The Academic Series: APSoUL on Finding Your Way as a Sophomore:

Mojola shares her tested and trusted tips to surviving and thriving as a 200 level student, specifically in the Department of Pharmacology, CMUL.

Sophomore year marks the turning point where you go higher and stride into campus life more confidently. As the new academic year begins, you step in with bright eyes, boundless enthusiasm, and the thrill of levelling up—finally leaving the “fresher” status behind, or so you thought.

The first few weeks on campus will have you gushing with excitement. It’s your chance to start fresh, explore the unknown, and lay the foundation for an unforgettable university experience. But the thrill of this freedom comes with its challenges—learning to navigate a new environment, meeting countless new people, and figuring out how to balance academics with your newfound freedom of campus life. Every moment is an opportunity to grow, explore, and carve out your path in this exciting new chapter, but how do you find your way and make the most of it?

Set clear goals

Start by figuring out what matters to you and what you want to achieve academically, socially, and personally. Then, break it down: how exactly do you plan to get there? When it comes to studying, find out what works best for you. Are you a group learner? Then join a study group (but make sure it’s for actual studying, not endless gisting—yes, we see you). Are you easily distracted? You can check out some great study spots on campus, like the Cold Room, Stella, the hostel reading rooms, or even the medical library (it’s a thing). Setting clear goals isn’t just about defining what you want; it’s about building habits and finding the spaces and people to help you succeed.

When it comes to schoolwork, here’s my golden rule: Start Early! Trust me, it makes all the difference. Arrive at your classes on time, not just to get a good seat, but so you can hear and follow what the lecturer is saying. Sitting in the back and missing half the lecture? Not the flex you think it is.

Also, read your books! My mum always says, “Read like you don’t pray, and pray like you don’t read.” This advice hits differently in medical school because, honestly, this place can humble you fast. You’ll encounter challenges you didn’t even know existed. So, stay ahead of the game, put in the work, and be ready for whatever comes your way.

Ask Questions—You’re going to need it

It’s the quickest way to learn the ropes, connect with others, and figure out the little things that make all the difference. Ask the right people the right questions, with emphasis on the “right” because it is easy for you to get misinformed and misled. Reach out to your seniors, coursemates and even lecturers. They have been in your shoes and can share valuable tips, whether it’s how to approach questions in exams, how to study for specific courses or tricks to bagging that A. In the end, it saves you a lot of time, energy and frustration. It is better to learn from other’s mistakes than to make the same mistakes and then learn from the experience.

I would advise you to sign up for APSUL’s mentorship program. It would help you a lot, connecting you with seniors to provide extra guidance and support and answer all your questions. I didn’t have a mentor, but I was lucky to have people I could reach out to and ask questions when I needed to. Looking back, I can’t imagine not having anyone to put me through; it made a difference. Sure, figuring things out on your own might seem tempting(hello, Miss Independent), but trust me, it’s not worth the stress. Having someone to guide you makes life so much easier and helps you make smarter and more informed decisions.

Build solid relationships

Meeting new people is one of the best parts of being here, from your roommates to classmates and club members. It might feel a bit awkward at first, but step out of your comfort zone—you’ll be surprised how many lifelong friendships begin in those first few weeks. You should also try to build connections with people outside your department and even at your level, join committees and fellowships, and attend events. These are all places you can meet new people.

You might also lose some of these friendships along the way, but it’s all a part of the process.

Ah, and who would forget relationships in the College of Medicine—where love seems to thrive between the endless nighttime walks, the casual hangouts in front of the OPH hostel, and those heart-to-heart conversations at KB Court. It’s like a rite of passage, isn’t it? We’ve all been there.

Relationships can be beautiful. But if you’re in your first year of medical school, here’s my two cents: maybe hold off for a bit. Why? Because medical school isn’t just a breeze, you’ll face rigorous academics, intense schedules, and the constant demand to juggle commitments. Adding the ups and downs of a relationship to the mix? That seems like a lot to handle, no?

That said, if you feel ready and it works out for you, go for it! But as for me? I’ll be here, sipping my tea and cheering you on from the sidelines (as will others because this school is literally so small). Just remember, whatever path you choose, make sure it helps you grow—not one that adds unnecessary stress.

Prioritise

Your primary assignment in school is to study. Simple, right?

While it’s okay to have side gigs, join extracurriculars, or volunteer, they should not be to the detriment of your academics. Keep your focus and remember why you’re here; your education comes first. Also, it’s easy to get so wrapped up in school that you forget there’s life outside these walls. Don’t neglect your personal and mental health. Make time to step outside, get some fresh air, and stay active!

Try to avoid “the overachiever burnout.” In my first year here, I took on a lot both in school and outside. I believed I could do it all while trying to have a good GPA. I would spend the day on my other commitments and try to use overnights to catch up on studying(even though I really love my sleep). Most times, I was burned out, exhausted, and stressed. After my first semester, I realised things were NOT working as well as I thought they were and had to re-strategise. By the second semester, I was back on track. I kept those commitments, but the key was striking a balance and identifying which was more important.

If you feel overwhelmed or burnt out, please take a break, re-strategise, and try to find a balance. You can reach out to your friends or even write to us—we’re here to support you. Your personal and mental well-being is just as important as your grades.

Embrace change (Because there’s going to be a lot of it)

A culture shock for me on getting here was that there was no clear difference between night and day. I’ll explain– step outside by 1 am, and you’ll see people everywhere: taking walks, chatting in groups, and hitting the reading rooms.

For someone who had a curfew of 7 pm, you can imagine my surprise: this is what we’re here for, Freedom, finally! At first, I thought I had to adjust to the “always active” vibe, but please, I love my sleep, so you won’t catch me outside. My point is: Explore. Don’t be too quick to judge or dismiss anything. Give yourself a chance to try new things and soak in that experience. If it works out for you, great! And if not, that’s fine too. You’re here to find what fits you.

Things can change fast, from your mindset to your friendships and even your grades. For your friendships, you would be surprised as to how people can change in the snap of a finger over the littlest things. It might affect you a bit, sure, but that’s life, people come and people go, and life goes on.

There will be moments when you feel frustrated, overwhelmed, or even out of place. The transition isn’t always smooth, but these challenges are what help you grow. Lean into the discomfort, seek support when you need it, and remind yourself that everyone has been through the same thing. At APSoUL, we’re here for you. Always and forever.

In The Lab

• Our Instagram page is live @aps0ul. We’ll be posting the Surge with APSoUL series featuring very familiar faces, and we’d love to have you! So, be sure to follow us and spread the word.

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Chronic Events

• Welcome Dynamos! From all of us at APSoUL, we’re ecstatic to have you here. We hope you’re beginning to settle in, but if you aren’t yet, there is no rush. Just remember to take it one step at a time. We’re rooting for you!

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