In case you’re not familiar with the term, jambite, it’s another name for ‘fresher’, that is, a first-year undergraduate.
Before we move further, we’d like to say a big congratulations to jambites all over Nigeria. We hope you have a wonderful experience throughout your stay at your chosen institutions.
As you know, being a jambite is one of the most exciting experiences in university. But it can also be nerve-wracking, especially on your first day. Why? Because you’re likely to be plunged into a department filled with strangers of various backgrounds and ethnicities. And even if you’re an introvert, you’d want to, at least, get acquainted with one or two coursemates (or even non-coursemates) before the end of your first day.
So here are ten tips on how to help you do just that:
1) Be polite
Never underestimate the power of first impressions, especially when relating to a stranger. You never know where you might meet again. Saying ‘please’ before speaking and ‘thank you’ after won’t take anything from you. Even if the person doesn’t reply to it, say it anyway. It says a lot more about you than them.
2) Be willing to help
It’s your first day, so you’re probably as lost as every other fresher. But that shouldn’t stop you from helping someone out. And if you’re unable to, kindly say so, instead of ignoring them.
3) Don’t be afraid to ask questions
Shy students might find this uncomfortable, but you’re in unfamiliar territory. Unless you have all the time in the world to roam about, don’t hesitate to ask questions if you’re lost or confused about a location or a process. To make things easier for yourself, reach out to those of the same gender as you. And it’s okay to tag along with someone who is also lost like you. Together, you can find your way around without feeling anxious or lonely.
4) It’s okay to strike up a random conversation
This works easier when it’s just the two of you. You can ask questions like ‘What’s your course of study? How has your day been so far? And their hobbies, even.’ Unless the person would rather keep mute, it’s okay to talk, not too much, but just enough to get acquainted.
5) Smile more
This isn’t compulsory, as some of you are born with naturally blank faces. If you’re someone who rather listen than speak, smiling is a way of showing interest in the conversation, or just in meeting someone for the first time.
6) Stay in open places
Simply because you don’t know anywhere else (or anyone else) in the institution doesn’t mean you can hide in a lecture hall or a small, dark, corner.
Get up, go out, and sit on benches outside or any other place you can find. You don’t even need a partner for that. But if you seek one, don’t hide. Unless being alone is your thing. If it’s not, don’t stay alone.
7) Say hi to your neighbours
Perhaps you get to stay in the hostel, or you spend time by yourself in a lecture hall, you can say hi to your neighbors passing by. This is much easier if you share eye contact. And even if you don’t, you can still do it.
8) Be open to (beneficial) invitations
Say someone (a coursemate) walks up to you and informs you of a program coming up, consider accepting it if can benefit your stay in university or help with your studies. Don’t let shyness stop you from learning and associating with other students. Yes, you should do a careful analysis before accepting invitations, but do not turn down invites that can help you grow (beneficial and relevant ones).
9) Feel free to create a study group
Study groups are usually the easiest and fastest alliance you can create with coursemates. You can create your own study group or join existing ones.
10) Be Yourself
All the aforementioned tips may require some of you to go out of your comfort zone. But don’t do it for anyone’s benefit but for yours. And don’t force yourself to be liked. Be with those who will like you for who you are.
Also, don’t feel pressured to make friends on your first day if you don’t want to. And it’s okay to walk away if you feel uncomfortable with your companion (for good reasons), or if you’re asked to do something you’re not okay with. It’s only your first day after all.
This post is just to help ease the process for you. And if it doesn’t work out at first, again, it’s only your first day. What matters most is that you have fun and create beneficial alliances with your mates.
Good luck.