Undergoing a master’s degree in energy and climate law at the University of Groningen was one of my most challenging experiences as a Nigerian student in the Netherlands. My initial struggle was understanding the European legal system, which formed the basis of approximately 80% of my learning. It was a difficult experience because there was a general presumption that everyone in the class already had some background on how the EU legal system works. At this point, you can understand my confusion when lecturers used legal terminologies that were utterly strange to me. Then it dawned on me that if I wanted to succeed and enjoy my time here, I needed to put in the extra work. That was when I drew up a plan, especially a time management framework that would accommodate my studying, research, part-time job, keeping in touch with family and friends, and touring (which, mind you, is very important to me because I love travelling lol).

My time management plan entailed some decisions I needed to comply with to ensure that my activities never clashed. First of all, never underestimate the relevance of family and loved ones when you are a young African in a foreign land because they are the best people to help keep your sanity intact and dispel any thought of loneliness or depression. I cannot describe how much my family and loved ones came through for me and how important they are to me. As a matter of fact, upon my arrival, I didn’t have some where to stay due to the housing crisis in Groningen. I legit burst into tears when I was told there was no available room in the temporary accommodation. Even worse, I couldn’t talk to anyone since I knew no one, obviously, and I didn’t have airtime or data to make calls. Thankfully, my brother followed my journey from Nigeria, so he called at the time he guessed I must have arrived. I was so happy I cried hard, then he asked what the problem was? I explained the situation to him, and he assured me everything would be fine. He immediately went online and somehow found me a hotel for the night and booked me a taxi (all while he was in Algeria). You see, the importance of family can never be underestimated, and I made a conscious decision that no matter how busy life gets, I would always make time in the day for my family, because I needed them. The good thing about my loved ones is that they are always understanding, and if ever I need to cut a conversation short to study or go to work, they will be in support, which means I have no problem speaking to them daily, usually at nights.

My second decision was never to delay the commencement of any assignment, paper or research until the last minute. Naturally, as humans, we tend to keep procrastinating until it’s two days or one day to the due date, then it dawns on us that we have not completed a task. My drive was that it’s never too early to commence research or paper writing. Always use that free time as soon as you find yourself doing nothing, begin the assignment or paper and finish it if possible. Have the first draft; by so doing, you will have enough time to review, rewrite, or develop the research as often as you wish without pressure. Usually, I would have a task ready weeks before its due date, so it avails me time enough to fine-tune it and submit it in good time. Furthermore, I always prepared before a class and at the least updated my lecture note as soon as I got home and was relaxed. When you do this, you will realise that it expands your familiarity with the subject matter, and studying for exams will feels more like a revision. Then the most of it is crystal, and the knowledge sips in easily. 

Importantly, my academic success was paramount to my many other plans, especially my travel plans. I decided to visit as many countries as possible, because I was not ready to sit in one country for the period of my study while I had a Netherlands permit and Schengen visa. As you may be aware, your permit admits you into all 26 countries that are members of the European Union without the need for visas. For some other countries, it makes an easy visa application process. Seeing that travelling around was paramount to me, I ensured to sit for exams once because of the advantage of an extra week or two for touring before the start of a new semester or block. This was why, I was not a fan of the resit option because they were often scheduled during the ‘break period’. Incidentally, resitting an exams meant no touring for me, and that was not an option. Fortunately, I have visited Turkey, the UK, Paris, Rome, and Germany; and the touring continues, lol.

On the aspect of part-time work as an international student, which is a likely event, you will need to fit this into your calendar as well. To be honest, it is undoubtedly tricky, but that is why you must be time-disciplined - it is as crucial as you have heard it being emphasised. When you execute your tasks on time and familiarise yourself with your books, you will have no issues working and finding time to tour or hang out with friends. For example, in all these, I managed to find time to make all my Nigerian meals, from Nigerian jollof rice to fried rice, ogbono and oha soup, porridge beans, tomato stew, ofada, etc. If you can guess the expected meal of an average Nigerian Igbo girl; I made them all; partly because I love to cook, plus, I had the time having managed my activities and engagements properly. 

In addition, I did enjoy my stay in the city, engaging in activities, including hanging out with friends, visiting the museum, and attending events and concerts. In a nutshell, having a balanced social, work, and study life is possible as long as you manage your time appropriately. Finally, never underestimate the place of God in your life; make out time for your daily devotion and religious community. As a catholic, I found a church community in Groningen, and they have been a wonderful family indeed; you can find yours too. 

For the record, certain occurrences are unplanned but ensure you do the needful, and all other things will fall in place, so don’t beat yourself up in any case. You will do just fine.

Lots of love from that Nigerian gal. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Chioma me, I will be glad to help.