It took time for Illya to shed the bad habits he had learned at the orphanage. The gambling and drinking stopped, though he continued to smoke. His suspicious nature kept him cautious as a matter of self preservation.
Stubbornness caused him trouble as did his smart mouth. Corporal punishment was not unknown at the academy and he suffered the strap numerous times. In spite of that, Illya rededicated himself to truth.
Solitude remained his only companion. Here too his cautiousness built a barrier between him and most of the others.
Yet he flourished and was fairly happy with his studies.