National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) Tips for new students who just got admitted.
Disclaimer: NOUN changes things often, so some of these might someday be obsolete. Be sure to verify stuff on your own.
TMA TIPS
Don't take TMA for granted. TMA is 30 points and can be the difference between passing and getting a carryover.
Attempt 2 to 3 TMA each day everyday from the moment they're available. Don't let them pile up and avoid the headache.
EXAMINATION TIPS
Pay especially close attention to your Exam Timetable releases which get updated rather frequently. You'll avoid missing exams this way.
NOUN usually uploads the Exam Timetable Draft, followed by the genuine Time Table a few days or weeks later. More updates tend to happen as exams are ongoing which tends to move exam dates forwards and backwards by a couple days.
My advice is to keep checking your Groups and NOUN website at most every 2 days during exams to avoid surprises.
Just stay in the loop. NOUN is more volatile than you might want to believe. Don't be taken unawares by sudden changes.
MISCELLANEOUS TIPS
Don't Procrastinate:
Finish everything well before the deadline. This includes TMAs, projects, registrations, exam clearance, business plans, everything.
The NOUN servers have a history of being overwhelmed by students doing things last minute.
I know someone who lost TMAs 2 and 3 for all his courses which had a simultaneously deadline, but couldn't login till after said deadline because the server was overworked. He carried over the entire semester. Don't be that guy.
Login Frequently:
Login to e-learn at least 3-4 times a week especially if you had registered GST302 or any other non-TMA course. There might be some announcements and whatnot you can't afford to miss.
Same goes for any NOUN groups you're a part of.
Save EVERY Document. Every single one:
Best to buy a folder and USB drive for storing every NOUN document you get your hands on.
Just download any downloadable and save every piece of paper. Do not throw away or delete anything. Period.
These include, but definitely not limited to Course Registration Slips, Exam Slip, Remita Slips, Remita Receipts, Wallet Balance, and any other thing from the student portal.
Everything from the bank including tellers and receipts.
Your Admissions and/or transfer papers.
Your academic transcripts every semester.
Everything NOUN explicitly tells you to save.
Everything NOUN DOESN'T tell you to save.
Create a Study Timetable:
Read 1 Module per day and you'll be done with 1 course within 1 week, and with all your courses in 2 months at most.
Begin studying for the next semester courses right after you finish writing your exams. This will buy you 2 extra months.
NOUN provides a list of all your courses and which semester they belong to, so use that.
Join Department Whatsapp Groups:
This would make life easier for you at NOUN. You'll get updated on the goings on, and it's the best place to seek assistance.
Always Be Preparing For Graduation:
From admission to your final semester, make sure everything is in order for a smooth and trouble free graduation process for yourself.
Other General Tips:
From the beginnin, buy as many passport photographs in one go as you can. You'll need at least 2 every semester for exam clearance and those photos gets more expensive each year. If you can, save the money early.
Don't be rude to, or raise your voice at staff. They'll take it super personally and they'll make sure you suffer for your transgressions.
If you come late to Exam and get locked at the gate, plead your case consistently and don't argue or be rude. They'll chew you out, but may eventually let you in. Piss them off, and you're definitely not getting in.
If possible, be friendly with as many of the staff members as you can. Greeting them everytime you meet is a good start. They might save your behind someday. I speak from experience.
