Whether you’ve never had a job before, or recently lost one, having no job is an unappealing state to be in. Being unemployed may be a huge roadblock in your path to success and financial stability, but it is not a death sentence. There are still so many different options available if you can not get a job. Do not let it pull you into depression, instead, keep a positive attitude and either keep working at it or try something else.

Also Read: 10 things to do after graduation

What to do if you cannot find a job

Below are 5 things to do if you cannot find a job:

1. Take a break 

Trying so hard and getting nowhere could wound you emotionally. Instead of braving the disappointment every time, it’s time to put your focus elsewhere. It may seem counterintuitive to do this especially when your finances are crippled. However, taking a break from job hunting may give you time to figure out where you’re going wrong. Try to think of all the possible reasons why you always fail. It could be because you don’t have enough skills, you do badly in interviews, you don’t have enough connections, or so many other reasons. If you are able to pinpoint exactly why you are failing, you could figure out ways to improve.

Taking a break could also give you some time to yourself to recuperate from the emotional letdown of always being rejected. You don’t have to go without job hunting for months on end to emotionally recharge, a few days of rest will go a long way. Take a few days off every now and then so you can spring back up with a renewed sense of determination and drive. 

You could also use this opportunity to change your mindset. Instead of sending in every application with trepidation and going into every interview with fear, you could build up confidence and approach job hunting with a positive attitude. 

2. Change your location

You may not be the problem. The reason why your job search is proving unfruitful could be due to your location. Maybe job opportunities are limited and your industry is highly competitive.

If this seems to be the problem, then it’s best you move. Make sure to make adequate research before you move to pinpoint exactly the place that will be the best for you. To be safe, avoid moving until you have found a job.

Also Read: How to start a small business: A step-by-step guide

3. Evaluate yourself 

Sometimes, the reason why you’ve not gotten a job could be because you are lacking an essential skill or experience. In this case, you may either need to boost your skill set or reduce the quality of jobs you are applying for. You won’t be hired if you do not have the majority of the skills, education or job experience needed for the position you applied for, so it’s worth evaluating yourself to see if you match up with the quality of jobs you are applying for.

You could decide to earn another degree or attend a training program to be better qualified for the positions you are applying for or gain some vital experience by starting an internship or apprenticeship. If getting a job is more forefront, you could consider going for lesser qualified jobs and go up the ladder as you gain work experience. 

4. Review your resume

You may have all the skills, education and experience, but you need to sell yourself well to be able to get good jobs. Your resume is what will determine whether you will be called in for an interview or not. If your resume does not leave a strong and lasting impression, then it’s highly unlikely you’ll get the job. 

Review your resume properly. Is there any key skill you are not highlighting, or is there anything missing from it? You need to learn how to craft a resume that will pique the interest of your employer. Remember that your resume should cater to each job description, so be ready to change your resume to fit the job description of each position you are applying for. 

It’s a good idea to have someone else review your resume for you. They could pick out some typos and mistakes you may have missed. If possible, reach out to a professional to edit your resume for you before sending it out.

Also Read: 10 Things To Consider When You Need To Compose An Incredible CV

5. Become an entrepreneur 

All your failed attempts at getting a job could be telling you something. Maybe a traditional job is not the right path for you. If you’re willing to take risks, then starting your own business could be worth a shot. Consider exploring your interests and your creative passion to find something you can build on. Instead of wallowing in the frustration of being jobless, you could take charge and start your own business. You will not only uplift yourself from unemployment but others as well. 

Entrepreneurship may be great and all, but it’s not for everyone. Entrepreneurship is not for the faint-hearted, so you need to be willing to take risks and go above your limitations. 

Also Read: 10 Must-have skills for Entrepreneurs

Conclusion

On the journey to being gainfully employed, there are many obstacles. With dogged determination, you may reach your goal, but knowing when to stop and change course is very crucial to attaining financial bliss.

Being able to get a good job does not only reflect your qualifications and skills but also other aspects like connections, a good strategy and the ability to sell yourself. If things are not working out well in your job hunting, then stop and try one (or all) from the above.

Going to college is a very stressful process. It may have been your first time leaving the comfort of your home to live elsewhere without the support of your family, so trying to acclimate to a new environment while studying and planning for your future is no easy feat. 

There are many things that you can do after graduating from the university. You may decide to head full force into the workplace by getting a full-time job, desire to rest for a while, travel or do something else entirely. Either way, the list of things you can do after graduating from college is simply endless. However, it is worth considering trying one or more of the below.

1. Go home, rest and recharge

Going home right after graduation might be exciting. This may be your first time going home to stay for such a long time in so many years. However, that excitement may quickly dwindle, as you realize that so many things have changed and your home is not as conducive as it was before. You may not have as much freedom as you did in school, and you may find yourself clashing more and more with your parents and siblings. 

Regardless, going back home is an important step after college. This gives enough time to rest and recharge especially when you don’t have to worry about rent or feeding. When you look past the constant nagging and lack of privacy, you’ll realize that it might be the last time you’d get to spend so much time with your family. Cherish your time spent at home and use the opportunity to rest, explore your interests, network, update your resume and plan for the next steps. 

Also Read: How to start a small business: A step-by-step guide

2. Further education

If your career path requires specialized or higher education, the time immediately after graduation may be the best time to acquire it. At this time, you’re not completely out of tune with the student in you, and it will be much easier to fall back into student life once again. You could pursue a graduate degree or another bachelor’s degree to further your education or join a specialized program that will equip you with the technical proficiency needed for your preferred industry. 

Furthering your education may equip you with skills that will give you an edge when applying for entry-level positions.

3. Volunteer 

A good deed could take you places you never expect. You may not make money volunteering, but you could build up skills or build networks that will help further your career. After graduating, you could take time to volunteer in various places and build both soft and hard skills along the way. Helping out others could create empathy and build emotional intelligence in you. 

When trying to find opportunities, look for the ones that are relevant to your career so you could also use it as a referral in the future. It is important to keep a positive attitude and build rapport with the people you meet while volunteering as they might become important connections in the future. 

Also Read: 10 Benefits of being self-employed

4. Take a gap year

After spending years in college and finally graduating, you may need some time to fully regain your energy. If you don’t feel like doing anything major immediately after graduating, then that’s fine. You could take a gap year and fully relax through travel and exploration. Visiting new places, meeting new people and gathering new experiences could help you more than getting a job ever could. 

If you’re looking to discover your passion and interests, taking a gap year will benefit you a lot. Trying new aspects of life and immersing yourself in diverse cultures will help you gain a new perspective in life and build important skills that will help you in your career. 

5. Apply for an internship or an apprenticeship 

An internship or apprenticeship are pretty similar, they mainly differ in their duration. An apprenticeship is an arrangement where one gains work experience working directly under a superior, while an internship is a professional learning experience organized by companies where one gains practical work in relation to their field of study. Internships typically last a few months while apprenticeships could last years. 

An internship or apprenticeship could help you kickstart your career and ease your transition into the workforce. Many entry-level jobs require experience outside education, so an internship or apprenticeship could help you beef up your resume. They could also provide you with work experience and crucial networks.

An internship or apprenticeship may pay very little or not at all, however, they help you to gain valuable experience that will prepare you for a full-time role. They can also help you gain access to competitive industries and companies and can be invaluable in helping attract work opportunities. 

Also Read: 7 Things graduates wish they had known as freshers

6. Go abroad

Another option after graduating is to go abroad especially if you are eager for new experiences. Some countries abroad may give you better opportunities than your home country would.

You may decide to further your studies, start working or explore for a while before committing to anything. 

7. Start a new hobby

Your time in school may have prevented you from exploring your interests and hobbies, so immediately after graduating may be the best time to pick up a new hobby and rekindle some of your past interests.

Exploring your passion can help ease your mind and enable the transition into adulthood less stressful. 

8. Do some freelance work 

If you want to relax for a while before transitioning into the workforce, then that’s okay. However, you need to be able to cater for yourself before deciding on what’s next for you after graduating.

This is where freelance work will be beneficial. It will not only help you hone your skills, but also provide you with some extra cash. 

9. Start a business

You can decide to explore your creative passion and become an entrepreneur after graduating from college. Though not advisable, you can skip the hassle of working for others and become your own boss as soon as you graduate.

Working for a while before opening up your own business may be a better alternative as it will give you some experience that will help you become a better entrepreneur. 

Also Read: How to write a great business proposal

10. Get a full-time job 

You may be eager to break into the workforce and start earning a salary as soon as you graduate. If you have this mindset, make sure to spend a considerable amount of time sprucing up your resume. Take a few hours each day to scroll through job listings and consider various career paths in your field. Be active in looking for a job and make good use of your connections. 

You may not find a good job right away or you may end up getting rejected several times. No matter the case, do not let disappointment bring you down. Please keep track of the responses you receive so you can use them to improve. 

It doesn’t matter whether you offer quality service or products, if your brand sucks in having a great proposal, securing a new client will be pretty difficult. This is the reason why every business must know how to prepare a solid and winning business proposal.

Whether it’s your personally-owned business or you’re just managing a business, this post will provide you with details about how to write a great business proposal. But first…

What is a Business Proposal?

A business proposal is a formal document created by a brand and sent to prospective clients to secure a job. It’s a pitch by a brand to get a new project from their client. A business proposal enables a brand to sell its service and builds its reputation. 

However, there is a misconception between a business proposal and a business plan, the two are different. A business plan is a comprehensive strategy of how a business operates and makes profits while a business proposal on the other hand is a document that is used to win a job. It also helps to acquire new customers. 

Also Read: How to start a thriving business in Africa

Types of business proposals 

There are two main types of business proposals:

1. Solicited business proposal

A solicited business proposal is the kind of business proposal requested by prospective clients before sealing a deal together.

When a company needs to solve a problem, they request a business proposal from various brands, and they decide on the one to work with. This is why you need a winning business proposal.

2. Unsolicited business proposal

This is a kind of business proposal sent to a prospective client even though they’ve not requested it.

In this case, you only approach them with the hope of attracting their business and solving their problem. It is synonymous with cold mailing. 

Also Read: How to sell more in your business? 10 strategies to achieve it

How to write a winning business proposal

Regardless of the type of business proposal, the procedures remain the same. When writing a business proposal, three main points must be included. The first is your client’s current problem, followed by the proposed solution, and lastly pricing information. Below is a guide on how to write a winning business proposal for your business.

1. Start with a title page

A good business proposal should always start with a title page where you convey some basic information about your business. 

The following information should be on your title page: your name, your company’s name, the name of the client you are submitting the proposal to, and the date of submission. 

Ensure you incorporate professionalism when writing your title page, and make it more appealing. For example “Software development proposal. Prepared for: xxx, Created by: XXXX”

2. Table of contents

This should follow immediately after the title page. You need to make your proposal simple and unique for your clients. They need to have an insight into what your business proposal covers and this is what the table of contents does.

Also, if it would be submitted electronically, it’s important to make the table of contents clickable for easy look and navigation by your ideal clients.

3. Executive summary

The executive summary talks about the reason why you are sending the proposal, and why you think you are the best fit for the job. You need to be specific here, no long epistles. Introducing your brand with a great executive summary is very important before you can win any job.

Let them know what your business entails, the benefits of your services, and a clear idea of how you can help them. E.g “ We help landowners connect freely with their buyer……”

4. State the client’s problem or needs

The next after the executive summary is to state the client’s problem, you give a summary of the problem being encountered by your client. This will allow you to present yourself as the only solution to their existing needs.

It’s important to do thorough research here so that you can present the perfect solution to the problem. For instance, if the proposal is for software development, ensure you know and research what they want to get out of it.

Also Read: 10 Benefits of having a blog for your business

5. Present the solution

This is where you present a plan of action for resolving the issue. You must be specific in this stage, as you did in the previous sections.

Make sure your suggested course of action is tailored to the client’s requirements so they are aware that you have written the proposal just for them. Inform them of the deliverables you’ll offer, the techniques you’ll employ, and the deadline for the job to be completed.

6. Share your qualification 

This section is solely for the client to trust that you will deliver. Share your qualifications in the proposal, and let them know the skills you possess, your years of experience, certification, relevant education, and even a case study of similar projects.

7. Schedule and benchmark

This is where you tell your clients how long the project will take. Be clear and positive, however, never promise what you know is impossible, it will make them lose their trust in your brand.

If you are offering a product, this section might not apply to you, feel free to omit it. 

Also Read:10 Lucrative home businesses for women

8. The pricing option and legal terms

The pricing option is a little bit tricky. It is very important to always refer to your “request for proposal” from the client so that you can have a grasp of how much the client is willing to spend – as you won’t want to under or over-price your products and service.

You can also provide a fee option for your clients with an optional fee table.

Another thing about this aspect is some legal terms and conditions for the project. If there’s any permit or license required, this is where you talk about it. However, you can input this in a separate section if need be.

9. Summary with a conclusion

This is the section where you give the benefit of why you should be chosen. It is a recap of the whole proposal and the way you’d serve as the best choice.

Here, you can put your contact information, for easy follow-up.

10. Space for signature

Include a space for the clients to sign and give a brief explanation of what they are agreeing to when they sign.

Conclusion

A business proposal is very important when you are offering a product or service to another firm. It helps to present you as an expert in the field.

However, drafting a good business proposal is not child’s play and is why many businesses fail to secure a deal. With the guide above, you can be sure to write a great business proposal for any project.

1. Pirates of Silicon Valley (1999)

In short, this movie is based on Bill Gates of Microsoft and Steve Jobs of Apple.

Pirates of Silicon Valley (1999) is a very interesting biographical movie based on the great men who made the world of technology what it is today, their struggles during college, and the founding of their companies. 

It also portrays the ingenious actions they took to build up Apple Computer Corporation and Microsoft Incorporation. The movie ends with Bill Gates gaining the upper hand.

2. The Social Network (2010)

In 2003, Mark Zuckerberg created Facebook with the help of his friend, Eduardo Saverin. Fast forward to 6 years later with Facebook having 500 million friends, Mark became the youngest billionaire in the world.

The Social Network (2010) portrays how he was sued by the twins who claimed he stole their idea and by the co-founder who was later kicked out of the business.

Well, you don’t get 500 million new friends without making a few enemies, do you?

Also Read: Top 10 Nollywood Movies to Watch on Netflix

3. Boiler Room (2000)

Seth Davis is a college dropout attempting to live up to his father’s high standards. He later got a job as a broker in a suburban investment firm, which put him on the fast track to success.

However, the job did not turn out to be as legitimate as it first appeared to be. Every entrepreneur in business faces moral dilemmas at some point in their career.

What did Seth Davis do when faced with the dilemma of money and greed vs morals and legality? Find out for yourself.

4. Office Space (1999)

Office Space is a 1999 American comedy film written and directed by Mike Judge.

Peter is a software engineer. He is tired of his boring job. What did he do? He plans revenge with two of his friends to plant a virus in his company’s system.

Also Read: Top 10 Evergreen Movies Of All Time

5. Startup.com

Friends can become enemies when money, power, business or all are involved. The same is the case with a real-life company called GovWorks.

This startup raised $60 million from Hearst Interactive Media, KKR, the New York Investment Fund, and Sapient. Despite having a huge potential to succeed, this startup failed because of mismanagement and internal power struggles.

6. Twelve Angry Men (1957)

12 men are jury members on an open and shut murder trial. However, one of them thinks that the suspect (alleged for killing his father) deserves some extra consideration.

As an entrepreneur, this movie will teach you negotiation techniques, persuasion methods, conflict resolution and consensus building.

7. Fyre: The Greatest Party That Never Happened

This real-life festival was supposed to be the greatest music festival ever. It was even promoted on Instagram by celebrities and social media influencers.

At the end of the day, it turned out to be a scam devised by MacFarland, a businessman with a history of starting up fraudulent business ventures.

This is a real-life story that actually happened as portrayed in the movie. It serves as a lesson to entrepreneurs who invest a huge budget in marketing and advertising without making any attempt to improve the product they sell or the service they offer.

8. Wall Street

Young entrepreneurs can be easily blinded by greed and they might end up making morally reprehensible decisions.

A young and impatient stockbroker is willing to do anything to get to the top, including trading on illegal inside information taken through a ruthless and greedy corporate raider who takes the youth under his wing.

Also Read: Best 9 Netflix Original Movies You Should Watch

9. The Founder

This movie portrays the startup of McDonald’s fast-food restaurant chain, and how it became the biggest restaurant business in the world.

This movie gives us an insight into Ray Kroc, and how he transformed McDonald’s into a global franchise. You will also learn about the McDonald brothers, the original founders of McDonald’s, who were forced out of business.

10. The Godfather Trilogy

This movie revolves around a Godfather and his son who oversee the growth of a small family business into what later becomes the largest organized crime family in New York.

It will help you as an entrepreneur by showing why relationships and network building are important, why helping people will help your business, and why understanding your competitors is very crucial.

Bonus: The greatest movies of all times that all entrepreneurs should watch

These are other great movies for entrepreneurs that were not mentioned above.

1. Moneyball
2. Glengarry Glenn Ross
3. The Big Short
4. The Wolf of Wall Street
5. The Aviator
6. Margin Call
7. Steve Jobs
8. Thank You for Smoking
9. The Pursuit of Happyness
10. Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room
11. Any Given Sunday
12. The Inventor: Out for Blood in Silicon Valley
13. The Great Hack
14. Becoming Warren Buffett

Also Read: How To Join Nollywood Movie Industry 2022: All You Need To Know.

Conclusion

These movies are not arranged in the order of how interesting they are or based on their office box revenue. They are selected based on how interesting and impactful they are to entrepreneurs.

Meanwhile, they’re not only for entrepreneurs. If you own a startup, if you want to be an investor, if you’re considering setting up a venture capital company or you want to have a company that builds new products, these movies will be a source of entertainment and inspiration for you.
Disclaimer: While these movies may (or may not) help your business career, we do not condone the illegal and inappropriate behaviours of some of the characters. All movies in this article are included based on merit. We’re not paid by any movie maker to include their film on this list.

The NYSC Orientation Programme for Corps Members takes three weeks to complete. After Camping, Corpers are to report to their NYSC PPA.

By implication, Prospective Corps Members (PCMs) shall be traveling across the length and breadth of the country to the various NYSC Camps for the exercise.

NYSC Travel Safety Tips

1. Every successful journey starts with a travel plan. PCMs, are enjoined to make adequate travel preparation before setting out on the journey.

Therefore, you must ensure and cross-check that you’ve packed all the relevant documents that will be requested at the point of registration.

This is to guard against the danger of being asked to go back home and fetch the forgotten documents. Doing so will over-expose you to our roads fraught with so many risks.

2. Kindly research your destinations thoroughly before leaving.

3, On no account, should you board a vehicle by the roadside because of a seemingly attractive cheap fare. It is a highway to calamity. So many have fallen prey to armed robbers, kidnappers, and ritualists due to such indiscreet actions. You should board vehicles only from recognized parks.

Also Read: 10 Real Ways To Study Abroad

4. Please, be conscious of your travel time. Journeys must be arranged in such a way that you arrive at your destination latest 6 pm. Note that if it’s not possible to arrive at your destination at the aforesaid time, please, break the journey.

5. Avoid unnecessary argument/discussion bordering on politics and religion, among others. You may unwittingly cause offense. Keep your views to yourself.

6. Be courteous, but don’t trust people too quickly and don’t be loud while answering telephone calls, so as not to unknowingly divulge information that may place you on harm’s way.

7. Watch your drinking habit. Alcohol dulls your senses. Always be sober.

8. Take only what you need for the journey. Don’t overburden yourself with loads.

Also Read: Hot Ways To Move From U.S To Canada

9. Dress normal. Don’t overdress. Conversely, don’t dress shabbily, since either way, you unduly stand out.

10. Please, keep a very close watch over your personal effects. It is advisable that you carry your vital documents (certificates, International passport, etc) on you.

11. Don’t put valuables in your back pocket for that’s always the pickpocket’s first point of call. It’s safer to use your front pocket.

12. Keep your family and trusted friends updated on your itinerary.

The Director General wishes you travel mercies, as you proceed to the respective camps in obedience to the clarion call to serve the Nation for one calendar year.

These are the top questions asked by newly admitted students in addition to schools fees and course registration queries. I spent over three years in school hostel and at such has a lot to offer as regards the topic at hand.

In this article, I will list and explain the 8 disadvantages of school hostels and 5 reasons you should not think of living in the hostel. This piece is scientifically compiled based on findings from major Universities, Polytechnics and Colleges of Education across Nigeria.

The following are Universities and Polytechnics I shall emphasise on: Covenant University, Federal University of Technology Owere (FUTO), University of Benin (UNIBEN), University Of Lagos (UNILAG), Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), University of Illorin (UNILORIN), Abu Zaria, Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Auchi Polytechnic, Lagos State University (LASU), University of Portharcourt (UNIPORT), University of Ibadan (UI), Laspotech and many more.

Trust me, I will try to make this topic as interesting as possible.

8 Advantages And 5 Disadvantages Of Staying In School Hostel

Are you ready for the comparison? Take a glass of chilled water, tighten your seat belt and let’s begin the interesting journey.

8 Reasons You Should Stay In School Hostel:

1. Hostel Is Relatively Secure:

 You want to graduate right? Then security should be your number one priority. School hostels are more secure compared to off campus.

With every passing day, we hear gists about how arm robbers attack students who live outside hostels and take most valuable properties from them. I have not heard or experienced gun attack inside campus hostels. It’s rare!

Another common security threat outside campus is cultism. Cultists operate more outside campus than school hostels.

One beauty of living in campus is that there are security guides all around the University environment. They would always check around whether there are issues.

Recommended: How to remember what you read

2. You Will Learn To Tolerate People: 

Some species of persons and behaviours you will find in school hostels will make you wonder whether those guys were made in the image of God. However, you would be able to cope with and tolerate them.

Before now, you always feel that everyone has to think and act the way you do; but you are wrong. Just the way our faces differ, so also does our hearts and characters differ. Meeting different persons makes you understand and begin to take them for who they are. Hostel fosters relationship building.

There is a common belief that you can stay anywhere in the world if you can survive in school hostels. That’s because the school hostel has exposed you and able to make you solve compatibility issues.

See Also: Five persons you need to succeed in school

3. You Will Have Broader Knowledge: 

You will be surrounded by students across various faculties and departments. Interacting with them will help you know more about other fields of study. Meeting different persons will also make you know more about life.

I have been able to know more about Medicine, Pharmacy, Accounting, Law, Biochemistry, Mathematics, Nursing, Agric and other beautiful courses because of the privilege I had to live with students from those departments and faculties. This is possible because the school hostel allows students in various departments to come together.

Apart from knowing more about their courses and departments, the school hostel also gives you the opportunity to meet persons from different states and tribes. In this case, you would be able to learn other languages and know more about places you have not been to. You will as well learn how to prepare different kind of dishes.

In one way or the other, you will always meet amazing people that you would love to be like. Your senior colleagues could also be in the same room with you to give you materials and advice ahead of time.

4. Reading Enthusiasm: 

The school hostel has been able to dramatically boost my reading habit. Your reading life will likely increase by ten fold if you live in the school hostel.

Every minute, you will see persons going to night classes to read. There are times you won’t find anyone left in your room and you will be like, “na me come dull pass?”. The next thing is for you to also take your things and rush to night class or reading room.

No matter how good you are at reading, you will find persons who read far more than you in the school hostel. I have seen people read for more than 24 hours straight and I have done it many times too. The school hostel has a way of boosting your reading habit and enthusiasm.

In addition, your result will likely be better (get a good result) in your first year if you live in a school hostel. You will be too comfortable if you live alone or with just one person outside the school. Off campus presents you with all the pleasure life has to offer.

Read Also: Reasons why your reading habit is dying and what to do.

5. Proximity To Source Of Information: 

Information is what puts you in the right position and it is what you have in your head that takes you ahead. The school hostel gives you first hand information about what recent happenings in school and what may likely happen next.

Yo would be the first to know whether the class would hold or not, whether there would be attendance, what the lecturer is planning, the new materials to read for the text and exams, the Students Union Government newsletter and any information you need to come out in flying colours.

6. Proximity To Classes: 

You will be able to rush to class in case of emergency tests and attendance. It would also be easy for you to go back and pick anything you might have forgotten in the hostel.

Apart from the instances above, it is good to walk to class just in few minutes. You don’t have to be exhausted anytime you trek to class. It would also save you the transport you would have been burning daily to come to class plus possible hold ups on the road.

See Also: Amazing things to tell yourself every morning before class

7. Stable Water And Power Supply: 

Most University hostels in Nigeria have alternative sources of power supply. There is always electricity at night when the public electricity power supply interrupts supply.

Every student needs electricity at night to cook, read, and do other stuff. The presence of an alternative source of power supply makes hostel better than off-campus. Even if you are able to afford a generator off-campus, noise and the fact that you have to spend money on fuel is a big turn off.

8. School Hostels Are Affordable: 

You pay as low as #8,000 per session in some schools hostels. If you don’t have much money to waste on rent and other properties you need to live comfortably outside campus then try the school hostels.

Another benefit is that you will always find persons to help you when you are stranded in the hostel.

There are many more advantages of staying in the school hostel, however, the above points should be enough for you to decide whether to stay in a hostel or not.

5 Reasons Why You Should Not Stay In School Hostel

1. You Need To reApply Every Session: 

Your hostel fee only lasts for one session. The school sends every student packing at the end of each session. You will always have to reapply for hostel and you may not be lucky to secure space the next time. The condition to reapply is that you must first pay your school fees.

This switch will make you meet different roommates who may not be as nice as those in your first room.

2. Bad Habits And Privacy: 

You may be wondering how many persons stay per room in the school hostel. The number could be lesser than five for a high quality school hostel. However, the number generally ranges from 8 to 17 persons per room (I am not exaggerating).

In Unilag, Uniben, aau and other hostels, you have so many persons living in one room. This will really result to privacy issue. You can’t have personal private life or private property. Your things could be taken without permission and you could meet random persons “crashing” in your bed space.

Hostel is very annoying since you will see persons with different philosophies and raw behaviours. You will come across fellow students who may seem psychopathic schizophrenic. The habits displayed there is something else.
The School hostel toilets are generally dirty and smell bad… Some students defecate without flushing while other leave faeces behind on the floor. It is very disgusting that I won’t want to dwell on that.

Many students living in the hostel are dirty and as such mess up the school hostel environment. You will notice different odours in the hostels.

Read: How to overcome procrastination as a student

4. Bad Influence And Robbery Issues: 

With such a number of persons in the hostel, there will certainly be bad eggs. Remember, evil communication corrupts good manners.

You can change from good, amazing, soft and God-fearing boy/girl to a bad girl/boy overnight. You are not immune, it can happen to any persons. This influence can begin from the music, chat, and interactions that happen in the hostel.

Another bad thing in the school hostel is that students steal a lot. People steal clothes, boxers, pants, laptops, phones, slippers, bucket, shoes, headset, pot, and many other properties in the hostel. It has happened to me (Adetunji Matthew of AidTheStudent.com) and my friends.

My Infinix note 3, clothes and fan were all stolen in the hostel. Although people could break into your house to steal when you stay off-campus, however, little domestic stealing is rare.

Recommended: Student to Millionaire: The Ultimate Guide

5. Heat And Bed Bugs: 

Unilag and many other hostels are breeding environments for bed bugs. With that number in the room and everyone cooking simultaneously, you could imagine the heat that would be generated. The hostel is not a place of comfort at all.

In conclusion, It is now your choice to decide whether to stay in the school hostel or now. You already have all the points and comparisons you need to make a decision. However, I will advise every year one students to stay in the hostel… After your 100L you could then decide whether to continue in the hostel or not.

I wish you the very best in your future endeavours…..

See Also: 10 Habits that will boost your gpa dramatically

Good morning Student! Yea, something is definitely good about the morning. At least, you are up and healthy. You may not be where you want to be, but the good news is that you are no longer where you used to be. So, when you wake up every morning, tell yourself sweet things.

Nothing sinks more into you than what you continually tell to yourself. You may want to ask the question, what should I tell myself? Continue reading for heartwarming things to tell yourself every morning before you go to class:

1. I AM BEAUTIFUL:

You are wondering if a male can be beautiful too. Yes, males can be beautiful as well. Real beauty is in the inside.

The beautiful you that I am talking about is “the you inside of you“.  That is the real you. Admire and tell yourself every morning that you are beautiful.

Say things like, “wow! am so beautiful this morning”. You are altogether beautiful; there is no flaw in you.

Also Read: Tips for saving money at university

2. NO ONE LIKE ME:

The best thing to be in this world is you. The most difficult thing to be is what others want you to be. There is no one like you, no one has ever been like you and no one will ever be like you.

Say words like, “I am real, you are not me. I am the only real me”. For some, they spend their whole life trying to change who God has made them to be, There is something unique about you.

3. I HAVE ALL IT TAKES:

You have all the transport to get to the desired destination. All the papers are as well complete in you. This is one thing you should not fail to tell yourself every morning. Before looking outside, look inside of you.

You have all it takes to pass that examination, all it takes to be the best in that class and all it takes to make impart. Don’t look for help abroad; think broad.

Each one of us has a responsibility to discover our potentials and then maximize them. These are amazing things to accomplish. Say, “I have all it takes”.

Recommended: 10 ways to take better lecture notes

4. I KNOW WHO I AM:

Understanding your personality makes you a principality. Always tell yourself who you really are. You are a star, an icon and total embodiment of greatness.

This revelation makes you wake up strong every morning. Hit your chest and boldly declare that you know who you are.

If someone else hears and ask, “who are you?” Tell him or her that you are a royal priesthood, a blessing to generations, barrier breaker and a child of light. Wake up and shine.

5. I AM BEHIND SCHEDULE:

Live your life with the mentality that you are behind schedule. Urgency matters, there is no time to check the time. There are so many to nations conquer.

I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait to drive my first car even as a student. As you wake up every morning, project your eyes into the future and begin to see things. Don’t compete… rather, complete. Say to yourself, ” I am behind schedule”.

Also Read: How to increase productivity

6. MY YESTERDAY WON’T STOP ME:

Another major line in the lyrics of heartwarming things is to tell yourself that past events cannot stop you. A lot of things may have happened in the past; you can’t change them. However, you can change your reaction to what happened.

There are so many changes to be made, there are many more things to accomplish. You are permitted to look back occasionally; look forward continuously. You can still make up if you mean it. Tell yourself this morning, “my past will not stop me at all”. I wish you the very best.

Read Also: Amazing quotes to light up your day

After Jamb and Post UTME comes admission. There’re many things every New Student in Nigeria should Learn to be Successful in school. Today, I will introduce you to 51 Things New Students Must Learn.

This article is also very important to students who are still hoping for admission into any higher institution in Nigeria. So long you don’t give up, your name will enter the admission list one day.

Any mistake made in 100 Level will always be regretted in the final year. The ones made in 200L cannot be forgotten easily. The regrets of students are what they did in 100L or refused to do.

51 Things New Students Must Learn

Do what you should do now, don’t wait for later.  I have 51 Vitamins packed strategically and to carefully position you mentally for the University or Polytechnic race. Here are 51 things you must learn as a new student:

1. Love Your Study Course

Never get tired of your course of study, Love it. You may not be given your dream course; dream in your given course. Don’t let the feeling that you were not given your desired course weigh you down or affect your studies. Live in reality.

2. Ask Questions in School

Nobody knows it all. Don’t stop asking questions as a 100 level student. As a newly admitted student, admit that you need help. Remember, students who ask questions don’t get lost. Ask questions about the school you are admitted into.

3. Believe in Yourself

Sometimes, you will feel intimidated by the calibre of people you will meet in school. Don’t let that kill your confidence, Believe in yourself. Trust your ability even if nobody believes in you.

4. Identify Your Weakness

Start thinking about the things you are good at and the ones you aren’t good at. Start realising and fixing the issues you brought from home. Identify your weakness early and start to work on yourself.

5. Limit Your Friends

Everyone shouldn’t be your friend. Do not be in haste to make friends. This is one of the biggest decision you will make as a newly admitted student. So, choose friends with your eyes open. Bad friends can ruin you completely.

6. Learn to Tolerate

Never expect everyone to be like you. In school, you will meet persons with different characters. Stop judging people too early, be open-minded, don’t easily get upset at people’s behaviour. Learn to tolerate your course mates and hostel mates.

Also Read: 7 things students must know before renting

7. Set Goals

The first year in school is a good time to set goals and target. Draw out plans on the things you want and what you don’t want, decide where you would go and places you won’t enter. Be determined to be the best. Align your goals and ambition.

8. Don’t Be People Pleaser

Be yourself in school. Don’t insult or inconvenience yourself by thinking that you can make everyone happy. The worst thing to be is what others want you to be. Be yourself!

9. Save Money

First-year in school is the best time to get money from friends and relatives. The higher you go, the lesser you receive money. Your best bet is to have enough cash in your savings. You won’t regret this habit.

Also Read: 9 Simple Ways To Save Money as a Nigeria Student

10. Learn to Cook

Hundred level or ND 1 students are fond of buying everything they see around. Stop spending anyhow and start cooking. Cooking saves your money and it is a good skill to learn as well.

11. Learn to Set Targets

Start to set short and long term target. Tell yourself things like, “this is what I must achieve this week”, “My plan is to finish up this today”, your life should be all about your plan and God’s plan.

12. No Course is Difficult

This course is difficult, it is difficult to pass that course; this is what you will continuously hear. Don’t let anybody tell you that you can’t pass the course. If people have graduated from the department, then they passed all the courses. You too can.

13. First Class is Possible

It is possible to be in first class. Don’t be deceived by senior students. Always aim for the grade of your dreams, if you eventually don’t get it, at least you will be very close to getting it.

14. Get Study Time

Don’t follow others, find out the best time you enjoy reading. Know when you understand better. If night class isn’t for you, don’t force yourself to do it. Find out what works best for.

15. Get Study Environment

Some read at the library, others read in class, some read in the hostel, some love to read with earpiece while others like very calm environment. No one is wrong; it is all about preference. Find out where you get the best out of studies.

16. Have a Study Plan

Don’t wait for exams to be close, create daily and weekly study plan. Ensure that you revise what was taught within a week of the class. Draft out a study timetable or schedule and be consistent with it.

17. Have A Cleaning Plan

Don’t be too serious with academics that you don’t have time to clean up your room. Always create time to clean up your room. Be a clean person even when no one watches you. Have a washing plan, wash and iron your clothes.

Also Read: Creating a budget

18. Look for a Mentor

In school, you will always find people that look like what you wish to be. Look for them and look up to them. They will guide you, teach you from their experience, give you materials and generally make life in school easier for you. You obviously can’t know it all.

19. Don’t Gossip Teachers

You are too young to be discussing your lecturers. Your aim in class is to learn, do that and move on with your life. Don’t yourself into trouble so early.

20. Don’t Give Up on Hard work

You will sometimes find reasons not to be serious, reasons to give up. These are temptations you must overcome. Never give up on your push for excellence.

21. Don’t Date Too Early

I can count up to 20 persons who go ruined academically and emotionally because of entering into a relationship too early. You don’t have any reason to rush into a relationship in school. There are many pressing issues.

22. Avoid Distractions

Distractions in school can come from anywhere. It can come from friends and even the opposite sex. Anything that goes against the main reason you are in school is a distraction; avoid them at all cost.

23. Don’t Miss Classes

Attendance matters, what is taught in class matters. Don’t let anyone advise you to miss classes.

24. Assignment Matters

In my final year, I realised that most lecturers use assignment in place of Test when there is poor performance. Attendance counts most of the time. Exam questions also come from assignments given. Apart from that, why are you in school if you can’t do an assignment?

Also Read: 10 Life-Changing Things Students Should Know

25. Test Matters

In most schools, continuous assessment carries up to 30%. You will have to fight for 70% in the examination. Tests are a major part of the continuous assessment. Don’t miss tests.

26. Be Active in Class

Don’t be a bench warmer; be active in class. Ask and answer questions, don’t be scared that people will laugh at your answers. What matters is that you are learning and that is the goal. Aim to be the best in your class.

27. Live Offline Most Times

Live life offline. Don’t be too addicted to social media. When you are reading or when classes are going on is not the best time to be online. There is a time and season for everything my dear.

28. Learn Continuously

Learn something new every day. Instructions may end in the classroom, don’t let learning end with it. Learn new things every day. Focus your energy on what creates the desired result of your life. Improve your brains and minds every day.

29. Understand More

Don’t just study to pass exams, study to understand. Learn all your courses have an impact on your life. The subjects aren’t just design for you to come out with A’s. They are to teach you something about life.

30. Boost Your Reading Appetite

Have a strong reading habit. With every passing day, improve on your reading life in terms of quality and duration.

31. Live Well in School

Your parents or guardians sent you to school with expectations. Do not disappoint your parents and so many other persons looking up to you. Be good value for their money. Avoid whatever would end up in disgrace.

32. Avoid Pressure from the Opposite Sex

Immediately you gain admission, there are boys and girls waiting to kill your dream. Senior students chase young admitted girls just to take advantage of them. Avoid distractions from senior students.

Also Read: How to increase productivity

33. Find Your Match

Iron sharpeneth iron. Look for people of like passion. People who have the same vision and goals. This will so much make things easy for you.

34. Try a Reading Partner

Most times, it is easier to understand when you have a reading partner. You may want to try reading with someone to see if it helps. Feel free to stop if it doesn’t favour you.

35. Read Effectively

Don’t deceive yourself, effective reading is not by duration. It is by how much attention you put in and how many things you were able to understand. Don’t skip the topics you find difficult, meet scholars to explain. Avoid people who have the same weakness as you.

36. Buy Books

Unless you don’t have money, buy every book the lecturer recommends and make sure you read them. Stop borrowing up and don’t.

37. Copy in Class

You must learn to put down notes in class. It doesn’t matter whether that is being dictated is in your text. Writing helps you in different ways. In fact, it is easier to remember what you wrote by yourself.

Recommended: 8 Powerful Ways To Understand Difficult Courses

38. Upgrade in Reading

Don’t use secondary school reading pattern. Upgrade!

39. Motivate Yourself

If nobody motivates you, motivate yourself. Always find reasons to behave, find reasons to be the best version of yourself. Stay focused.

40. Avoid Pressure

Pressure will come from friends and society. Avoid pressure to get rich quick, avoid pressure to follow short cut, avoid pressure to join a cult, avoid pressure to put hands in what is hot, avoid trouble in any form. It is better for them to say you’re weak than for strong men to cry at your grave.

41. Reduce Religious Activities

A lot of students get too occupied with religious activities in school that it even makes them skip some classes. There are time and priority for everything. Give to Ceaser what belongs to Ceaser. Even God won’t be happy with your misplace priority.

42. Think Critically

Always use your head. Don’t follow everything you are told. Apply wisdom to everything that you do while in school. In everything, Aim to understand.

43. Be Disciplined in School

Don’t do things because no one sees you or because you have the urge to do it. Always think it through. Don’t sleep too much, don’t eat too much, to womanise too much, don’t drink too much, etc. Always have moderation.

Also Read: 10 Extraordinary Benefits Of Good Thinking

44. No One Is Watching, But

Your parents may not be in school to always monitor or correct you. Other persons in school may not be able to fight or correct you. But remember that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. Actions have consequences. Don’t misbehave.

45. Learn New Skills

Learn as many skills as possible why you are in school. Your skills will always make way for you in school and outside school. Learn as many tech skills as possible, stop giving excuses.

46. Keep Secrets

Don’t tell people everything about yourself; especially your weakness. They may end up using them against you. You are mature now, learn to keep certain things to yourself. If someone believes in you to tell you things, never betray the person.

47. Read Other Books

Majority of Nigerian Students read only what they are taught in class. Read outside the box, learn new things. Read Literatures, Tech and Science books. It doesn’t necessarily need to relate to your course of study. Read motivational and inspiration books

48. Manage Your Time

Time is one of the biggest resources given to man equally. What you do with time is what life will eventually do to you. Learn time management so as to get the best out of school.

49. Always Visit AidTheStudent

Just like this article, AidTheStudent.com has thousands of resources to help and keep you in shape. Simply click here to see the reasons AidTheStudent is the best blog for Parents and Students.

50. Don’t Lose Hope

It is a lack of hope that will make a student resolve to committing suicide in school. Your problem is not the biggest, every issue has an ending date, so long you are alive, you will come out of issues, out of poverty and out of heartbreaks. Suicide or hopelessness should never be an option for you.

Also Read: How to become rich

51. You Background Isn’t A Problem

You may be from a very poor background but let it put your back on the ground. You can make it no matter your family situation and no matter where you are from. Just believe in yourself and put in more effort.

Whether you are in Federal, State or Private School, Uniben, Unilag, OAU, Unilorin, UI, Covenant, Auch, Delsu, Funaab, Uniport, Abu, Lasu, Yabatech, etc, or even outside the country, this article will definitely work for you.

Perhaps you’re in the generation that didn’t grow up with computers, you don’t use a computer so you think your customers don’t use computers.

You may also think that since you are not tech-savvy, why bother to get a website since you cannot manage it yourself.

Some already established business owners rely on word of mouth and they think they are doing quite well so they do not need a website.

The fact is, there are several reasons why your business needs a professional website.

Outlined below are 4 reasons your business needs a professional website.

YOU’LL SHOW UP IN GOOGLE SEARCH RESULTS.

Statistics show that 81 percent of customers perform an online search before purchasing a product. They visit search engine websites like Google, type in one or more keywords, like “best hair salon” or, if they want to specify a location, “best hair salon in Lekki, Lagos”.

If you don’t have a website for your business, the chances of showing up on the search engine results page (SERP) are zero. But if you have a site, you can optimize it for search engines, thereby increasing your chances of appearing at the top of Google’s results and getting more visibility with potential customers.

YOUR CUSTOMERS EXPECT IT.

Statistics also show that Six out of ten consumers expect brands to provide online content about their business on some form of digital property, and more than half visit the brand’s website for product information. If you don’t have a business website, today’s digitally inclined (and impatient) customers may look elsewhere.

YOUR BUSINESS WILL GAIN CREDIBILITY

More and more people are searching online for things they want, for solutions to their problems, to compare prices, or just to get some information about a store, restaurant or business before they purchase from them. If you don’t have a website, potential customers will go to your competitors who do, especially if you are a home-based business without an office address.

Having a website will not only provide the information they are looking for, but it will give your business credibility. It says, I am here, I mean business.

Since potential buyers are already looking for you online, including customer testimonials on your site is a great way to impress potential buyers.

SHOWCASE YOUR PRODUCTS AND SERVICES.

Not only can you display your products or outline your services in detail with beautiful images, but you can provide short video tutorials or downloadable PDF instructions to give hesitant customers no reason to go elsewhere to purchase.

So you see, not having a website is not good for you. Need help setting up a website for your business?  AidTheStudent offers professional web design service plus 24/7 support from in-house experts, as well as guides, video tutorials, and more. click here to check out our professional service. We also offers a free website creation, Click here to check out our free blog setup service.

There is no universal rule for how a country determines the citizenship of a newborn. Some countries just follow the jus sanguinis (right of blood) law, which means a baby’s nationality is determined by that of one or both parents. Others observe that rule and jus soli (right of the soil), where a country grants citizenship to a baby that’s simply born on its soil, regardless of the parents’ origin. These countries are mostly in the Americas and include the United States and Canada. And with the expansion of air travel, these laws had to extend to the heavens as well.

If a baby is born over United States airspace, the jus soli rule means the child would be granted U.S. citizenship, according to the Department of State Foreign Affairs Manual. Depending on the circumstances, the child may also be a candidate for dual citizenship if its parents are from a country that grants citizenship based on blood—though that would depend on the countries involved.

This same simplicity doesn’t extend to a jus sanguinis country, though. This means that an American mother can’t attain French citizenship for her baby just because she gave birth over French airspace. The baby would simply revert to the parent’s U.S. citizenship, since the United States also generally follows jus sanguinis when a baby is born to U.S. citizens in a foreign country. Since jus sanguinis is the far more common rule around the globe, most babies born on a flight over international waters or foreign airspace will likely wind up taking the citizenship of its parents.

If there’s a case where the child could potentially be stateless—such as when a mother herself has no official citizenship and the baby is born in international airspace—the baby would likely take the citizenship of whatever country the plane itself is registered in, according to the United Nations’s Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness agreement.

Despite all these complex laws, mid-flight births are exceedingly rare—so rare, in fact, that most airlines don’t even keep track of the number of babies born in the air. An expecting mother likely wouldn’t even be able to get onto a flight in the first place, since many airlines have rules that prohibit women from flying after they’ve reached a certain point in their pregnancy.

Have you got a Big Question you’d like us to answer? If so, let us know by emailing us at mysterybox@aidthestudent.com.