Freshman Survival Guide: Optimizing your Time During The Registration Phase

 

Picture credit: Unischool.com

By Abdulwakil Sekinat

Welcome to campus, Freshmen. You’ve made it past the exam stress, the admission list anxiety, and those events where everyone called you “The Scholar.” Now you’re finally here, ready to take on the world. Well…, your first semester actually. The chaos is just beginning and no, I don’t mean lectures or tests just yet.

Resuming school as a freshman comes with its own challenges. From having to move from one place to another, the struggle of setting up your space, substituting a class for a registration because its deadline is knocking on your door is a little crazy and everything feels rushed in such a limited time. 

In simple terms, registration is the process whereby the university welcomes you into their family, and acknowledges you as a student. But don’t expect a welcome party, instead prepare yourself for a confusing, sweaty, paper-filled, name-calling period, where you're expected to run from office to office, sometimes without even knowing why. It’s overwhelming and frustrating.

 You could be drained out before the real work begins. I mean, we are talking about registration here. By the time you’re done, you might feel like you’ve earned a degree already. Surviving registration week is a hassle on its own. 

But it doesn’t have to break you. There is a popular saying that goes like this, “If you fail to plan then you have planned to fail”. While this may sound like a regular motivational quote, there is an epitome of truth in it. If you’re smart about it, this phase can be smoother, even empowering. 

Here’s how to optimize your time, energy, and sanity during registration week

1. Passport Photographs: Take plenty now, thank yourself later.

You’ll need passport photos for everything. Your department and faculty registration, ID cards, you name it. One of the smartest moves you can make? Take at least 20-30 passport photographs now and keep them in a labeled envelope or folder. It’s better to have too many than to start running around with an urgent deadline and no photos in sight.

2. Photocopy Like a Pro: Photocopying is the heart of school life.

Everywhere you turn, someone is asking for a copy of something. Your admission letter, birth certificate, state of origin, jamb result, and more. Photocopy each of your major documents and receipts at least three to four times. Yes, even the ones you think you’ll never need. Have both black & white and colour versions, if possible. Keep everything in a safe, waterproof folder.

Bonus tip: You can open up a folder in Google Drive and store the soft copies of your documents.

3. Buy a Clear Bag or File Jacket 

Registration often means running across campus with papers, documents, forms, and pens. A clear file bag or expanding folder helps keep everything in one place and protects them from being folded or stained. You don’t want your original documents looking like suya wrap.

4. Make a Registration Checklist (And Actually Use It)

Before heading out each day, write down the places you need to go. Tick them off as you go. This helps you stay focused and keeps you from wandering aimlessly or repeating steps. Ask for a step-by-step breakdown, don’t rely on assumptions.

Also, if you will be visiting a place twice, why not prepare ahead? Take the necessary documents with you. This will save time and energy for another trip that you could have easily avoided. Let’s face it, you’ve got other places to go to.

5. Arrive Early, Dress Comfortably

If you want to avoid long queues, confusion, or "come back tomorrow," show up early. Wear something comfortable because chances are, you’ll do a lot of walking and standing. 

6. Sociability is Key

No man is an island, say hi, ask questions, share updates. You’re all figuring things out together. You’ll find your tribe faster than you think. And remember, always move in groups, moving in groups saves you the stress of figuring things out on your own.

7. Get Digital Where You Can

Take photos of completed forms and receipts, just in case. Store scanned copies of your documents in your email or cloud drive. Things get lost. Having backups saves lives or at least grades.

8. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions

Some things won’t be clear. Some staff may be unbothered. Ask and ask again. Ask someone else. There’s no shame in not knowing, it’s your first time. It’s better to ask and get it right than to guess and pay for a mistake later.

Know that registration week can feel like a storm, but you don’t have to be swept away. With a little planning, patience, and presence of mind, you’ll get through it like a pro. And one day, you’ll be the one giving advice to the next set of confused freshers.

Welcome to the ride. You’ve got this.