The Freshman’s Prospectus
Graduating from the university requires a lot of hard work and commitment. One has to read a lot, memorize definitions, prepare for tests and examinations, attend classes, make presentation and supplement them with prayers — for those who have faith in God.
No wonder many students go to the peak of merry making after their final examination. they party, sign-out on their shirts, organize dinner nights and take a lot of pictures, especially on their convocation day.
It’s relatively not an easy thing to do. Ask students who graduated without adding an extra year, one of them will definitely narrate to you a tragic story of how he narrowly escaped failing a core course he read almost every time.
However, everything worth doing is worth doing well. As a serious student who is mindful of his primary role and assignment in the university, below are some tips for your success.
Go to classes early and take a front seat
Most students like me find it difficult to stay in the front row in class. To some, it could be because of shyness while to some, it’s just the fear of being questioned by the lecturer. Experience has shown that sitting in the first four rows could be one of the ways to understand and remember what the lecturer has taught and this is justified by Dr. Rober Wallace. Most at times, “back-benchers” create a separate class and make fun while the lecture is in progress.
Develop the habit of Note Taking
Ever wondered why your high school teacher spent hours writing notes for you on the chalkboard and force you to submit for him to see? perhaps you don’t know it’s for future reference, for you have to something to prepare for examination and to develop the habit of writing.
Pay attention to the lecturer and take note of important points mentioned and stressed. This will help you a lot when preparing for tests and examinations. You can save yourself the rigour of going through sleepless nights, with your note, you just go straight to the point.
Ask questions when you don’t understand
It is often said that if one cannot be a knowledgeable person, one should be a questionnaire. You don’t have to taint your stay in class with a grin on your face when you don’t understand anything. Learn to ward-off shyness during lectures and ask questions when necessary. It will boost your confidence and it’s a preparation towards knowing how to speak in public.
Read before it leaves
Students often make mistakes of piling up notes for days, weeks and even months without reading them. Reading itself is life. Reading what you have been taught asap is like writing your name on a piece of rock with a knife . It stays there for a long time even with the scattering of dust by the wind, you will always see its traces when expunged.
Be consistent
Regular performance of an activity is the way to become proficient in it. If you are consistent with the aforementioned , with time, you will find them being part of you with an immense and huge positive change in your life as a student.
Never let anything come in between your plans
All the tips mentioned are rules you are setting aside for the accomplishment of your goals. In addition, create your own time table and set limit for everything with the exception of study. Understand that time is very important and with plans, you can manage time. You are in the university to study and achieve your goals, so do it well. Never let anything come in between your plans.
Pray
No matter what you do, remember that God has the knowledge about it. So pray to God to grant you retentive memory, wisdom to deal with all your affairs and patience to bear the trials in this world; for HE gives to whom HE wills HIS bounties.
