University is more than just an academic pursuit,it is a journey of transformation. Every freshman arrives on campus filled with excitement, dreams, and a mix of uncertainty. The transition from high school to university introduces newfound freedom, increased responsibility, academic challenges, and personal growth. By the time students reach their final year, they often look back and realize how much they have changed.
Beyond attending lectures and passing exams, university life imparts essential lessons that shape one’s future. As final-year students prepare to graduate, they carry with them valuable wisdom,things they wish they had known when they first started.
Mastering Time Management
For many freshmen, the first few months in university are a wake-up call. The structured schedules of high school disappear, replaced by an overwhelming level of freedom. Without proper time management, it is easy to miss deadlines, fall behind on coursework, and resort to last-minute cramming.
Olamilekan Omotosho, a final-year Business Administration student, recalls his struggles with time management in his first year:
"Back in high school, my parents and teachers reminded me about everything. But in university, no one tells you what to do. I used to procrastinate and then panic at the last minute. It wasn’t until my second year that I started using a planner and breaking tasks into smaller steps. That made all the difference."
By final year, students understand that effective time management reduces stress and enhances productivity. Using planners, setting reminders, and maintaining a structured routine helps balance academics, social life, and personal well-being.
Friendships Evolve Over Time
Many freshmen believe that the first group of friends they make in university will be their lifelong companions. While some friendships endure, others change as students discover new interests and grow individually.
"I met my best friend during fresher’s orientation, and we did everything together in the first year," says Okunubi Taofeeqat, a final-year Mass Communication student. "But as the years passed, we took different courses, joined different clubs, and had less time for each other. At first, it was difficult, but I learned that it's okay. Some friendships last, some don’t—that’s just part of life."
Final-year students often advise freshmen to be open to meeting new people. Joining clubs, attending events, and participating in group projects can lead to meaningful connections. Some of the strongest friendships form later in university when students have a clearer sense of their identity. However, they caution that friendships should never come at the expense of academic success.
Asking for Help is a Strength, Not a Weakness
One of the biggest challenges many students face is admitting when they need help. Whether struggling with a difficult course, mental health challenges, or financial stress, many freshmen hesitate to seek support.
"I failed a course in my first year because I was too afraid to ask questions," Omotosho recalls. "I didn’t want to look stupid, so I kept struggling alone. It wasn’t until I joined a study group and started asking my lecturers for help that I saw real improvement."
Universities offer academic support services, counseling, and mentorship programs, but students must take the initiative to seek assistance. By final year, most students realize that no one expects them to have all the answers and that seeking help is a smart strategy for overcoming challenges.
Prioritizing Health and Well-Being
With demanding schedules, many students neglect their physical and mental health. Skipping meals, consuming excessive caffeine, and sacrificing sleep in the name of academic success are common yet harmful practices.
"In my first year, I would stay up late studying, fueled by energy drinks, and barely got enough sleep," shares Mazeedah Olugbeja, a final-year Medical Laboratory Science student. "I got the good grades I worked for, but by my third year, I started experiencing stomach issues, constant headaches, and other health problems. That’s when I realized that taking care of myself was just as important as my academics."
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle,including proper nutrition, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and mental well-being is essential for sustaining energy and focus. Final-year students emphasize that prioritizing self-care prevents long-term health issues and enhances overall productivity.
Academic Success is More Than Just Grades
Many students enter university believing that high grades are the sole key to success. While academic performance is crucial, it is not the only factor that determines future opportunities.
"I spent my first two years focusing only on getting good grades," Taofeeqat admits. "I thought that was all that mattered until my third year when I started doing internships and gaining practical experience. That’s when I realized that real-world experience is just as valuable as a high CGPA."
Employers seek well-rounded graduates who possess practical skills, adaptability, and experience. Internships, volunteering, leadership roles, and networking provide career opportunities that a degree alone may not. Final-year students advise freshmen to complement academic excellence with extracurricular engagement and skill development.
Embracing Every Moment
Perhaps the most common reflection among final-year students is that university years pass by much faster than expected.
"When you're in your first year, four or five years seems like a long time," Olugbeja notes. "But before you know it, you're in your final year, wondering where the time went. I encourage freshmen to make memories, go on spontaneous trips, attend campus events, and fully embrace the experience."
While challenges and stress are inevitable, university life also offers moments of joy, lasting friendships, and unforgettable experiences.
A Journey of Growth and Transformation
From mastering time management to prioritizing health and gaining real-world experience, the lessons learned in university extend far beyond the classroom. Freshmen will face challenges, make mistakes, and grow in ways they never imagined. But by the time they reach their final year, they will look back with a sense of pride, knowing that every experience—good or bad—contributed to their personal and academic growth.
University is not just about earning a degree; it is about becoming a wiser, stronger, and more capable version of oneself. To every freshman stepping onto campus, the message from final-year students is clear: embrace the journey, learn from every experience, and make the most of these transformative years.
