accumulate
If you have a carry over, register the course immediately and rewrite it. Do not allow carry overs to pile up, or you may end up spending an extra year in school.
9. Fellowship Is Good, But Academics Come First
When school starts, fellowship members will approach you to join. Once you join, tasks will start coming from them, some will tell you to come out every week for so-so-so things, if you will join just One Is Enough.
Always remember the main reason you came to school. If you graduate with a bad result, the fellowship will move on without you. Prioritise your academics before any fellowship or church. There is a reason.
10. Be Friends with Your Course Rep
Be a good friend with your course rep. E get why. Just friends I didn’t say in relationship.
11. Avoid Exam Malpractice at All Costs
Avoid exam malpractice by every means. If you are caught, you will fill an exam malpractice form. By the time Senate sits on your case, you may already be in 300 level, have paid school fees twice, and still get expelled.
Imagine getting expelled in 300 level for what you did in 100 level. Instead of malpractice, fail the course and rewrite it. You will not die, and you are not the first or last person to rewrite a course.
12. CBT Exams: Leave Your Phone at Home
When writing CBT exams at Nnamdi Azikiwe Library, leave your phone at home. Some people come there only to steal phones.
Others will tell you they can hold your phone for a small fee, then disappear with it. This happens every year. Be careful.
13. Stay Active on Your Class WhatsApp Group
Make sure you are always online on WhatsApp. Many students miss tests, practicals, and important information because they were offline when the message was dropped in the class WhatsApp group. Join Us on WhatsApp, for free updates and materials
14. Approach Your Lecturers When Confused
If you are confused about anything, feel free to approach your lecturers. They do not bite. University is not secondary school, and nobody will punish you for asking questions.
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Final Words
Congratulations on your admission and welcome to the University. I hope you have a wonderful stay and wish you success in your academic journey.
Remember, the University life on Campus comes with freedom, pressure, and many distractions. However, students who stay focused, attend classes, avoid unnecessary trouble, and prioritise their academics from the first year often graduate without regrets. These hard truths from a 400-level student are meant to guide freshers in making smart decisions early, avoiding common mistakes, and building a successful academic journey. If you apply these lessons, you will not only survive the University, you will finish strong. Remember this advice did not represent any Personal Institution or “Us” Campus Informant, we only share this because it might be useful. You are advised reflect on it with this conditions.
Credit:
Advice shared anonymously by a 400-level student of the University
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