Beyond Item 7: Making The Most Of Campus Events And Activities

By Bright Olayiwola.

Immediately there is an announcement that an event or a particular program is coming up, the next thing you hear is “Will there be Item 7?” Item 7 is a Nigerian term for the free food and drinks event organizers share in their programs. The question is: should we prioritise getting refreshments when we participate in activities or go for events? 

People, especially the student population in Nigerian universities, mostly believe that if food and drinks are not shared at an event, then the event is not worthwhile. This is one of the misconceptions about the purpose of campus events and activities, and in this article, we are going to explore the benefits and opportunities of campus events and activities beyond the free food and drinks. 

Some of the types of campus events and activities include academic conferences and seminars, cultural festivals and celebrations, sports and fitness events, club and organization meetings, volunteer and community service opportunities, career fairs, and job shadowing. All of these events, with whatever name they are tagged, have their benefits. 

One of the benefits of participating in these events and activities is the opportunity to network with peers, professors, and industry experts. An example that students of the University of Ibadan can relate to is the UI’SU Personality Lecture, where the students connect with industry experts and with their colleagues. This type of event sharpens your ability to communicate and interact with people, making you better than you were before going to the event. 

Campus events also help students build their skills and enhance their personal development. Activities such as  the SkillUp Initiative, where the student body, in partnership with skilled individuals and experts in different professions, train students in useful and transferable skills that will be useful in the progression of their career. Some of the popular skills like Graphic Design, Content Writing, and Public Speaking put students at an advantage when they try to get global opportunities. 

Events like the UI’SU, various halls of residence, faculties, and departments’ cultural nights enhance cultural enrichment and diversity. Students can showcase their cultural heritage and appreciate the culture of others, improving the dignity of cultural diversity. Some of the ways of showcasing their culture include the way they dress, what they eat, and the music they listen to. This can also help in unifying the student body. 

Events like career fairs and activities like internships and job shadowing will aid in career advancement and job opportunities. These events bring companies, employers, and corporate bodies to the student body, who are the future employees of these organisations. This can also make the student pitch their ideas and values and get internships and mentorship that will lead to the advancement of their career. 

To make the most of campus events and activities, students have to prepare to attend events outside of their comfort zone and also get involved in the planning and organization of events. This will improve their confidence and their ability to work with people to achieve set goals. Students should also prepare to take advantage of free resources and opportunities and use these events as opportunities to learn new skills. They should also endeavor to network and meet new people while prioritizing their self-care and avoid over-committing to prevent burnout and being exhausted. 

Some of the barriers that might prevent students from engaging in these activities or participating in these events include time constraints, where students complain of lack of time, especially as they are stuck between participating in these campus events and their academics. Students can, however, look for events that fit into their schedule instead of totally barring the idea of being at these events. 

Another barrier is financial constraints, where some events, both intellectual and social, ask for a certain amount of money that some students cannot afford. This set of students should not fret; instead, they should look for free or low-cost events that align with their interest. 

Lack of interest, shyness, or social anxiety is another barrier that prevents students from engaging in campus activities, and instead of wallowing in this reality, students are advised to start small and then gradually increase their involvement in these events. They can also invite their friends to go with them so they do not miss out on the benefits of participating in these activities and events. 

Students are to prioritise going to these events, especially those that align with their passion, interest, and career goals, irrespective of the status of the event in terms of availability of refreshment. Going for these events will improve the skills of the students, enhance their ability to connect with experts and their colleagues, and also expand their view of the world. The barriers notwithstanding, students are encouraged to go to these events and participate in the activities as much as their academics and health can allow.