Navigating through the second semester

Mahbubat Salaudeen

Following the resumption of the new semester to virtual classes, several students are already making their way back to school grounds. However, the date for physical resumption of schooling activities was further moved to March 20th after the postponement of the gubernatorial elections which was earlier scheduled to be held March 11th. For any undergraduate who is not new to the system, second semester in University of Ibadan has always been one laced with a series of activities including the highly anticipated debating competition, JawWar, Student Union elections and dinner parties across all hostels, faculties and departments and myriad of social events.

While some students, freshers particularly, may be oblivious to all the fun-filled events and excitement this semester holds, it could perhaps be the most distracting if one gets very immersed. There is no denying that the previous semester was over-bearing with academic workload and exams, however, because courses to be taken this present semester are between the range of 6 to 8 does not mean that there is enough time.

Soon, students will be faced with CGPA headache once first semester results are released. In fact, some students are already counting their losses or wins following the release of some GES results. However, it must be noted that the second semester has already begun and there are seven weeks left until examinations in May.

Speaking to a 200-level student from the department of Linguistics who chose to remain anonymous on how he intends to prepare for the present semester, he said, “First, I have decided to offload the stress from the previous semester and look forward to pulling through this semester as well. The little break we had was of little help considering the fact that I had to sort out things outside academics and study a few chapters of the courses I will be offering this semester. It has never been easy, but that is how it is. I plan on reading ahead as usual and perhaps forming a study group with some of my course mates – the serious ones, so we can help ourselves out with ideas and how best to prepare for tests and exams. I just hope things work out well.”

Another student in CLA 100 level also shared his plans for the second semester stating: “To be honest, I am just going to wing it like I did the previous semester, but I am planning to make my studies more social. These kinds of things are more fun when you do it with the right people. I also want to talk to more people as well.” 

In the wake of the second half of the 2021/22 session, this article aims at serving as a motivational guide to students of university of Ibadan on how to navigate their way through the ocean of activities this semester holds.

Strike a Balance

Before academic activities resume fully, it is advisable to figure out how to create a balance with school work, personal growth and anything else outside academics. Every semester, quite a number of students complain about how difficult it is to read ahead in preparation for impromptu tests, as well as focus on other non-academic related activities. As long as humans differ in behavior, attitudes and values, different things will continue to work for different people. One option is to draft out a plan on how you intend to ace your courses this semester and make a to-do list that is tilted towards helping you achieve those goals. As a student, whether as a politician or a core member of a social/religious group, it is academics first before any other thing. It is important to strike a balance between school work and any other activity.

Read Ahead

Few weeks before examinations and during the examination period, there is no denying that reading rooms, libraries and lecturer theatres within the University are always crowded, particularly at night with students doing TDB and MTN in preparations for their papers. During the previous semester, there was a rumour circulating that a number of students passed out in the middle of an examination. Many speculated that those students had read overnight in preparation for the paper which they could not complete after passing out. Whether or not the rumours are true, students have always been advised to avoid studying overnight at all cost. Because of this, it is crucial to read your courses ahead or perhaps be within the same pace as the lecturer. The latter might not really work considering the fact that some lecturers may decide not to take lectures but set test and examination questions which you must answer if you wish to pass the course. 
Additionally, the fact that second semester will be choked up with activities, lecturers and professors may be occupied with meetings and other activities which leaves you with covering course materials yourself so you not only need to act fast but act smart as well.

Join study groups

While you may have been aware, joining a study group(s) won’t be a bad idea if done with the right set of people. As the anonymous sources mentioned, by studying with a number of people with whom your goals align with, you will be able to gain ideas and comprehend course materials effectively while making contributions as well. However, if studying with others does not suit your fancy, you may as well practice what works best for you, as long as you are able to internalize the contents of the materials. 

Rest as a survival value

As the famous saying goes, “work without play makes Jack a dull boy”. While many may beg to differ that such phrase is not applicable to Uites, it is important to get some rest when necessary. It becomes difficult to comprehend when one refuses to rest for the right number of hours. Resting could be done in a number of ways including listening to music, taking a nap, eating, taking a walk and the list goes on. Also, to make the reading process easier, try studying using spaced study sessions where you learn small amounts on a daily basis instead of cramming.

Takeaway

Second semester in University of Ibadan is one swamped with a series of activities, both academic and non-school related. With some students already studying overnight at Kenneth Dike Library, one can tell that they know better than to hang around until physical classes commence. It is crucial to avoid everything that is likely to derail your academic sojourn and most importantly, it is necessary to attend to matters based on importance and urgency. Physical resumption is only a few days away, and time does not stop ticking.