EDUCATION

How Freshers Can Prepare for Their First Semester Examination: 10 Tips

The foundation of a building determines how long it will last. In a polytechnic or university, your first semester examination is very important, as it determines your CGPA, which in turn shapes your academic career. In this article, we will provide valuable tips to help you prepare for your first semester examination as a fresher in Nigeria.

1. Start Preparing from Day One

Do not wait until a few weeks or days before the examination to begin your preparation. Start preparing from the very day you resume school. Remember, proper preparation prevents poor performance.

ALSO READ: Best Side Hustles for Ex-Corps Members

2. Prepare a Timetable

Draft a reading timetable for yourself and stick to it. For example, you can choose to study two courses per day after lectures. This is a great way to prepare ahead of your first semester examination. If the total number of courses for the semester is nine, you can decide to study two courses daily for two hours. When the examination finally comes, it will be easier for you to assimilate, which can contribute to excellent performance.

ALSO READ: How to Get Funding for Your Business After NYSC

3. Study Past Questions

Some lecturers love to repeat past questions, so reviewing them can be a good way to prepare for the first semester examination. Engage with senior students and gather past questions from the last three academic sessions. Solve them and study ahead. If you find some questions difficult, reach out to classmates who can help.

ALSO READ: Best Courses to Study After NYSC for High-Paying Jobs

4. Form a Study Group

A tree can’t make a forest. Forming a study group is another way to prepare for your first semester examination. Just make sure the students in the group are serious and share the same academic ambition as you.

Study together, ask questions, solve problems, and review past questions as a team. Group study was very helpful for me when I was in school. Some of my coursemates who were better in certain courses explained difficult areas to me, and in return, I helped them with courses I was good at. It’s like “iron sharpens iron.” When the results came out, I was so happy because all the hard work paid off.

When forming a study group, keep it small—two or three students who share the same interests and ambitions. One major advantage of group reading is that your friends can keep you awake and challenge you to be more serious with your studies.

ALSO READ: Online Business Opportunities After NYSC

5. Attend Tutorials

Many groups organize tutorials for students on campus. While some are paid sessions, others are free. Start by making inquiries about available tutorials for your course and take advantage of them, especially for subjects you find difficult. This can help you prepare ahead of the examination.

ALSO READ: How to Start a Business After NYSC with Little Capital

6. Embrace Night Study

Night study has many advantages, especially for students who prefer to study alone. The main benefits of studying at night include fewer distractions, a quieter environment, enhanced concentration, increased creativity, and fewer interruptions from social activities, allowing for deeper immersion in your studies. However, it’s important to get enough sleep to maintain optimal cognitive function.

If you wish to embrace night study, discipline yourself to stick to your alarm. Although it is not easy to fight sleep, staying consistent will help you adjust. Set an alarm—whether to study before sleeping or to wake up at night. If you follow this tip effectively, it will help you prepare well ahead of the examination.

ALSO READ: Profitable Business Ideas After NYSC in Nigeria

7. Complete Your Registration on Time

Registration procedures can be stressful, especially for freshers who have many files to submit and documents to sign. To avoid distractions, complete your registration formalities on time, including paying school fees, course registration, file submission, and printing necessary documents. Getting these things done early will help you focus on studying when the examination approaches.

ALSO READ: Remote Jobs for Ex-NYSC Members: Opportunities and How to Get Started

8. Prepare for Tests Like You Would for an Exam

Your first semester tests are just as important as your final exams. Whenever a lecturer announces a test, prepare for it seriously and do your best. Your continuous assessment (C.A.) could carry 20–40 marks, so don’t take it lightly.

9. Stay Away from Distractions

Social media, television, and unnecessary phone usage can waste valuable study time. Staying focused requires discipline.

ALSO READ: High-Paying Jobs After NYSC in Nigeria

10. Organize Study Materials

Before starting your preparation, gather all necessary resources. Arrange your lecture notes, textbooks, handouts, and reference materials properly. Having everything in one place saves time and helps you avoid last-minute panic.