Interrailing Do's and Dont's

The Interrail Experience...                                                                                        

After spending what can only be described as the best four weeks of my entire life travelling around Europe I am finally, and somewhat reluctantly, back on Irish soil. Leaving sandy beaches and scorching sun to return to a very dull and dismal Dublin airport last Sunday night was a firm reminder that the dream was well and truly over. Returning to work today after almost four and a half weeks away was a further realisation that I was back to reality with a bang.

So what better way to lighten my mood and my post-holiday blues than to reminisce about my Interrail experience. Like the J1, interrailing is quickly becoming an almost mandatory rite of passage for young Irish students. But before you set out on your trip of a lifetime, here are some do’s and dont's to consider…

Travel Buddies

DO: Travel with someone you know inside out and upside down. Someone you know has the same interests as you and someone you know will want to do and see all the same things as you. You are going to be spending 24/7 in each others company so choose wisely. I travelled in a group of four (my boyfriend and I and one of my best friends and her boyfriend) and it was the perfect combination. We were all interested in doing and seeing similar things and it made our trip a whole lot easier. 

DON’T: Go with people you may end up falling out with over a missed train, a bad hostel or deciding what to do. Interrailing is a once in a lifetime opportunity to do and see things you might never get a chance to do again. Make sure you’re doing them with the right person. Don’t waste your time away with someone who can’t be bothered to get up early or stay up late and has no interest in doing the same things as you.

Pack smart

DO: Travel lightly. Trust me, you really won’t wear half the things you think you will. It’s useful to pick out outfits before you leave; it’s more efficient and will hopefully prevent you from over-packing.

DON’T: Bring anything unnecessary. I’m talking hairdryers, straighteners etc. If the weather is good your hair will dry naturally or, if you're lucky, they might have one in the place you're staying.

Booking accommodation

DO: Book in advance. Not everyone is a fan of booking accommodation in advance but, personally, I would recommend it. After a long day/night travelling you really won’t want the extra hassle of having to try and find a suitable hostel in a new city. We booked all of our accommodation in advance (some weeks in advance, others just a few days) and found it really handy. Plus, booking in advance gives you the added bonus of picking and choosing the best value for money hostels in the exact locations you want.

DON’T: Leave it ‘til the last minute. During our trip we spent three nights in each place which really isn’t a huge amount of time. We wanted to make the most of each new place we visited by doing and seeing all we could. Wandering the streets looking for a place to stay wasn’t one of them.

Have an idea what you want to do

DO: Make a vague plan of what you want to see and do in each place before you get there. It’s important to have a rough idea of the attractions in any of the places you’re going as it will save you time and ensure you make the most out of each destination.

DON’T: Be lazy and waste your days. Interrailing really is the holiday of a lifetime so be proactive and make the most out of every day. You’ll only end up regretting it if you don’t.

Count your dolla bills

DO: Keep an eye on your bank account. You’re there to spend your money doing and seeing lots, but it’s important to remember you’re probably on a budget. Try not to blow your money in the first week as you get to grips with what you can spend daily. If you are on a strict budget cheaper countries like Slovenia will suit you better. Personally I found bigger cities like Vienna and Munich to be very expensive (but still worth it!).

DON’T: Think that money grows on trees. It doesn’t, unfortunately, and it will run out. Make a plan of what you can spend daily and stick to it. That’s the best advice I can give.

Picture c/o: Imgur

Top Ten Tips for College

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!

The best way to make new friends!

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

Getting lost is inevitable but orientation will help!

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 as Thailand, 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 that 9am 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.