Moving away from home for the first time is no easy feat and
the transition from school to college life can be a tricky one; even for the
most confident, self-assured students. Starting a new university, moving into a
new house and living with random people is a big change and many first year
students experience loneliness, stress and anxiety when they first leave the
comfort of their home. However once you get your bearings and find your feet
you will soon realise how much university has to offer. Undoubtedly college years are the best years
of your life; a time to seize opportunities, socialise, make lifelong
friendships and work hard for your dream job. Here are my top ten tips for
making the most of the best four years of your life!
Get Involved
College life is not just about academia and extends a lot farther than the lecture halls and classroom walls. During the first few weeks everyone is in the same boat; no one knows anyone and everybody is looking to make new friends and just have the craic. Clubs and societies are a huge part of college life and most universities have an abundance of clubs and socs to choose from. Throw yourself into everything during the first few weeks, join clubs that suit your interests and hobbies or, instead, learn new skills. Fresher’s week will also be jam packed with activities including UV nights and silent discos so make the most of everything thrown your way.
Mind yourself
Looking after number one in college is harder than you might think. There is no mammy looking after you, ensuring you’re eating all your vegetables and getting eight hours sleep every night. Do yourself a favour from the get go and start as you mean to go on. It is all too easy to slip into bad habits in college and before you know it you think eating leftover pizza for breakfast is acceptable. It’s not and never will be. Most colleges have gym and sports membership you can avail of at a student discount so make the most of what’s on your own doorstep. Try to get enough sleep and eat healthy as well. Your body will thank you for it.
Orientation
A must do for all incoming first
year students. Orientation usually occurs a week or so before college
officially starts and it gives students the chance to take in their new surroundings and familiarise themselves with their new home for the next few years. Orientation guides are on hand to help with any questions or difficulties you may have so don’t be afraid to ask, no matter how silly you think your question is. Do your best to attend all the events going on throughout orientation week and utilise the free offers of pens, notebooks and food.
Plagiarism
For anyone who might not know, plagiarism, in its simplest form, is copying someone else’s work and claiming it as your own. From the moment you step into a lecture hall your teachers and tutors will warn you against it. Please take heed of what they’re telling you and never, ever try it, no matter how under pressure or caught for time you may be. Lecturers will spot it a mile off and will feel no remorse awarding you an “NG” or “F” grade.
Travel
One of the most exciting opportunities college presents you with is the chance to travel and explore the world. A lot of courses require students to take up an Erasmus or study abroad semester. An increasing number of students are readily availing of student summer visas to the States, while other students are taking up TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) in countries such asThailand ,
Japan and China .
Your college years are the perfect time to be selfish, so say yes to new
opportunities and experiences. It is only the things you don’t do that you will
end up regretting.
Attendance
In the midst of socialising, joining new clubs and societies and making new friends, it is easy to forget the real reason you’re in college. While going to that9am lecture might not seem too appealing make an effort
to attend and keep on top of your assignments. Slacking off lectures and
tutorials and constantly playing catch-up is no fun and just makes life a whole
lot harder for you.
Budget
Learning to budget your money is
one of the hardest things you will learn during the first semester of college.
The first few weeks are always the most expensive and, for many people, it is
the first time they are in control of their own finances. No one wants to be
living off toast and beans by the end of every week/month so do your best to
budget your money. It makes life that little bit easier, trust me.
Buying books
Speaking of budgeting…buying books second hand, or not buying them at all, is one of the best tips I can give in relation to saving money. University textbooks cost a small fortune so, if the book is a must have, then go to the Students’ Union and see if you can get it second hand. Chances are there will be previous students only dying to get rid of it. Now, some lecturers will tell you that certain books are compulsory and you need to have them, but this is not always true. If you can source the book out in the library or find extracts of it online then you might get away with not buying it at all and save yourself a few extra dollars.
Trying new thing
There is no time like the present and no better place than university to try out something you’ve been putting on the long finger. College is where you find out what really makes you tick so seize the moment, experiment with new ideas and discover who you really are.
Home sweet home
Just as it is a huge change for you, it is also a huge milestone for your parents. Don’t forget to check in with them and let them know how you’re getting on and what you’re up to. No one worries more about you than your mam and dad so keep them in the loop and everyone will be happy.
 |
| The best way to make new friends! |
College life is not just about academia and extends a lot farther than the lecture halls and classroom walls. During the first few weeks everyone is in the same boat; no one knows anyone and everybody is looking to make new friends and just have the craic. Clubs and societies are a huge part of college life and most universities have an abundance of clubs and socs to choose from. Throw yourself into everything during the first few weeks, join clubs that suit your interests and hobbies or, instead, learn new skills. Fresher’s week will also be jam packed with activities including UV nights and silent discos so make the most of everything thrown your way.
Mind yourself
Looking after number one in college is harder than you might think. There is no mammy looking after you, ensuring you’re eating all your vegetables and getting eight hours sleep every night. Do yourself a favour from the get go and start as you mean to go on. It is all too easy to slip into bad habits in college and before you know it you think eating leftover pizza for breakfast is acceptable. It’s not and never will be. Most colleges have gym and sports membership you can avail of at a student discount so make the most of what’s on your own doorstep. Try to get enough sleep and eat healthy as well. Your body will thank you for it.
Orientation
 |
| Getting lost is inevitable but orientation will help! |
officially starts and it gives students the chance to take in their new surroundings and familiarise themselves with their new home for the next few years. Orientation guides are on hand to help with any questions or difficulties you may have so don’t be afraid to ask, no matter how silly you think your question is. Do your best to attend all the events going on throughout orientation week and utilise the free offers of pens, notebooks and food.
Plagiarism
For anyone who might not know, plagiarism, in its simplest form, is copying someone else’s work and claiming it as your own. From the moment you step into a lecture hall your teachers and tutors will warn you against it. Please take heed of what they’re telling you and never, ever try it, no matter how under pressure or caught for time you may be. Lecturers will spot it a mile off and will feel no remorse awarding you an “NG” or “F” grade.
Travel
One of the most exciting opportunities college presents you with is the chance to travel and explore the world. A lot of courses require students to take up an Erasmus or study abroad semester. An increasing number of students are readily availing of student summer visas to the States, while other students are taking up TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) in countries such as
Attendance
In the midst of socialising, joining new clubs and societies and making new friends, it is easy to forget the real reason you’re in college. While going to that
Budget
Learning to budget your money is
one of the hardest things you will learn during the first semester of college.
The first few weeks are always the most expensive and, for many people, it is
the first time they are in control of their own finances. No one wants to be
living off toast and beans by the end of every week/month so do your best to
budget your money. It makes life that little bit easier, trust me.Buying books
Speaking of budgeting…buying books second hand, or not buying them at all, is one of the best tips I can give in relation to saving money. University textbooks cost a small fortune so, if the book is a must have, then go to the Students’ Union and see if you can get it second hand. Chances are there will be previous students only dying to get rid of it. Now, some lecturers will tell you that certain books are compulsory and you need to have them, but this is not always true. If you can source the book out in the library or find extracts of it online then you might get away with not buying it at all and save yourself a few extra dollars.
Trying new thing
There is no time like the present and no better place than university to try out something you’ve been putting on the long finger. College is where you find out what really makes you tick so seize the moment, experiment with new ideas and discover who you really are.
Home sweet home
Just as it is a huge change for you, it is also a huge milestone for your parents. Don’t forget to check in with them and let them know how you’re getting on and what you’re up to. No one worries more about you than your mam and dad so keep them in the loop and everyone will be happy.
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