Stepping into the higher institution for the first time is a beautiful kind of chaos.

One minute you’re excited about freedom, the next minute you’re overwhelmed by registrations, classes, roommates, deadlines, and expectations.

If you’re reading this, you’ve likely just resumed, or you’re preparing to resume, and are wondering how to stay afloat academically and emotionally.

You’re not alone. Many first-year students struggle to find balance in their first semester, but with the right mindset, strategy, and support, you can not only survive but thrive.

At the end of this read, you will have a survival guide for winning in your first semester, both in class and in your mind.

1. Start With a Realistic Mindset

University or college is a different ball game from secondary school. The structure is less rigid.

Nobody monitors you daily, and the workload can feel heavier. One of the biggest emotional shocks is realizing that you're fully responsible for your life now. That’s why you need to:

• Expect challenges: Challenges are not to discourage you but to prepare you because it can NEVER get easier as you climb the ladder, and you can't afford to stop mid-way.

• Be open to growth: Don't be afraid of growth. Growth in this phase is unavoidable, so be open to growing academically, mentally, and socially.

“Oh, I think I can do all these except the part of being social. I am an introvert.” Well, the truth is that you won't achieve much in the university if you refuse to break that shell.

In subsequent posts, we'd share HOW TO BREAK THE INTROVERT SHELL to be able to achieve a lot of your dreams in the university.

• Embrace the learning curve. Mistakes will happen. Learn fast.

Don’t compare your start to someone else’s middle. Give yourself grace.

2. Create a Personal Study System Early

Academic survival begins with intentional planning.

We've shared tips on how to start early in our previous post. Click here to see

Those tips don't expire, and they're not just for JAMBITES either.

Alongside the ones listed below, those tips can serve as a great compass for your preparation for your first-semester exams.

Here’s how to build your system:

• Know your timetable: Once you get your lecture schedule, organize it in a way that helps you see your free time clearly.
• Block study time: Even if it's just 2 hours daily, create study sessions. It helps you avoid last-minute cramming.
• Batch study: Group similar courses together for a more efficient study experience.
• Use past questions: For most institutions, questions repeat in patterns. Leverage them! Past questions are not for use within 1 week or 1 month of exams.
• Ask seniors: They’ve walked the path. Don’t be shy to ask how to approach specific courses or lecturers.

Warning‼️

Don’t wait until test week to open your notes.

3. Attend Classes Religiously

While some institutions will require at least 70% attendance to let you sit for exams, others might not even take attendance, but still go to classes. Here’s why:

• Lecturers drop hints about exam questions.
• You'll understand better when someone teaches it in person.
• It builds your academic discipline and routine.
• You might get attendance bonuses in some courses.
• If you're a shy person or an introvert, attending classes also helps you gradually get comfortable in the new environment and recognize faces that may become future friends.

4. Master Emotional Balance

Your emotional health can deeply affect your academic life. Many students silently struggle with homesickness, anxiety, the pressure to fit in, or even imposter syndrome.

Homesickness is especially unavoidable if you are used to being around family or loved ones.

Even if you feel like school is an escape from so many home chores, you'll still feel homesick one day. And that's okay.

Here’s what to do:

• Check in regularly: A quick call or chat with family or a trusted friend can ease the loneliness or homesickness.
• Find your people: Look out for people with similar values. Join communities like campus fellowships, reading groups, or support groups.
• Journal: Writing down your thoughts can help you process your emotions and keep yourself in check.
• Rest well: Sleep is underrated but powerful for emotional and academic performance.
• Know what works for you: Don't go to night class because your friends are going. Know what works best for you. If you're a night owl, make the most of your daytime for studying.
• Seek help when needed: Don’t feel ashamed to ask for help from the school counsellor or a mentor.

This is why All About Admissions exists. We have ambassadors across various Nigerian institutions. By simply sending us a message, you can be connected to a mentor or counsellor who'd hold your hand and guide you through paths where you feel overwhelmed and get you out of depression.

Visit our home page to ASK A COUNSELOR.

5. Budget and Eat Well

This is very important because hunger can affect focus. So can poor financial planning.

Try:

• Having a daily/weekly budget. 
• Cooking if you can. It’s cheaper.
• Disciplining your cravings.
• Watching out for unnecessary subscriptions or spending sprees.

Remember: Good nutrition = better focus = better grades.

BONUS TIP

Use Digital Tools Wisely.

Being a student in this digital age is a blessing if you use your gadgets correctly.

Here are tools that help:

• Google Calendar/Notion/School Planner for organizing your week
• Grammarly for error-free assignments
• Google Drive to back up your notes and materials
• ChatGPT to get summaries, explanations, or ideas (not to cheat!). It is your assistant. Not your brains.
• Leverage tutorials and campus resources.

Also, join academic WhatsApp groups, school forums, and newsletters like  All About Admissions to stay updated.

 

FINAL THOUGHTS

Your first semester might come with newness and noise, but if you learn to manage your time, emotions, and priorities, it will become one of your best growth seasons.

You’re not alone.  

All About Admissions is here to walk with you.

You’ve got this, and we’ve got you!

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