Dear Freshers: How to Thrive at the University of Ibadan

Image credit: TheNewsGuru

Guess what? You are now a bonafide student of the University of Ibadan. It is not surprising, right? Maybe it still feels surreal. One minute you were pacing around during UTME, and the next, you are taking selfies at ICC and capturing all the excitement. Welcome.

First things first, breathe. The excitement, the confusion, and the rush of new faces are all part of the journey. But do not let yourself get overwhelmed or distracted from what matters most. This is your time—a time to grow, to explore, and to discover yourself.

The University of Ibadan is not just “first and best” on paper. It is a whole world of possibilities. Here, you will meet brilliant minds, encounter challenges that will shape you, and uncover things about yourself that high school never prepared you for. But let us not sugarcoat it. UI can be tough. The academic rigour, the bureaucracy of registration, and the occasional power cuts at crucial moments are all part of the experience. The key is to adapt. Find your rhythm, build a routine, and ask questions. Remember, no one expects you to have it all figured out.

Leverage this time to build your skills. Whether you are academically inclined or not, find something that excites you. If you know you are not an academic person, pursue what you love and explore your passions. Just do not forget that the primary reason you are here is academics. It is possible to balance both—develop your skills while excelling in your studies. You can do both.

Make friends and build genuine connections. Join student groups and talk to your lecturers. When things get overwhelming, take a walk. The campus is beautiful if you take the time to look. Also, there are many activities and events can cheer you up. Have you heard the biggest event in UI, Jawwar. It is early to start spilling.

Do not rush yourself by comparing with others, whether it is those who seem to live in the reading room or those who barely pick up a book. The important thing is to know yourself. Learn your own rhythm and walk confidently in it.

This ties into a powerful quote from Stephen Covey’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: “ Sow a thought, reap an action; sow an action, reap a habit; sow a habit, reap a character; sow a character, reap a destiny.” Your time here will be shaped by your thoughts, actions, and habits, and they will define who you become.

Dear fresher, this is your new beginning. Embrace it. Make mistakes that lead to growth. Learn fast. Above all, enjoy the ride. You will look back one day and realise this was where everything began.

Welcome to UI. Recte Sapere Fons, which translates to “To think straight is the fount of knowledge.”