Waiting for your admission after JAMB or WAEC results can be frustrating, especially when you’ve done all the hard work, and now it feels like everything is out of your hands. The uncertainty of whether you’ll get in or not can create unnecessary stress.
But don’t sit around waiting! There’s plenty you can do to stay productive, learn new skills, and make the most out of this waiting period. This article will show you 10 things to do while waiting for your admission.
1. Start a Skill-Building Course
Learning a new skill is one of the best ways to stay productive during the waiting period. It could be something related to your future course or something completely different.
- Photography
- Coding and Web Development
- Digital Marketing
- Graphic Design
- Video Editing
These skills can not only keep your mind engaged but also help you build a portfolio that can come in handy for jobs or even a side hustle.
Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, edX, and LinkedIn Learning offer tons of affordable or even free courses.
2. Volunteer in Your Community
Volunteering can be a rewarding way to spend your time. Look for NGOs or community projects that align with your interests.
- Help in local schools
- Assist in health-related initiatives
- Teach basic literacy to children or adults
- Join a church or youth group project
Volunteering builds your resume, gives you valuable experience, and helps you connect with others who might be influential in your future career.
3. Prepare for Next Year’s JAMB (If You Didn’t Get In)
If you didn’t get into university this year, don’t waste time. Start preparing for next year’s JAMB right now.
- Practice past questions. This is key to understanding the exam format and testing your knowledge.
- Focus on your weak subjects. If you struggled with certain subjects, spend extra time reviewing and practicing them.
- Join a study group or attend tutorials. Being around others who are also preparing can help you stay motivated and learn faster.
You can use this time to ensure that next year’s JAMB is a breeze.
4. Learn Financial Literacy
Understanding money and how to manage it is a crucial skill for everyone—especially students who will soon have to manage their own finances.
- Create a budget: Learn how to budget your money wisely.
- Save for university: Open a bank account and start saving for school fees or living expenses.
- Invest: Research and start learning about basic investments like stocks, bonds, and savings accounts.
Learning about personal finance now can give you an edge in university when managing your own finances.
5. Get a Part-Time Job or Internship
If you’re able to, find a part-time job or internship related to your field of interest. You can learn work skills, build your CV, and even earn some money for school expenses.
- Retail jobs
- Freelance work
- Internships in your field of interest (if available)
Part-time jobs can also teach you discipline and time management—important skills for university life.
6. Read Books (Beyond Your School Syllabus)
While waiting for admission, you can expand your knowledge by reading books that aren’t necessarily part of your school curriculum.
- Personal development books (e.g., “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen Covey)
- Books related to your course of interest (e.g., Law, Medicine, Engineering)
- Fiction for relaxation and inspiration (e.g., novels by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie)
Reading regularly sharpens your mind, improves your vocabulary, and expands your worldview.
7. Prepare for University Life
Use the time to research what university life will be like.
- Learn about your course requirements—know what textbooks and materials you’ll need for your studies.
- Learn about accommodation options—research hostels, private accommodation, or renting off-campus.
- Understand campus facilities—know where the libraries, student unions, and lecture halls are.
Preparing ahead of time will make your transition to university much smoother.
8. Start a Blog or YouTube Channel
If you enjoy writing, why not start a blog? If you prefer speaking, a YouTube channel could be a great outlet. These platforms allow you to express yourself, share knowledge, and possibly earn money in the future.
- Create content on topics you’re passionate about: Education, your life as a student, tech, music, etc.
- Use social media to promote your blog or channel: Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook are great platforms to attract followers.
Starting a blog or YouTube channel can also help build a strong online presence and networking opportunities.
9. Take Care of Your Health
While it’s easy to focus solely on studies, your physical and mental health is just as important. Use this waiting period to develop healthy habits.
- Exercise regularly—join a gym, take walks, or practice yoga.
- Eat healthily—maintain a balanced diet to feel energized and healthy.
- Take mental health breaks—meditate, take naps, or do anything that relaxes your mind.
Your health is the foundation for success in university, so take care of it now.
10. Network with People in Your Desired Field
Start building your professional network early. Connect with university students, graduates, or professionals in the field you plan to study.
- Join online forums or groups (e.g., LinkedIn, WhatsApp groups for your course or school)
- Attend webinars and virtual events related to your future career path
- Ask questions, and seek mentorship.
Building a network now can help you later on when you need advice, internships, or job opportunities.
Conclusion
While waiting for your admission, the best thing you can do is make use of the time wisely. Instead of stressing over what you can’t control, focus on what you can do right now to improve yourself.
Whether it’s gaining new skills, getting a job, reading books, or building connections, these productive steps will help prepare you for university life and beyond.
And remember, waiting isn’t wasting. It’s an opportunity to grow and become more prepared for what’s next.