You’ve made it to the gates of the first and best: the University of Ibadan. Not everyone gets this far, so before anything else, take a deep breath and allow yourself to be proud. You’ve earned your seat in this room where great minds have been hatched. This is the beginning of a journey that will stretch you, shape you, and surprise you in more ways than you can imagine.
But here’s the first truth you know: university, particularly the University of Ibadan, has no manual. There’s no one-size-fits-all style. There is no all-encompassing handbook. You won’t find a cheat sheet to life here. You will meet people who seem like they have it all figured out. Don’t be intimidated. You will also meet those who look lost; don’t judge, because sometimes, you will feel like that too. And that’s okay.
Dear Fresher, what you will become in the next four or five years is entirely in your hands. “First class begins with the first class”, may sound cliche but it is still true. You have to set your goals now and prepare to work towards them. Attend classes, avoid missing tests, struggle to be on the good side of your lecturers, and most importantly, stay updated; otherwise, your mates might just graduate and leave you behind.
Dear You, It’s not enough to just pass through school. Let school pass through you. Take advantage of every opportunity for growth. Don’t just attend lectures; join organizations that will open you up to parts of yourself you haven’t met yet. You can find information on available clubs and societies here. Try things. Explore. Learn. This place is a well; draw from it as much as you can.
Now, let’s talk about friends. You’ll meet all kinds of people. In Tatiana Manaois’ words, “People will find you, but they don’t define you, and you will find people, who help redesign you”. So, be mindful of your circle. Surround yourself with people who challenge you, support you, and remind you of who you are when you forget. Campus life is a maze, and connections matter, not just for what they can give you but for who you become through them.
Dear Fresher, Don’t follow the crowd. What works for others might not work for you. Some people are owls and can survive TDB (till daybreak), while some function better in the mornings. Some find fulfilment in coding; others in speaking or writing. Find what works for you—your study routine, your electives, your passions. In the end, it is not always about being the best in the room; it’s about becoming the best version of you.
If you are a religious person, stay grounded. It’s easy to drift here, to get caught in your current freedom and forget your roots. But your faith, whatever it may be, will be your anchor in moments of confusion or loneliness. Don’t be afraid to seek spaces that nurture your spirit. Find your comfort zone within the campus.
Above all, I hope you find yourself. Not the version others expect you to be, not the one curated for social media, but the raw, evolving, true you. University is more than academics; it’s a journey. Let it teach you, heal you, and stretch you.You’re not just here to earn a degree; you’re here to grow into yourself.
With love and hope,
Sakeenah Kareem
