Lost in the Web: Navigating the Balance between Academics and Social Life

 

By Sanni Juliet Oluwadarapupo

There’s a saying that goes, “Don’t just pass through school; let the school pass through you.” But how well do we understand and apply this wisdom? For Mary, a 100-level student at the University of Ibadan, navigating this principle seems daunting. Now in the second semester of her first year, she finds herself overwhelmed by school activities, academic responsibilities, and social events. Lost and confused, Mary represents the plight of many freshers trying to balance their newfound freedom with the demands of university life.

Second semesters in Nigerian universities are notoriously jam-packed with activities. At the University of Ibadan, the semester has birthed numerous social events, with many more in the pipeline. Everywhere you turn, it seems the streets are plastered with posters advertising galas, concerts, dinners, symposiums, and other vibrant gatherings. WhatsApp groups buzz incessantly with flyers, countdowns, and announcements. As much as these events add colour to campus life, they can quickly become overwhelming for students who are still trying to find their footing.

For stallites, this chaos has become routine. They have learned how to navigate the web of social and academic demands. But for freshers, the explosion of freedom can be disorienting. Mary is grappling with how to balance these distractions with her primary reason for being in school: her academics. She finds herself caught in a tug-of-war between social engagement and academic diligence.

University life is a unique blend of freedom and responsibility. For many freshers, this is their first taste of life without constant supervision. The allure of freedom can be intoxicating—late-night parties, impromptu trips to town, and endless hours of socialising. But is this freedom truly liberating, or does it risk entangling students in a web of poor choices and academic failure?

Social events are not inherently detrimental to academic success. They serve a valuable purpose: they create opportunities for students to unwind, build networks, and develop interpersonal skills. “Yes, this semester is packed with several activities, but you have to know what you’re doing,” advises Precious Adejumo, a 200-level Microbiology student. Her words reflect the reality that while social events are beneficial, they require careful regulation.

The problem arises when students, particularly freshers, lack the self-discipline to manage their time effectively. The unmonitored freedom of university life can become a double-edged sword. It’s easy to get swept away in the euphoria of socialising, only to realise too late that your academic performance is suffering. “You just have to know your priorities,” says another student who chose to remain anonymous. “If you’re someone who can do both perfectly well, then go for it.”

But let’s be realistic: how many students can juggle both without compromise? The temptation to party endlessly can be irresistible, especially when it feels like everyone is doing the same. For some, the fear of missing out (FOMO) drives them to attend every event, often at the expense of study time and sleep. The result is a vicious cycle of exhaustion, missed deadlines, and poor grades.

Mary’s experience highlights the importance of learning self-regulation early. It’s not about avoiding social events altogether, but rather, it is about setting boundaries and understanding one’s limits. Social events can be an excellent avenue for networking, meeting like-minded people, and even discovering new passions. However unchecked participation can lead to burnout or worse, academic probation.

One key to thriving in this environment is time management. Students must learn to allocate their time effectively, ensuring a balance between work and play. Creating a weekly schedule that includes study time, leisure, and rest can help maintain this balance. It is also vital to set clear priorities. For example, if an important test is approaching, it might be wiser to skip a party or two in favour of revision.

Precious’ advice rings true: you must know what you’re doing. This semester, while pregnant with countless activities, requires deliberate choices. Should you choose to attend a social event, ask yourself: “Will this event add value to my life or future goals?” If the answer is no, it might be best to sit it out.

For students like Mary, navigating the second semester is a rite of passage; a test of discipline, maturity, and decision-making. The lessons learned in these formative years extend far beyond the classroom. They shape who you are and how you’ll handle challenges in the real world.