Introduction
It is not uncommon for freshmen to be carried away by the ‘NOW AM FREE’ feeling upon admission into University. It is also not rare for one to be worn down by the challenges that the new environment presents.
Hence there is a need for a guide to prepare prospective students/undergraduates adequately for the University career.
Such an appropriate guide is the Students’ Survival Kit, which will not only prepare one for the several challenges ahead but also, serve as a reference material throughout one’s period of study.
Made up of 14 chapters, Students’ Survival Kit is written in simple English and is presented in an easy to read format, it goes a mile further to share with the reader some of the author’s experiences (and those of some other freshmen).
The book has at its core the following objectives:
Objectives:
• To introduce a typical FRESHMAN/FRESHER to the University environment and culture
• To provide tips for good academic performance of students
• To promote a vibrant and non-violent campus culture on all university campuses in Nigeria
• To empower students, to know their rights and duties and learn how to pursue these rights without violence.
• To express the community and larger societies’ expectation of the students and to
• Generally, help students overcome the challenges of CAMPUS life.
The Book at a Glance
The book ddresses the basic needs and challenges of the average freshman as follows:
FOREWORD: Dr. Mrs. E. A. Ogunsanya
Director, Prof. Olubi Sodipo Counseling centre at the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye, Ogun State, Nigeria.
Chapter 1: The University in Nigeria
The book opens with a brief but concise description of the evolution of the university system of tertiary education in Nigeria.
Chapter2: University administration
A detailed description of officers and processes that ensures the smooth running of the university
Chapter 3: Important terms
There are several jargons that stare a new comer in the face upon arrival at the university and in this chapter I attempt an explanation of all of such terms and by so doing introduce the typical reader to the university. The chapter closes with a tale of my confusion with some of these terms when I arrived at the university newly.
Chapter 4: Personal study habits
In this chapter I introduce and describe my adaptation of the traditional SQ3R method of studying, favored by educators and educational psychologists the world over.
In line with my general objective of presenting contents in sizeable chunks the chapter is divided into 3 Units thus:
Unit 1: Guidelines to effective personal study(an adaptation of the traditional SQ3R reading method)
Unit 2: The traditional SQ3R reading method
Unit 3: Taking notes from a text book.
Chapter 5: Tips for studying in groups (group dynamics)
Having noted that it is common for students to study and undertake several academic activities in groups, I have in this chapter shared my experiences on what makes such endeavors a success. The chapter is broken into two sizable chunks thus:
Unit 1: General tit bits
Unit 2: Factors that contribute to a good study group.
Chapter 6: Location of study
In this chapter I dwell on factors that affect the location of one’s study such that studying there can be a delightful and exciting experience. I also highlighted the need to use the Library and emphasized the role of proper conduct in using the library and library resources.
This chapter is divided into two units thus:
Unit 1: The essentials
Unit 2: Using the Library.
Chapter7: Time management and Study
Here I explained the fundamental fact that time is a limited resource that must be put into meaningful use for any one to achieve success in any endeavor.
I described my experiences at arriving at time schedules each semester to allow for a productive time (and indeed other resources).
I also expressed the need to prioritize and shared tips I have found useful in arriving at an effective personal time plan.
Chapter 8: Taking Examinations
Examinations are probably the scariest events on campus. They need not be though.
In this chapter I suggested tips for preparing for and passing examinations.
I also examined the several erroneous approaches to examinations, popular amongst students with a view to discourage those practices.
Chapter 9: Calculating your G.P.A. and C.G.P.A
Here I disclosed the rudiments of calculating the GPA and the CGPA.
I disclosed the relation of these measuring tools to the final grade of degree obtainable in the university-so students can monitor their academic standing as they progress in their study.
Chapter10: Managing your finances
This chapter exposes the typical freshman to some of the financial commitments and traps on the university campus viz:
Unit 1: Meeting living costs
Unit 2: The habit of saving
Unit 3: Raising extra cash
Chapter 11: Managing your health
How do I handle ailments?
Where do I go to get medical attention?
What do I do to prevent me from taking ill?
I attempted to answer these and many other questions relating to an undergraduates health issues.
I close the chapter with a story from my early days in the university that chronicles the need to report sickness to the right authorities.
Chapter 12: Socials
Described the social setting of the university and I identified the need for moderation.
This chapter is broken into sizable units thus:
Unit 1: The SUG and other associations
Unit 2: Clubs and partying
Unit 3: On dressing well
Chapter 13: Cultism
Cultism -the ugly evil- on campus is stripped and the activities and methods of its perpetrators exposed so as to help freshmen avoid these nefarious groups and thus not get tangled in the messy cobweb of failure that cultism is.
Chapter 14: The final word; a series of general advice for the “freshman” and “stalite” alike, further marshalling the overall aims of the book.
Conclusion
The book priced at five hundred naira (N500) is available in selected book stores in Nigeria, and will be available online soon.
For a list of locations where it can be purchased, send an eMail with the title: Where Can I buy, to ask@thestudentsurvivalkit.com.
I am convinced that the future is ours, let us approach it prepared.
Oluwakorede Asuni
