Surviving the New Session Amid Rigorous Academic Demands

By: Olubode Racheal & Iviero Blessing

As students return to campus following an extended academic break, particularly freshmen stepping into hostel life for the first time, adjusting to a new environment can be both exciting and challenging.

Good health and positive relationships are, however, very important to survive the new session. Get that Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) you aim for, partake in the activities you have planned, build your social life and achieve your business goals. As determined students, here are practical tips to help you navigate the session with ease and care.

Prioritize Personal Hygiene: Communal spaces such as toilets, kitchens, and bathrooms are hotspots for germs. Always wash your hands regularly, use disinfectants to clean your living area, and wear waterproof slippers in the bathroom to prevent slips and infections

Sleep well: Waking up early for 7 am classes can be a lot for you. You might even have classes the whole day with only two hours of break in-between. This may occur as many days as possible weekly. Therefore, try and get at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep daily. This helps with productivity and concentration. It also helps prevent health complications like severe headaches, itchy eyes and body pains.

Consume Healthy Meals: Eat healthy meals rich in fruits, whole grains, veggies, protein, and consume less sugar and junk. Hot or warm meals should also be taken to aid body heat.

Stay Hydrated: Have a reusable water bottle filled with water with you wherever you go. This helps you stay hydrated and flushes toxins out of your body. Always have a lip balm or moisturizer handy to prevent patches and dry lips.

Keep Toilets Clean and Safe: Toilets in public hostels can sometimes be unsanitary and even hazardous due to poor maintenance. Carry personal cleaning supplies such as disinfectants and toilet seat wipes. Only flush toilet paper to avoid plumbing issues, and always clean up after use. Report any broken facilities to the appropriate authorities for prompt repairs

Frequent Checkups: Furthermore, the human body reacts to change of environment regularly, and this might make you fall ill. Anytime you do, ensure you seek professional medical guidance for personalised recommendations and screenings. The Jaja University Health Centre provides medical services for students and it’s always opened to students anytime. Hostel life comes with academic pressures, noise, fluctuating weather, and lack of privacy. If you feel overwhelmed, take advantage of campus mental health services, engage in relaxing activities, and talk to trusted friends or roommates.

Extracurricular Activities: Engage in physical activities like exercise, meditation and journaling to manage stress and improve your physical and mental health.

Ensure Proper Ventilation: Whether you’re staying on or off campus, avoid stuffy rooms which lead to respiratory issues due to poor ventilation and stale air. Instead, open windows and doors regularly. You could also get a hand fan or a rechargeable fan. Do not cook in your room to prevent choky air, as this is also against the school regulations.

Control Rat and Bed Bug Infestation: The hostels are mostly filled with mosquitoes, bedbugs and cockroaches. Even though they’ve been fumigated, prepare to see some. You might even see rats too. Ensure you have a mosquito net, bed bug powder, cockroach powder and even rat poison. It’s never too late to get them from vendors, in case you forgot to bring some along. Store all food in sealed containers, cover cooked meals, and seal holes or entry points to discourage rodent access. Avoid areas already infested by bed bugs.

Practice General Safety and Health Awareness: Keep your valuables—like phones, laptops, and ID documents—locked up when you’re away. Be cautious with strangers, don’t share your room key, and ensure your room is secured at all times

Always Move On: Work on your level of perseverance and patience when you fail, while also keeping your goal in mind and working towards it. Do not dwell on these failures but see them as stepping stones to your future success.

Avoid Toxic Relationships: School life can be tough and you might easily feel lonely, it’s advisable to nurture relationships with friends and family for situations like this which are sure to occur. However, avoid people who insult or mock you as that can damage your emotional wellbeing.

Finally, build good relationships with your lecturers, seniors and classmates while also avoiding negative reputations. Also set clear boundaries to protect yourself emotionally and psychologically.

Also, stay updated with campus health guidelines regarding infectious diseases. Adjusting to hostel life may seem daunting, but with the right mindset and these safety practices, students can create a healthier, safer, and more comfortable living experience throughout the academic session.

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