By Chidinma Amadi
The day I got into the University, I imagined independence and freedom just like the ones in the movies. Through the years I spent in school, I got the chance to experience it myself in reality. From balancing lectures to managing finances, friends and exploring school life beyond academics.
One thing students may overlook is the thought of attending lectures is not a big deal. The truth is, some lecturers usually take their jobs seriously. Every word they speak cannot be compared to the materials and PDF sent on the class group chat. Sometimes, what usually comes out in the examination is what they said during lectures. While on the other side, some lecturers run by the motto of “teach yourself because you are already in the university—no longer in secondary school”.
In a bid to teach yourself and you don’t understand a particular course, seek help from top scholars in class or attend tutorials. Do not waste your time thinking you can do it all by yourself. Create a study timetable or a to-do list of how you plan your day. Things are always overwhelming for students in the University especially when you do not read on time. Consequently, this could lead to issues of stress, panic attacks during the time for exams or tests, causing one to break down and have low performances in the exams in general.
Also, managing your finances in school is very important to have the best experience. Some days may be bad while others may be good. To have that good life, do not spend money unnecessarily on things which are not important. If you are a student doing a part-time job or someone who takes an allowance from their parents, exercise the act of budgeting whereby you plan your expenses and the little money that is left for saving. This is to avoid starvation and to buy unplanned materials in school.
Furthermore, as students, having a good set of friends adds a plus for having a wonderful experience in school. Choosing the right friends will lead you in achieving your goals and providing you moral support in times of need. Also, in times of academic activity such as someone who you could look up to, forming study groups helps in achieving great success. Friendship in school is a form of networking because as humans, no one is an island. We need to associate with the right people because we do not know who will lead us to greatness.
To also experience school life more effectively is to explore it beyond academics. There is a saying “do not just pass through school, but let school pass through you”. There are quite a number of students who have different experiences whenever they graduate from University. While some had the toughest times, some just graduated with good grades and others made school a source of opportunities to display, learn and hone their skills. This includes participating in sports, leadership, business enterprises, and volunteering for events or a campus society.
Through all these, new skills are learnt. We are in a world where things have changed. Companies require experience to get a job and scholarships are awarded to skilled individuals.
Ultimately, navigating school life is not only about surviving but putting your best in whatever you do, such as mastering lecture patterns, managing your money, building the right friends and not missing out on experiences beyond the classroom. University years come with lessons to shape you. Do not just depend on your grades. Make it count.
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