University life at the prestigious University of Ibadan is a rollercoaster. One day, you’re buzzing with the thrill of discovering a whole new subject that ignites your passion, make those mind-blowing connections during a group project, feel that surge of accomplishment when a tough concept finally clicks… Then there are the late nights fueled by stress-induced coffee, the nagging worry that you’re not doing enough, and the feeling like you’re drowning in a sea of deadlines. Sometimes, those endless to-do lists feel impossible, and procrastination just seems easier. But in those exhilarating highs and those overwhelming lows, there’s one thing you can always count on: the incredible power of your own mind.

Our minds are dynamic entities, shaping how we learn, adapt, and approach life’s challenges. Our consciousness allows us to reflect on our place in the world and make conscious choices. Cognition—our capacity for focus, memory, problem-solving, and decision-making—is what allows us to grasp abstract theories, analyse complex information, and tackle exams strategically. Our emotions fuel our experiences, influencing our motivation, resilience, and how we approach challenges.

The truly exciting thing is that our minds are always evolving. Neuroplasticity means our brains continuously adapt in response to what we learn and experience. The more we challenge ourselves intellectually, the sharper our thinking becomes. Our environments shape us too. Seek out study groups that motivate you, connect with people who inspire deeper learning, and surround yourself with friends who believe in your potential—these interactions can significantly enhance your learning and bolster your sense of belonging within the broader academic community.

Perhaps most importantly, our mindset—whether we see intelligence as fixed or whether we embrace the idea that we can consistently improve through hard work and perseverance—dramatically shapes our approach to challenges and how high we believe we can reach. The key to thriving in university isn’t being ‘naturally’ gifted; it’s about embracing continuous learning, mental well-being, and a growth mindset that fosters resilience and determination.

Here’s how to work with your mind, not against it. Continuous learning isn’t just about required readings. Actively seek out supplementary materials that bring your studies to life: historical documentaries that illuminate complex social theories, podcasts that feature experts in your field, or even guest lectures on campus that are outside your immediate area of study. Embrace a sense of intellectual playfulness—this could be something you learn in your philosophy courses or sheds new light on your economic studies. Making these types of connections strengthens your overall knowledge and critical thinking skills.

Prioritize mindful presence and take intentional breaks when your focus starts to slip. Meditation, a few minutes of mindful breathing in a quiet corner of the library, or a contemplative nature walk on campus can significantly reduce stress, improve concentration, and boost problem-solving abilities. Change your relationship with ‘downtime’: replace mindless social media scrolling with short podcasts related to your studies or inspiring TED Talks that broaden your horizons.

Don’t neglect the connection between mental and physical well-being. Regular exercise combats the negative effects of stress, boosts mood, and improves cognitive function. When it comes to sleep, consistency matters—aim for a regular sleep-wake schedule even on weekends to improve the quality and rejuvenate the essence of your being. Prioritize nourishing whole foods and avoid relying on energy drinks or late-night snacking to fuel all-night study sessions, as these ultimately worsen both your mental clarity and sleep patterns. If you’re struggling with anxiety or low mood, don’t hesitate to seek out counselling or mental health resources on campus. Support exists for a reason, and utilizing it demonstrates a commitment to overall well-being.

Additionally, remember that setbacks are part of the learning process. Don’t get discouraged by a difficult assignment or a less-than-stellar exam grade. Instead, see challenges as opportunities to identify areas for improvement. Connect with individuals capable of providing assistance, ask clarifying questions within study groups, and actively seek solutions instead of giving in to frustration. Take advantage of academic support resources like online libraries, etc, to improve your understanding and make progress.

Time management is another common challenge. Experiment with different systems: Allocate dedicated time for focused work in your calendar, connect with friends and classmates for structured work sessions, and break down large projects into smaller, more manageable tasks. Understanding your own unique working style is essential. Are you a morning person? Block off your most productive hours for tackling difficult readings. Do you work best in short, concentrated bursts? Schedule 30-minute focused study sessions followed by 10-minute recharge breaks. Experiment and pay attention to what truly gets you into a productive flow.

Don’t underestimate the power of community. Study groups can be invaluable for exchanging ideas, clarifying difficult concepts, and keeping each other accountable. Find a group that pushes you to think more critically, not one that simply provides answers. Seek mentorship from senior colleagues: they can offer valuable insights into the path ahead and can be a great sounding board when you need advice.

Remember, celebrating small victories along the way is crucial. Acknowledging your progress—acing a quiz, mastering a difficult concept, even just consistently dedicating time to studying—feeds motivation and builds a sense of accomplishment.

And finally, consider the long-term benefits of building a strong mental foundation during university. The problem-solving skills, critical thinking abilities, and adaptability you develop now will serve you for the rest of your life. Investing in your mental well-being doesn’t just help you pass exams; it creates habits of resilience, curiosity, and continuous growth that will benefit you far beyond your time at university.

Remember, small, consistent steps lead to transformative change. Consider these questions:

• What’s one way you can push yourself intellectually this week – reading outside your usual sources, attending an optional lecture, or taking notes more actively?

• How can you incorporate mindfulness into your daily routine, even for a few minutes? Could it be while sipping your morning coffee or during your commute?

• Is there a practical change you can make to improve your sleep, such as switching off devices earlier or creating a relaxing bedtime routine?

• What’s one academic support resource you’ll commit to this week?

• Is there a classmate in one of your courses you’d like to approach about starting a study group?

The power to harness your mind’s immense capacity for growth and achievement rests within you. Take that first step today, and embrace the incredible journey of learning and self-discovery that awaits.

This atricle is a contributor’s piece.