University Student to University Student:

You’re welcome in advance

Written by Miriam Onyemenam

Being a university student is a wild ride. One minute you\’re struggling to make your 8 am class, the next, you\’re making life-changing decisions about your future (or at least trying to). But aside from the academic grind, there’s a lot no one tells you about uni life—things that could save you a lot of stress and regrets. So, from one student to another, here are ten insider tips to help you navigate the chaos and make the most of your university years.

1. Never Date Your Coursemate

Let me say it again for the people at the back: NEVER DATE YOUR COURSEMATE. No matter how tempting it seems, dating your coursemate can turn awkward real quick. If things go south (and they often do), you\’re stuck seeing them in lectures, ending up in the same project groups, and other nosy coursemates will keep asking you stupid questions. For the sake of your mental health, spare yourself the drama and find love outside your department, or even your faculty. Or better yet, outside your school.

2. Choose Electives Based on the Lecturer, Not the Course

Forget how easy the course sounds. None of that matters if the lecturer has a reputation for being a devil incarnate. Before choosing a course, you want to know whether the lecturer is notorious for hard exams, strict grading, or handing out unnecessary assignments. The easiest course can become a nightmare with the wrong lecturer, so do your homework on them first.

3. Let Your Department Lecturers Know You

You don’t have to be a teacher’s pet, but it doesn’t hurt if your lecturers at least know you exist. In uni, anything can happen. If you have a setback (a missing script or a missed deadline, for example) at any point, your lecturers will most likely take up your case if they know who you are. So try not to be a stranger. Attend classes as regularly as possible, help the lecturers with their bags, greet them if you see them somewhere outside the lecture hall, and do any other thing that could make a good impression.

4. Befriend Seniors In Your Department

Have you ever finished reading for an exam and when it was time to solve past questions, you realize you\’re just discovering new topics? If this has ever happened to you, you’ll understand why having higher-level guys is important. They’ll let you know the kind of lecturers you\’re dealing with–whether they usually set exam questions from their notes, or the textbook or slides. Or whether they take attendance seriously or not. Plus, they can always help you in areas where you’re having issues.

TFS can be your senior comrade. We\’ve been doing this university p for a few years now and we have past questions for you. Follow us on Instagram and tiktok, thanks.

5. Don’t Be the First to Pay For Anything

Patience is a virtue, especially when it comes to paying for stuff in school. If you’re quick to pay your dues whenever they’re announced, you might end up shooting yourself in the leg later. Why? Because there’s always that one person who will complain about how expensive it is, and suddenly, the price magically drops. Or worse, they decide to scrap the whole thing entirely, and now you’re sitting there with no refund in sight. Save yourself the headache, and wait it out. Let others test the waters first.

But hey, there’s something you should be the first to do: get updates on our latest newsletter content!

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6. Have Fun Now, Because Graduate Life is Boring

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but this is your fun phase. After university, nothing for you. If you’re not facing the trials and tribulations of NYSC, you’ll be applying for jobs or trying to find your footing in a whole new phase of your life. So attend those parties and spontaneous hangouts, make ridiculous memories, and your twenties will thank you for it. You’ll miss the freedom of being able to hang out on a random Wednesday night in February when you’re knee-deep in your 9-5 grind later.

7. Don’t Overhype University Parties

Not to be contradictory, but university parties are either all that or not that at all. There’s no in-between. I’m not saying don’t go,–cause hello, make memories–I’m just saying manage your expectations. The party promos may make them sound like the best thing after sliced bread, but they could end up being overcrowded, and sweaty, and the DJ’s “fire playlist” might not live up to the hype. The “most unforgettable night ever” and “first of its kind” may end up being 3 hours you wish you spent in your house. So, attend parties but keep your expectations neutral.

8. Don\’t Read Overnight Because Others Are Doing It

There’s something about seeing other people head to the library at midnight that makes you feel like you’re not doing enough, even when you know deep down you’ve already done your best. But let me tell you: overnight reading isn’t for everyone. Some people thrive on the adrenaline, but if you’re the type who falls asleep after 30 minutes or starts scrolling through TikTok “for just five minutes,” then you’re better off studying during the day. Sleep is essential. There’s no award for who stayed up the longest without passing out. Know your rhythm and stick to it.

9. Your 100-Level CGPA Matters Like Mad

They always say, “Start strong,” and I’m not even going to lie to you, they’re absolutely right. Your 100-level CGPA is the foundation, and if you mess it up, trying to bring it back up in later years is going to be harder than you think. You’re better off maintaining a high CGPA from the beginning than trying to salvage it when you’re already deep into your courses. So, don’t take your first year lightly. Those “easy” GST/GNS courses can make or break you. Plus, you’ll thank yourself later when the stress piles on, and your GPA cushion is there to soften the blow.

10. Grab Every Chance to Promote What You Do

University is one of the best places to market yourself without trying too hard. Whether you’re a writer, graphic designer, content creator, photographer, or you sell homemade pastries, there’s always someone around who might need your skills. Don’t be shy about mentioning what you do in casual conversations, at events, or even in school groups. You never know when a simple plug could turn into a long-term client or a long string of referrals.

If you found this article helpful, don’t keep it to yourself. Share it with your friends, and let’s make uni life just a little bit easier for everyone.

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