Whether or not you made it to the school of your choice or your preferred programme of study, this is a great milestone to celebrate.  It’s interesting how we rejoice when we reach another level of freedom from Nursery, Kindergarten, Primary School, Junior High School, Senior High School and then to University. At the end of each stage, we feel as if we’re never opening a book in our lives. Lol. You’re always a fresher in the first year until you become a senior.  Let me just say this.  Congratulations, fresher, on your admission into the university or college.

You realize that the higher you go the more freedom you attain and I guess it is the freedom for many. In my opinion, freedom comes with responsibility. Depending on your background, “Deebee” or “Mamaba”, you may or may not have received lectures from your parents and guardians on campus life, especially destructions in your academics such as romantic relationships and friendships. If you managed to get there, by some means, all by yourself, my hugs go out to you. Never give up, now that you’ve come this far.

I may not be able to speak for every university schedule so this is general.

Generally, demand receipts for every transaction made with the school and make copies. Keep the original copies and only give out the photocopied ones, especially during the registration process.

Freshers, be mindful of these 10 tips:

1. Most freshers are naive.

Many freshmen are naive.  be conscious about your environment.  Read road maps and be familiar with the school’s website.  Ask staff if you have any inquiries pertaining to academics or any other thing.  Many students are also freshmen whom you don’t even know and some continuing students may miss direct you or take advantage of you especially if you’re a lady.

Are you religious? It may interest you to know that many fellowship groups will approach you to convince you to join them. Beware, not all of them are “human”. Hahaha haha, not to scare you (I’m more curious than the proverbial cat).

I remember in my first year, I was invited to a prayer meeting with other freshmen, where I was told that my destiny was linked to that of my friend, which I think is a total fallacy by the way.  That was the last time any of them heard from me.

A friend also invited me to his newly found religious “cult”, where they all dressed like Jesus and His 12 disciples, just how we usually imagine them to look or see them in pictures. They wore long, white long-sleeved dresses with bands around their heads. I had never seen such a thing in my life. How terrifying! I took to my heels and never looked back.

If you know people already in your denomination or fellowship on campus, I’ll advise you to contact them to assist you in that regard. Otherwise, join a denomination that is well established or where you feel comfortable within your spirit (as a Christian).

 

2. Some programmes are more demanding than others.

That does not make them better than the rest. Be ready to learn and unlearn certain perceptions about some programmes. In the typical African society, it’s always between the “professional “courses like medicine and law, and arts courses like music, theatre arts, sociology, just to mention a few. Some people select courses chosen for them by their parents, teachers or friends, others courses they have heard pays well. However, there are also those who may have discovered their passion at an early stage and decide to choose programmes that align with them. These people know what they want. So, never underestimate any student or programme of study.

3. Dear fresher, hook not thyself to campus trends at the expense of your academics or values.

You’ll meet people from different backgrounds. Don’t expect anyone to be like you. There are party animals, gays, bookworms, double standard or multiple personality types and all sorts of personalities.

Trend and tread with wisdom. Do not lose yourself and you’ll be a good example to others, without even knowing it.

Wear what you can afford, neatly, improve your style if you need to but don’t sway from your path. That should be the least of your worries.

 

4. Take advantage of workshops, seminars and extracurricular activities.

Success in life is not only about academics. A lot of these programmes are free, but freshers prefer whiling away time on social media, watching movies or chatting with friends.  These are not bad in themselves, but there’s time for everything.

If the themes for discussion are in line with your interests, I say, “go for it”, be it sports, debate clubs, etc. This is where you meet people from all works of life and learn different perspectives. Through these programmes, you may gain a deeper understanding of scholarship programmes, internship opportunities, exchange programmes, entrepreneurial skills and leadership training. Some may even come with certificates of participation and recommendations. You may even get clues on what you intend to research in your final year.

Where your grades may not be able to send you, who you know or your talent may pitch you.

Networking is very important.

 

5. Dear fresher, be security conscious.

Akan’s would say, “ma wani nna h)”.

Not everyone is a student or attends your school. Some people are self-acclaimed students, who have theft as their part-time or full-time jobs. Others are students alright but have theft as their hobby.

Lock your room and leave the key with the porter. Get to know the porters and cleaners, their names and shifts so they can help keep you safe. Beware of people who claim to help you with the registration processes. They may not be genuine and your personal data, signature or Personal Identification Number (PIN) (if this applies to you) may be used against you someday. Do not leave your room ajar or unlocked, even for a brief moment, especially when you’re alone. If there’s a temporary lock, use it. You don’t want your room ransacked and all your gadgets gone even before lectures begin.

In KNUST (Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology), our former Dean would always re-echo, “Walk in Holy pairs”.  Do not walk in dark places or follow strangers outside campus, especially when you’re not familiar with the terrain. You’re your best security.

6. It is less expensive to cook than to buy “check check” (junk food) every day.

 

This goes to both ladies and guys.

Kudos to you, if you have some basic kitchen skills. Aside from the financial downside, your health is paramount. Only healthy students are fit enough to study well.

 

7. Freshers and Finances.

For some freshers, this is actually the beginning of the future you’ve always dreamed of. The one in which you take charge of how to manage your finances. Do you have a bank account? How about a momo (mobile money) account (Ghanaian students), an investment plan, savings? Do you need a student loan now, or later?

Financial plan B? Plan everything; daily, weekly, monthly or quarterly. Whatever works for you. If you intend to work while schooling, plan. Don’t keep all your eggs in one basket.

 

8. Take advantage of the school’s counselling centre.

Talk to the school council or advisor if you need to change your programme for one reason or the other, to report cases of serial harassment or to help you establish a suitable career path.

Read also: 10 genuine free value-adding sites and books to download for a lifetime

9. Squeeze time to do nothing.

You don’t want to break down, so slow down!

Stare into space, or your ceiling and dream, just exist for a while, by yourself, doing nothing.

 

10. Study to grow, not just to “chew and pour” (learn, pass and forget) all the time.

This is common with many African students. It’s the reason why you’re in school and you’re expected to pass. Right from the first semester, you start building your grades. Some schools call it Great Point Average (GPA). Others, Cumulative Weighted Average (CWA). Even half a mark counts to making a first-class or at least a pass. Use a learning schedule that works for you. It is advisable to join or form a study group. Dates of mid-semester assessments and final exams change all the time. What you cannot cover on your own may be discussed by a colleague and that could make you emerge with distinction.

Homeschooling?

Read also: 14 Apps that Will Allow You to Study Productively at Home

What personally worked for me as a fresher was reading ahead of time and about 15 minutes after lectures. Do not copy directly from the Internet oo and without acknowledging the source. It’s called plagiarism.  Don’t worry if you don’t understand now. You’ll get to know the school rules and adjust with time. They’re extremely boring to read but you’ll be in serious trouble if you’re caught.

You cannot afford to be a “BBC” (Born Before Computer). If you’re not computer literate. Start practising now! ASAP especially in the first few days or weeks before serious lectures begin.

Try using the Mavis Beacon typing app to sharpen your typing skills. Of course, you need a laptop for that. Time and technology wait for no man.

You may probably be wondering why there isn’t much on romantic relationships, huh? Should you be in one as a fresher? All I know is, you can be in a romantic relationship. However, remember that whatever your choices, you’re totally responsible! Get your priorities right.  All the best in making the most of the semester, fresher.