Campus Connect Engagement Contest Week 3 - My Experience On Campus As A New Student In My University || by @Sahmie; 10% to campusconnectng

Designed using Pixellab.

Hello everyone, greetings to you from my side of the world.

THE FIRST-DAY EXPERIENCE

My introductory days at school were an entirely new adventure for me. This was because the atmosphere was entirely different from my college days. But what can I say, I've always been the Explorer.

My University Gate Niger Delta University (NDU)

However, that faithful opened a new door to unknown events and resorts. Much like any young adult (or should I say Teenager), I was a little bit terrified and kind of ruined the memory feeling of the first day in school, but in the end, it was something to recall.

@Sahmie

Since I couldn't afford a room of-campus, I had the privilege to live among guys my age and older on campus. The campus is a very different feeling from home, but I didn't feel homesick or lonely as I was coming from a boarding school besides, my home was just a 40-50 minutes drive from school.

MEMORY LANE

Just like every University in Nigeria, mine came with its scary details, but despised all the scary details I heard about student life in the university, I was positive that my experience would be different.
But like every other thought I had, this feeling of excitement and positivity disappeared when I found out that;

• I have to share a room (designed to fit 4 people) with 3 others.

• The water I'm to shower with looked oil-stained (still begging my white towel for forgiveness).

• I have to attend classes with hundreds of other students in a single room with no electricity (mind you, the classroom can barely contain a hundred students). So it's either you come early or sit on the floor or stay out.

• I have to cover miles on foot in between classes for lessons.

• Lecturers threatened to fail us more than they encouraged us to succeed in exams (some even called us blocked heads).

By my third year in a four-year course, it has already been four years in school for me as ASUU (Academic Staff Union of University) went on industrial strike action for a whole year.

E SHOCK YOU, BAH?? (Are you surprised?)

LIGHT ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE TUNNEL

Amongst the struggling, hustling and bubbling I was lucky enough to meet some people who became not only friends but family. Isn't that the secondary reason for going to university, meeting and making lifelong friends?

From my third year in school, I left the campus and was residing with a friend (Sir P), whom I met at the university, my coursemate and partner in crime as they called us "THE MOST UNSERIOUS" set of students as we tend not to show seriousness.

Sir P (left) and @Sahmie (right)

And it was indeed a joyful moment when we finally graduated from the University together with flying colours to the surprise of many. That joy was rightly captured for your viewing pleasure.

CONCLUSION

As much as my first day and impressions at the university weren't pleasant. It fills me with pride and joy when I look back and share my experience with others. I feel my friends helped me become convinced in myself, which ultimately shaped the rest of my years there. I may not be proud of the institution, but I’m proud of myself and those people around me for helping each other pull through despite the challenges. Thus, it was indeed an unforgettable experience for me.

I wish to invite @kinase, @five5 and @yangitu99, and any other persons who would like to participate too to CLICK HERE for instructions.

THANK YOU ALL!!!

NOTE: Always have a smile on your face, as you are never fully dressed without one.