Lessons I Learned in My First Year That Changed Everything: My first year in the university felt like stepping into a brand-new world. Before I gained admission, I used to imagine campus life as fun, freedom, food anywhere, and no parents telling me to wash plates. However, it didn’t take long for reality to humble me. In fact, the lessons I learned in 100 level changed how I think, how I study, and how I relate with people. So, if you are preparing for university life in Nigeria, let me share some things I wish someone told me earlier.
1. Freedom Can Be a Trap If You Don’t Control It
One thing many freshers enjoy is the freedom to decide when to sleep, when to read, or whether to attend class or not. At first, it looks interesting. I remember a friend skipping a chemistry practical because he felt “tired.” The lecturer didn’t scold him and some others too; but he then marked us absent. Two weeks later, he realized that particular attendance would determine our final grade. That was when his eyes open and he understands that freedom without discipline leads to failure silently.
Therefore, if you are entering 100 level, enjoy your freedom, but set limits. Decide your reading time, make a simple timetable, and stick to it. Otherwise, you may discover in 200 level that you are repeating courses you could have easily passed.
2. Not Every Friend You Make in 100 Level Is Truly Your Friend
University exposes you to different personalities—some helpful, some funny, and some dangerous. At the beginning, I wanted to be cool with everybody because I felt it would make life easier. Later, I learned that some people only come close when they need something from you: assignments, money, lecture notes, or your phone charger.
There was a guy on my street who always borrowed my laptop “to do assignments.” At first, I thought he was serious with schoolwork. But one night, I needed my laptop to submit an online quiz and he had gone out to the hostel to watch movies with it. I nearly missed the deadline. That night taught me that being kind to people should have a limit, also be kind to yourself, don’t accept to help someone with something you yourself needs, Unless you have an alternative, remember the main aim is the good grade. It will be a shame that what made you failed an assignment is something you have but you decided to gave it out to another student who made use of it and have a good grade while you failed.
Choose friends who encourage you to succeed, not those who slow you down. Real friends will push you to attend classes, read, and level up academically.
3. Lecturers Respect Students Who Respect Their Work
Before I entered campus, seniors warned me that lecturers were strict and wicked. But when I got in, I realized most lecturers only become harsh when students disrespect their effort. A simple greeting, buying the right textbook, or submitting assignments on time can save you a lot of stress.
One day, I visited my lecturer’s office to ask a question about an assignment. Surprisingly, instead of shouting, he explained everything quietly and that made me understand the topic we’ll and helped me score higher. That moment showed me that university lecturers are not your enemies; careless students are.
4. Reading Alone Won’t Save You—Smart Study Will
In secondary school, I used to read everything in the textbook like a storybook. But campus life is different. You can read day and night and still fail if you don’t read smartly. What helped me was understanding the lecturer’s pattern. Some want you to define every term, while others want real-life examples.
For instance, my sociology lecturer loved real-life situations. Instead of memorizing notes like a parrot, I studied how the topics applied to Nigerian society. My answers sounded natural, and guess what? I scored higher than many students who crammed entire pages.
The trick is simple: study past questions, understand the lecturer’s style, focus on important areas, and write in your own words.
5. Money Finishes Faster in School Than at Home
One shocking lesson I learned in 100 level is that money on campus behaves like airtime—if you don’t manage it, it disappears too fast. I wasted money on snacks, shawarma, photocopies I didn’t need, and unnecessary outings. Later, I realized that campus is designed to make you spend.
With time, I created simple rules: cooking instead of eating out every time, buying only what I needed, and going to market with my neighbour, this step helps me a lot, because I would buy things cheaper in the market than stores in the street. These little decisions helped me survive without begging like some students.
6. Confidence Opens Doors That Talent Can’t
Many opportunities on campus require confidence. Whether it is joining a debate team, contesting for a class position, talking to a lecturer, or participating in a presentation, confidence will push you forward. At first, I was shy, and I avoided speaking in class. But I lost marks during a group presentation because I refused to contribute verbally.
Later, I practiced speaking in front of my mirror, and I volunteered to talk during tutorials. Slowly, I improved, and that single change opened doors for leadership roles and connections that shaped my confidence and personality.
7. Your Faith, Values, and Principles Will Be Tested
University life gives you freedom, but that freedom will test your values. People will try to convince you to cheat in exams, join questionable groups, lie to lecturers, skip classes, or participate in activities that damage your reputation. I learned that only people with strong principles survive the pressure.
If you don’t stand for something, you will fall for anything. Make up your mind about the type of student you want to become and don’t compromise
Also Read:
- 10 Secrets for Freshers to Make Straight A’s in Higher Institution (Plus 2 Bonus Tips)
- 10 Common Mistakes Final Year Students Make and How to Avoid Them
- Top 10 Most Beautiful Universities in Nigeria (2025 Update)
Conclusion
Looking back, these lessons shaped my life beyond 100 level. University is not only a place to get a degree; it is a place to build character, friendships, discipline, confidence, and life skills. If you are preparing to gain admission, learn early. Don’t wait until your mistakes become your teacher.
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