A Whole New World

"You have brains in your head.

You have feet in your shoes.

You can steer yourself in any direction you choose.

You're on your own.

And you know what you know.

You are the guy who'll decide where to go."

This famous quote from Dr.Seuss is quite fitting to all of us young students as we set out on what will, hopefully, be the best years of our lives.

This time last year the idea of ever reaching college seemed a million miles away. Mocks, orals and the dreaded Leaving Cert. itself all stood as towering obstacles standing in the way of reaching university. I'm sure many of us wondered would we make it at all. Before long though the exams were done and dusted and the summer could finally be enjoyed, with all thoughts of exams thrown firmly out the window. However, August was quick approaching and with that came the inevitable Leaving Cert. results, followed by the CAO offers.

UL had always been my first preference and dominated the majority of my CAO. Journalism and New Media was my chosen course and, with happy thoughts for the exciting prospects that lay ahead, I gladly clicked 'accept' on my CAO offer. I was officially Limerick bound.

Moving into on-campus accommodation was an easy choice for me. Everything from the shop to the arena is within walking distance. Plus I had heard the craic was mighty in Kilmurry (and not just on Tuesday and Thursday nights). I was lucky enough to be placed in a mixed house with five other people. Any worries or anxieties I had about moving in with complete strangers instantly evaporated when I met my housemates. Good natured banter started almost immediately between us and, at the risk of sounding clichéd, we quickly became like a little family.

The first few weeks living in Limerick seemed to pass by in a blur. Figuring out timetables, learning to cook, clean and fend for myself, and, of course, socializing meant that it took a while before I finally found my feet. Nonetheless, as the weeks flew by I found myself adjusting and adapting to the life of a student. I no longer noticed myself getting lost or sitting waiting patiently in the wrong room, while my class took place someplace else. UL suddenly didn't seem like the confusing maze I thought it was just a few weeks previously.

Clubs and societies play a fundamental role in college life and, from my experience, are an easy and fun way to make new friends as well as developing your own interests. The sports facilities offered here are ideal for anyone interested in any kind of sports and it would be a shame for everyone not to use the Olympic sized swimming pool or the wide range of classes offered throughout the arena. They are a great way to relax and de-stress, as well as giving you some exercise. Even if you're not interested in sports taking a trip to the track could still prove worthwhile. The sight of Donncha O'Callaghan, Paul O'Connell and co. training hard has brightened up many a morning for me.

Finally as first year draws to a close there is so much to reflect on. Second year is just around the corner and there is so much more to look forward too. Maybe not that nine o'clock lecture on a Monday morning though. At an academic level there is a lot to be taught and even more to be learned. Ireland proudly boasts one of the largest, brightest and most-educated workforces in the world. As informed students we are more aware of the world around us, the possibilities in front of us and the ability we have to change the world one step at a time. On the social side there is new friendships to be formed, opportunities to be seized and experiences to be enjoyed. For everyone college can be a place where knowledge is distributed, friendships developed and talents discovered. Forget about school, it seems college days are the best days of your life.