VOX POP: STUDY SITUATION AMONG STUDENTS IN OBAFEMI AWOLOWO HALL

Grace Adepoju 

Every new session is earmarked with lectures, assignments, tests, and examinations, and all these things ultimately sum up one fact: it is time to hit the books!

Known for its standard of being the first and the best, the University of Ibadan is already three weeks deep into lectures. With this being the reality, it’s never too early for students to start reading, especially if bagging a first class is the goal.

One would expect libraries to be moderately empty, seeing as the semester is still in its early stages; however, this isn’t the case. Even among awoites, some can be found making good use of the reading room, burning the midnight candle, and in some cases, turning it into another bedroom.

Whatever the case might be, this writer met with some of the residents of Obafemi Awolowo Hall with questions about their study patterns and the challenges they face.

Adeola Oyedokun, a 300-level student of Psychology. 

I study better during the day when my roommates aren’t around. I study at night too. I mostly study in my room because I don’t feel too comfortable in the reading room. I also prefer to write out the course material in my notes by myself. I feel the materials might go to waste if I print them out because I don’t have anybody to pass them down to after the session.

Ajagbe Dolapo, a 100-level student of Environmental Health Science

I’m new here, but so far, classes have been fun and challenging. I have good lecturers, too. For studying, I prefer using my phone because it’s easier for me. I also jot too. It’s also challenging when there’s an electricity issue. I may want to read at a particular time, and my phone may be low or dead at the same time.

Favor Akinrotimi, Law Finalist

I prefer to study during the day in my room because it’s comfortable for me. I also print out my course material so I can scribble on it and highlight the main points. This is what forms my note for that particular course. If I study with my phone, it won’t be possible for me to scribble on it.

Muheebat Yusuf, a 300-level student of Special Education

I study in my room, because I’m used to it. I really don’t like the reading room but I sometimes go to the top most floor of the hostel to study in silence. I prefer to read using my phone and then jot things down. I might not read materials if I print them out, that’s just me. 

I’ve had challenges just depending on my phone to study because there was an exam period last session where I was almost helpless because there was no light to charge my phone and I had an exam the following day.

Damilola Alelumhe, Geography Finalist

There was a period when I wasn’t in Awo and I was coming from home. It wasn’t easy to study from home because I had to be involved in things at home. But in Awo, I was more focused because I was just fending for myself. I also prefer to read in my room, especially when I’m alone. I’m not saying that my roommates are noisy. For course materials, I prefer to print them out because reading from my phone is like a distraction to me. For example, imagine I’m scrolling down to the WPS app on my phone. I may just decide to quickly check something on WhatsApp, and I may end up wasting time watching a video or texting instead of reading.

Funmi Olabode, a 200-level student of Aquaculture

I study best at night and revise what I study during the day. Reading in a noisy place isn’t really my thing either. I like to read both from my phone and laptop and also print our materials. One challenge I faced last session was electricity in this AWO. I had five papers back-to-back in three days, and that was when the light in Awo decided to spoil. What saved me was that I had printed some of my course materials. If not, it wouldn’t have been funny. I could have read with my coursemates in the hostel, but that method doesn’t work for me; I hardly understand if I read that way. When I read on my phone or laptop, I don’t get distracted. I can say that this is a major shift for me, and it has helped me a lot.

Dear Awoites, these are just a few experiences and study patterns among many. One thing that never gets old is that experience is the best teacher. Find what works best for you and stick to it. May this semester go smoothly for you.