EDUCATION

Best Study Tips for Freshers in Nigerian Polytechnics and Universities

Starting your academic journey in a Nigerian university or polytechnic can be exciting and challenging at the same time. The transition from secondary school to higher education comes with new responsibilities, different teaching methods, and the need for self-discipline. Many freshers struggle to keep up with lectures, assignments, and exams due to poor study habits.

To do well, you need the right approach to studying. This article provides useful tips to help you stay organized, retain information better, and perform well in your courses. Below are the best study tips for freshers in Nigerian polytechnics and universities.

1. Revise Your Notes After Lectures

One of the best study habits is to always cross-check your notes, handouts, and textbooks after lectures. When you get home, bring out your textbook, handout, or notes you jotted down in class and revise them. Give yourself tutorial questions and practice. This approach can help you perform excellently in your exams.

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2. Sit at the Front During Lectures

Sitting at the front during lectures helps you understand the subject better with fewer distractions. Some lecture halls are always overcrowded. Sitting at the front enhances your focus and makes revision easier when you get home.

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3. Make Use of the Library and Artificial Intelligence for Research

The library is meant for students. Whenever you are free, visit the library to study. The advantage is that there are no distractions. You can also use search engines like Google, Bing, and AI tools for research, assignments, and seminar reports. This will broaden your knowledge and improve your study habits.

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4. Discover When It’s Convenient for You to Study

Some students prefer studying at night, while others prefer studying during the day. As a fresher, figure out the best time for you and create a timetable.

When I was a freshman in the polytechnic, I preferred studying at night from 1 a.m. to 3 a.m., so I created a timetable and set my alarm for 12:30 a.m. This study habit really impacted my CGPA. To me, it felt like my consistent hard work paid off. Apart from reviewing my notes when I got home, I also made sure I studied at night. When exams approached, my notes felt like a revision guide, making it easier to assimilate. You can try this too—just find a time that works best for you.

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5. Attend a Tutorial Center

A tutorial center is another great option for students who want to acquire more knowledge and a deeper understanding of their courses. As a fresher, find a reliable tutorial center where you can gain in-depth knowledge about your subjects.

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6. Form a Study Group

If you aim for academic success, make friends with serious students who are passionate about their studies and form a study group. A group of two to four people is okay. Read together, practice tutorial questions, and evaluate each other’s performance. This study habit has helped many students, and adopting it can positively impact your academic performance.

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7. Do Your Assignments Yourself

Avoid copying from others. Do your assignments yourself and record your practical book independently. You can compare other students’ reports with yours, but avoid copying, as it makes you a lazy student. If you must refer to someone else’s work, add value to what you copy. The best study habit is ensuring that you do your assignments yourself without relying on others.

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8. Research

If you are confused about any topic, assignment, or practical question, use YouTube, search engines, and AI for research. This habit will help you prepare ahead and understand areas that your lecturer may not have covered in class.

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9. Avoid Distractions

Your phone can be a major distraction while studying, especially during revision or when practicing tutorial questions. Keep your phone at a distance or switch it off until you are done reading. This habit will enhance your focus, especially if you are addicted to social media.

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10. Make Use of Past Questions

One of the best study tips for freshers is using past questions. Although not all lecturers repeat past questions, solving them will help you prepare for exams and understand your courses better.

During my days as a student in the polytechnic, I never joked with past questions. In fact, I always got past questions within the first or second week of resumption. I made sure I solved all the questions and studied ahead. Eventually, I graduated with a good result without a single carryover in both my ND and HND. YOU CAN DO IT TOO.

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11. Pray

Above all, you still need to pray for God’s guidance. Do your best and leave the rest to God. Pray for wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. Ask God to guide you throughout your academic journey, and you will never regret doing so.

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12. Avoid Procrastination

Procrastination is a major waste of time. Many students fall into the trap of postponing their studies, only to rush when exams are near. This leads to stress, incomplete assignments, and poor performance. To overcome procrastination, set deadlines for assignments and stick to them, break large tasks into smaller, manageable steps. reward yourself after completing study goals to stay motivated. The earlier you start preparing for exams, the more confident you’ll be when the time comes.

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13. Take Breaks While Studying

Studying for long hours without breaks can lead to mental fatigue, making it harder to retain information. Short breaks allow your brain to rest and absorb what you’ve learned.

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