The first thing Ayo noticed was the smell. Not of rot or trash — that would come later — but of hot cement and wet grass, the scent of Lagos sun baking freshly-cut weeds outside the school gate.
The gate was beautiful. One could tell it was regularly, and properly maintained. Befitting of a Federal University.
UNILAG was alive.
Noisy, crowded, impatient. Hundreds of different sounds merged into a single cacophony that seemed annoying.
A disadvantage of being beside a busy road.
The students themselves, were not really here yet in their full capacity. But the few that were, mostly freshers, could be spotted from a mile away, mostly because of their young appearance. And the freshers could be seen with large backpacks and 'Ghana Must Go' s, large woven bags that ironically had almost no connection to Ghana.
The taxi that dropped Ayo off barely stopped before his suitcase hit the ground. He paid, nodded, and wheeled it into the school without saying much.
His 1.9 meter tall frame cast a slightly distorted shadow on the Asphalt due to the angle of the sun, the lean muscles peeking out from under the baggy clothes that spoke volumes of their wearer's laid back nature.
A Campus shuttle ride later, he was in front of his hostel. John Freeman Lodge.
His first week had begun.
He gazed at the boys' hostel for a bit, noting its lustrous cream paint, and sufficiently intact window panes. One could still make out a few wears here and there. Nothing too serious.
One of the better hostels, according to the man who gave his father the campus tour months ago. Not too far from class. Regular light, and round the clock water supply.
It was good, but considering the N250k yearly price tag… Meh.
He entered the hostel and found his way to his new room.
*Click.
Two beds, two wardrobes, and two windows that promised ample ventilation. There seemed to be two of everything.
A bathroom, and a kitchen, small but clean. The fan squeaked ever so slightly, but it worked. Ayo dropped his suitcase and exhaled.
No one else was inside.
He started unpacking his luggage.
*DING*
MyMom: Have you settled down? Hope all is well.
Ayo glanced at the message on his phone and broke into a smile.
You: I'm good ma. You really didn't have to pack me stew.
He shook his head helplessly as he glanced over to a plastic container containing a well prepared stew, complete with condiments like meat and fish.
MyMum: Anything for my darling son(/*Laughing Emoji*/). Just stay safe, alright?
You: Alright mum.
MyMum: (/*Heart emoji*/)
A Half an hour of serenity passed.
Ayo arranged his bed, folded his clothes and footwear into the wardrobe, and took a cold shower.
He had a short prayer, and crashed onto his bed, phone in hand, silently noting the presence of someone else's belongings on the other side of the room.
Another few minutes passed, as he scrolled through TikTok, the slight addiction among the younger generation showing at this moment, before the door creaked open.
"Yo," the newcomer said. Short, simple.
He appeared natural. At home even.
Slim build, slippers on feet, a nylon bag swinging in his left hand – the weight and form of which would instantly be recognized to contain Fried Bean Cakes(Akara) by the more experienced eye – and a full head shorter than Ayo, which is more common than not considering the latter's height.
"I'm Femi," he added, dropping the nylon on the wardrobe with a flap. "Looks like we're stuck together. For the next one year at least."
Ayo nodded once. "Ayo."
They both shook hands and Femi smiled.
"Welcome to school".
That was the beginning of campus life.
***
This is my first work guys, so let's make this a journey!