By Olawale Ayodele
Hello
dear freshman, congratulations on your admission to this great citadel of
learning. It is with warm delight that I welcome you. May your stay on this
campus be absolutely fulfilling. I have no doubts that your mind is full of
questions, some of which you would asked returning undergraduates that are
around. Well, just in case you still some unanswered questions in your heart,
this article attempt to answer some of the questions that are frequently asked
by freshmen. If you are a returning undergraduate, you would have been asked
some of these questions. Getting the right answers to these questions can save
the freshmen a lot of stress.
1. SHOULD I GET ACCOMMODATION IN TOWN?
There are several reasons why you
may be considering accommodation in town.
Perhaps you were not given accommodation on campus or simply because you
think hostel accommodation is not conducive enough. As a freshman,
accommodation in town is not the best for you. This is so because you need to
familiarize yourself with the school environment. Also, when you are in town,
information and course materials cannot reach you quickly. Not only will you
have to spend extra money on transportation, you will also have to endure long
queues and at times rushing. Your movement is also restricted when you are in
town. Stay on campus and enjoy unrestricted movement all around the clock.
2. MUST I ATTEND ELECTIVE CLASSES?
Electives are a major requirement
for your graduation, though they do not add to your Cumulative Grade Point
Average (CGPA). So try your best to
attend the classes when they do not clash with your core courses. This will
save the stress of cramming one or two days to the exams. Also know that it is
not an impossible thing to fail an elective and that all elective registered
will appear on your transcripts (result).
3. HOW LONG SHOULD I READ?
When it comes to reading, it is
not the number of hours that matter but what you are actually able to
assimilate. The best way to understand what you are being taught is to read and
practice them the very day you were taught. Ask a friend for clarification and
consult textbooks for more explanation and exercises. Draw up a reading
timetable so as to track your performance and do away with various forms of
distractions when you read.
4. SHOULD I ATTEND TUTORIALS?
Tutorials are not meant to
replace your personal reading. I believe tutorials are especially meant for
those whose background in core subjects is not that sound. So check yourself to
see if you need one and when you register ensure that you are no merely wasting
your time and money. Be wise!
5. SHOULD I BUY NEW BOOKS OR MAKE
PHOTOCOPIES?
Before you buy a book, try to see
if you can get such book from a senior colleague. If you are unable to get then
you decide whether to buy or make a copy. Note that photocopies are uneasy to
read. So let them be your last option. If you have a personal computer, you can
source for various e-books some of which may not be available in the bookshop.
6. HOW CAN I GET SCHOLARSHIPS?
Most scholarships are applicable
to part 2 students and higher. You can, however, familiarize yourself with the
available scholarships by making notice boards, newspapers and the
Internet your best friends. And when you get the information, act very
fast. Don’t wait till the deadline. Also, avoid any scholarship asking you to
pay a certain amount of money whatsoever. Ensure that you apply for
scholarships yourself, never pay anyone to do it for you. No one can be so
concern as you. So be diligent!
7. DO I NEED TO CELEBRATE MY
MATRICULATION?
A lot of people place little or
no importance on matriculation. However, there can be no ending without a
beginning. In essence, the beginning as important as the end. So if you have
the means of celebrating go ahead and celebrate. Tell your family members to
come if they can spare the time. And why would you want to deny several
returning undergraduates who are willing to celebrate with you?
8. WHICH FELLOWSHIP SHOULD I ATTEND?
If you do not make a choice of a
fellowship to attend early, you may end up moving from one place to another.
Your relationship with God is a very important part of your life and the way
you handle it goes a long way in affecting other areas of your life. Choosing
the right fellowship for yourself will be a catalyst in strengthening your
relationship with God. You need a place where the Word of God is preached with
all sincerity, and place where you can serve and in which they care.
9. HOW OFTEN SHOULD I GO HOME?
Going home frequently can be a
distraction to your studies especially if you come from a far place. While those
who come from Ife or any other place in Osun state can manage to go home once
in a while, those whose come from Lagos and other far places should get this
out of their minds and should have whatever they need sent to them. During
semester breaks you can go home and do all you wish. Be focused!
10.
SHOULD
I JOIN SO, SO OR SO GROUP?
Joining a group or an
organization can be a great way for you utilize your skills and learn new ones.
For you to excel in your academics and also function well in such groups, you
have to be able to manage your time well. Do not be in a hurry to join a group
for now. Weigh your options considerably and if you find yourself in a group
that you don’t like or one that is not adding to you, do not hesitate to leave
such groups. The choice is always yours. So choose wisely!
GOT MORE QUESTIONS?
If you have other questions
burning in your heart, endeavor to keep asking until you get the right answers.
On facebook, you post your question on
La Charla Editorial Board Page (facebook.com/lacharlaeb)
and the Great Ife Student Union Group
or tweet your questions to me on twitter @lahwahleh.
I wish the very best of your stay
in OAU.
