My First Day in the University of Lagos as a Student

The morning sun hovered gently over Akoka as I stepped through the gates of the University of Lagos, my heart beating faster than my feet could move. I had imagined this day for years, yet nothing prepared me for the reality of it. UNILAG wasn’t just a school anymore—it was my school.

The campus buzzed with life. Students hurried past in different directions, some confidently, others obviously just as lost as I was. The sound of laughter mixed with the noise of buses and the calls of vendors selling snacks. Everywhere I looked, there was movement, energy, and possibility. I clutched my bag tightly, trying not to look too much like a newcomer, though my wide-eyed amazement probably gave me away.

Finding my way around was my first challenge. Every building looked important, and every path seemed to lead somewhere significant. I asked for directions more times than I could count, and each time, someone helped—sometimes with a smile, sometimes with a laugh that said, “You’re definitely a fresher.” Instead of feeling embarrassed, I felt welcomed.

My first lecture hall felt massive. As I took a seat, I glanced around at my fellow students and realized we were all starting the same journey. Different backgrounds, different dreams, but the same nervous excitement. When the lecturer walked in and officially welcomed us to the university, it hit me: this was real. I was no longer just dreaming about being a university student—I was one.

By the end of the day, my legs ached, my phone gallery was full of random campus pictures, and my head was spinning with new information. Yet beneath the tiredness was a quiet joy. My first day at the University of Lagos wasn’t perfect or smooth, but it was unforgettable.

As I walked out of the campus that evening, I smiled to myself. This was only the beginning, and I couldn’t wait to see where this journey would take me.