Student: ASUU on strike again?! Oh no! What will I be doing at home? How can I stay productive till they call it off?
SmartBukites: Sorry about the strike. But we’re glad you’re here.
While ASUU puts a stop to your academic activities, it has also opened a door for you to explore new opportunities. So instead of surfing endlessly through social media all day, why not try out the following ways to stay active, and even earn some money?
1. Reading
Whether for entertainment or gaining new knowledge, reading is one of the best ways you can keep yourself busy. You can read as little as a page or more a day, or listen to audiobooks on platforms like Scribd. While reading, it is recommended that you pick only books you find interesting to enjoy yourself to the fullest.
Do not forget to share your reviews with peers or those who love reading too.
2. How about Online Courses/Skills?
Well, how about it? This is the best time for you to pursue a skill or course you’ve been curious about exploring. And if you have none, here are some digital skills you can choose from. There are also numerous platforms available for you to learn them. So browse away.
3. Learn a handwork
We may be in a digital era, but handworks are still as important as before. And they’re still one of the best forms of working and learning, especially now! So if you have any you’d like to take on, be it baking, sewing, carpentry, etc, reach out to the experts in your area to know when you can start.
4. Become a home tutor (lesson teacher)
Look around you, there must be someone in need of a lesson teacher, even if it’s just your siblings or neighbours. With it, you can stay busy and happily revisit your past knowledge of various subjects.
5. Sign up for an online internship role
In this era of online learning and working, getting an online internship role is definitely something you should consider. This is easier if you have a LinkedIn profile. If you don’t an account yet, here’s how to prepare yourself for the career world with LinkedIn. You can also ask your peers if they know any company in need of interns.
6. Start a small business
If you want to make money while at home, one of the things you should consider is starting a small business. This could be making snacks for the school kids in your area, selling provisions in front of your house, or even hairdressing. Whatever it is, no matter how small, just do it, and earn some money while making good use of your time!
7. Volunteer in an NGO/foundation
Volunteering with an NGO or charity organization can help add some more purpose to your life and time. You can do this with an online or physical organization, depending on what is available to you (and your preference)
8. Go out there
Sitting in one place or lying down for too long can be bad for your health, and mentally frustrating. So why don’t you take a stroll or go visit interesting places like a zoo, museum, park, etc?
9. Exercise
This is a great time to keep fit and healthy, don’t spend all your day lounging on the couch. You can go to the gym or just do simple exercises at home (find a free coach on YouTube and follow their steps). Whichever you choose, do it and have fun. Remember, exercising shouldn’t feel like a punishment
10. Attend beneficial events
One of the best times to attend events and expand your network is now. Try to explore both virtual (online) and physical events while at home. One tip here is to for you attend events you’d benefit from like educational or entrepreneurial, or talks on mental wellness, etc.
11. Watching impactful online content
Not all social media content is bad, some can be helpful to you, mentally, spiritually, and academically. So be on the lookout for them; follow accounts and pages that add value to you.
That’s it! That’s how to Stay Productive During ASUU Strike. Whatever you choose to do, don’t forget to seek the positive impact it may have on you. Or even, the opportunities it may create for you, even after graduation. So try out any of the activities, and don’t forget to have fun. Good luck.
About the Author
Fatima Ibrahim Uthman is a dreamer, not the type that just sits and creates scenarios all day, but the type that tries to make them real through storytelling with the hope of positively impacting the world.