NYSC 2026 Batch A: Things I Regret Taking to Camp 😩
Hey future corp member! So, you just got your call-up letter for NYSC 2026 Batch A, and your brain is already spinning with what to pack. I get it. Before I went to camp, I made lists, watched videos, and bought so many things I thought were “essential.” But let me tell you, half of that stuff just became a burden.
I’m writing this so you don’t make the same mistakes I did. If you’re heading to camp soon, here are the things I genuinely regretted lugging all the way there.
The Packing Mistakes I Made
When you arrive at the NYSC camp, the first thing you notice is the lack of space. The hostels are packed. If you are unlucky enough to get the top bunk (like I was), you have almost zero room to store things.
1. That Big Box Was a Headache
Don’t do it. I brought a big box, and it was a nightmare. There is little to no space under the bed, and if you’re on top, you can’t exactly keep it next to you. You end up having to shove it somewhere, and it just blocks the walkway. A smaller box or a Ghana must go bag would have been way better. You only need clothes and a few basics.
2. Packing Too Many Provisions
I thought I would be snacking all day. Truth is, I’m not even used to eating biscuits and drinks like that. The food in camp is… well, it’s food. But honestly, I should have just taken more money and bought akara and moi moi from the mammy market when I got hungry. Fresh food just hits different.
3. Disposable Pants Weren’t Needed
This one depends on the weather, but I camped during the harmattan season. The sun was blazing! I washed my clothes, and they dried in less than 50 minutes. There was really no need for me to buy disposable ones. Save your money.
4. Wipes Were a Waste
I barely touched the pack of wipes I bought. In camp, you have access to water. I was able to wash my shoes in the morning or at night easily. Honestly, my hostel mates used my wipes more than I did.
Things I Thought I Needed (But Really Didn’t)
We all have that list of things we think will make camp life easier. Sometimes, less is more.
5. The Water Bottle That Stayed Dry
I bought a nice water bottle, thinking I’d carry it everywhere during parade and lectures. I didn’t use it up to three times in the whole camp! It just took up space. That said, keep it. It might be very useful when you finally get to your PPA (Place of Primary Assignment) after camp.
6. Packing More Than 3 Shorts or Shirts
I packed a lot of clothes thinking I’d wear something different every day. It just made me lazy to wash because I knew I had a backup. Also, small items can go missing without you noticing in the hostel. Keep your wardrobe simple. Three is the magic number.
7. The Extra Jotter for SAED
I took an extra notebook specifically for the SAED lectures. Funny enough, I didn’t even use it for that. It’s the exact book I’m now using to draft content ideas for my blog and videos. So, at least it didn’t go to waste!
8. My Full Skincare Routine
Please, leave your 10-step routine at home. There is absolutely no time for that in camp unless you plan to wake up by 2 AM just to beat the morning rush. Just bring your very basic face wash and moisturiser. You will be too tired for anything else.
9. Big Sanitary Pads
To the ladies: If you don’t have a heavy flow, don’t buy the big, bulky pads. They are uncomfortable to wear during long parades and drills. Stick to what you know works for your body.
Important Truths About Mammy Market
Mammy market is the heartbeat of the camp. They sell everything. Here is the truth about what you will find there.
10. Don’t Buy a Potty from Mammy Market
Okay, this one is a big deal. If you plan to buy a small potty (the small plastic stool) for sitting or washing clothes, be careful. Most of the ones they sell have been used before. I heard that some people pick used ones, wash them, and resell them as new. I actually made a video about this on my page, so you can check it out to see for yourself.
11. The Torchlight vs. Your Phone
I bought a big torchlight, but honestly, you can just use your phone torch. However, if you are using your phone, be very careful not to fall inside the water when you’re going to fetch at night. The drainage system in some camps is a hazard.
12. Buying Two Small Buckets
I thought having two buckets would help me separate my things. It just made me fetch water every second because I felt I had to fill both. Just get one medium-sized bucket that can do everything: wash clothes, fetch water, and bathe.
13. The White Handkerchief
I honestly can’t remember why I packed so many white handkerchiefs. You really don’t need more than one or two. It just becomes another thing to wash.
14. More Than 3 Passports and Photocopies
I carried a whole envelope of passport photographs and photocopies. You need them, yes, but you don’t need 20 copies. Maybe take 3 or 4 of each. You can always print more in town if you really need to.
My Final Advice
Honestly, all those things you are stressing yourself to pack right now? You can get almost all of them from the mammy market inside camp. The price difference is just 50 or 100 naira, if it’s not the exact same price. Don’t break your back carrying a heavy load.
Just take the essentials, a positive mind, and get ready for the best three weeks of service year.
Good luck, 2026 Batch A!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Should I bother taking a mattress to camp?
A: Honestly? No. Most camps provide a foam. If you are really soft, buy a thin mattress topper from the market when you get to your PPA. In camp, you’ll be too tired to care.
Q: What is the one thing I absolutely must take?
A: A small fan that uses batteries or a power bank. The camp can be hot, and the fans in the hostel might not be enough. You will thank me later.
Q: Is it safe to keep my phone and money in the hostel?
A: It is generally safe, but don’t be careless. Bring a small box with a padlock. You can lock your valuables inside your box and keep the key with you always.
Q: Can I really buy all my toiletries in Mammy Market?
A: Yes! Soap, sponge, toothpaste, even food. Don’t carry heavy liquids from home. Just buy them when you get there. It’s easier.
Q: What about cooking in camp?
A: For the orientation camp, don’t bother. Just buy food. It’s only three weeks. Worry about cooking when you get to your PPA.
Q: Should I bring my own bedsheet?
A: Yes! The mattresses in camp have seen things. Bring a bedsheet and a small blanket. It will make your sleeping experience much better.
Did I miss anything? Do you have any other questions about packing for NYSC 2026 Batch A? Drop them in the comment box below and I will reply to you!
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