OBINRIN: 5 THINGS YOU’LL NEED THIS SEMESTER

By: Ajayi Deborah

It’s old news that the University of Ibadan has resumed a new semester. Yesterday, someone told me that we are currently in the sixth week or something. I just laughed in Spanish but honestly, I’ve lost track of time. How did time fly so fast? I even know some daring Awoites who resumed in the fifth week but because I’m a peaceful woman, I won’t be dropping names.

Anyways, that’s not what I’m here for. We at Awo Hall Press came late to the party and we thought to share some tips as we get into the thick of this semester. We’ll be giving you these essential tips for free. And no, you don’t need to thank us” – that’s why we are here.

Before we begin, kindly scrap out that Golden Morn that is topping your list abeg, don’t be a baby.

1) CASH

Siri play me “billionaire onye ji cash”.

Yes o, cash is that important. Note how I said cash, not money. Money is important, but cash is importanter. Now that the naira notes are slowly coming out of hiding, be wise and have cash, lots and lots of cash. I don’t have to tell you the repercussions of being empty handed. Remember the bounced transfers, the POS charges, the long hours at the bank. A word is enough for the wise. You won’t say I didn’t do anything for you

2) SUNGLASSES AND UMBRELLAS

With all this cash wahala going on, even the sun is angry. Haven’t you noticed how the sun in UI heats differently these days (Pun intended)? Even when the sun decides to take a break, the rain makes an appearance. Broke Awoites have it bad during this season. I mean, no money for maruwa means that you have to trek under this unmerciful sun to and fro your hostel. Imagine the agony of Vet Med and Pharmacy students. Sorry, don’t cry!

So, kindly get your sunglasses and umbrellas. They are as important as your power bank and phone charger. Besides, your pretty skin doesn’t deserve to be stressed this year. Remember #skingoals2023.

3.) BICYCLES

Waitttt, before you remove my head, listen to what I have to say. Yesterday, a fellow Awoite reminded me of how we wanted to bring our bicycles with us when we first resumed as freshers but thought it useless. We both laughed about it then, but now I can’t help but imagine if we had actually brought it. Maybe we wouldn’t be suffering half as much as we are now. Obviously we couldn’t have foreseen transport becoming expensive and the whole cash situation but at least we would had our bikes and be slightly better than people using their leggedisbenz.

Anyways, my advice, get a bicycle before it’s too late, especially since you don’t have a rich boyfriend with a car (bombastic side eye).

4.) BRAND NEW SHOES

You’re probably wondering which money you would use to get brand new shoes. But you see for some awoites, trekking this semester is unavoidable and there’s just nothing you can do about it. Sandra, that your sandal cannot help you this semester oh. We don’t know where you’ll find new shoes and our own is to just advice you. All we know is the one you have right now will eventually wear out and having extra one would come in handy. It’s just a suggestion sha, you can choose to take it or leave it.

5.) EARPIECE, HEADPHONES OR AIRBUDS

You can have one or all of the above, depending on your bank account. The reason is simple; school campus is slowly becoming the hub for upcoming politicians and unsolicited campaigning. So if you’re heading back from class or you want to go for peaceful stroll around school free from disturbance put on your preferred accessory and play music on the loudest. Trust me, no one will disturb you. Except the really insistent ones. At least, for most of your trek, it would be you and Davido’s Timeless

Lastly, PRIORITIZE YOUR HAPPINESS

This one is just bonus tip. I beseech you therefore, sisters to be merciful to yourselves. This semester, maintain the mindset that you refuse to be stressed by anything or anyone because the theme of your life is no wahalur. Let no one stress you, not your roommate, not your course mate, not even any porter (we did not send you work oh). Most importantly, don’t let any son of Adam stress you!