As you start your time as a college student, you'll meet new people and be eager to try new things. However, it can be an adjustment that takes some time to get used to. Read the tips we have gathered from our many years supporting new students to help you on your way!
1. Get involved with your Students' Union
We are here to help you adjust to starting college. If you have a question, don't know where your next lecture is or need some advice, there are so many ways to contact us and we'll be happy to help!
As a new student, you automatically become a member of Mary I Students' Union and by getting involved in some way, you will broaden your experiences and get to know people from other courses and years. Come along to events and on-campus activities in Freshers' Week, sign up to Clubs & Socs or become a Class Rep or even an Executive Officer! If you have any ideas or feedback that you want to make your Sabbatical Officers aware of and working on, attend a Union Council or Union General Meeting and let them know.
2. Introduce yourself (and be yourself)
You have a new opportunity to make friends as a first year, plus everyone is in the same boat, especially at Orientation and in the first few weeks. Don't be afraid to be yourself and talk to as many people as possible. You will find people who share your interests and will make your time in Mary I that much better.
3. Get to know your new home
Whether you're a student in Limerick or Thurles, you'll want to know your way around the city/town. If you're living at student accommodation or off campus, spend some time learning how to get to from A to B without getting lost or confused. Where possible, go with someone else or as a group and give yourselves plenty of time to make your early lectures! Know the address and name of your accommodation: it's hard to get directions if you don't know where you're going! If you need some information on public transport or shops or services with student discounts or anything else, check out the 'Get to Know' articles or ask someone in MISU. We can point you in the right direction.
4. Attend your lectures!
It's easy to get carried away in the excitement of Freshers' Week and nights out but remember that you are still a student and lectures are a key part of that. The first lectures will outline important information on registering your modules/subjects, signing up for tutorials and when tutorials start. Lecturers will outline the structure of the modules and how to get supports if you need it. Plus, Arts students can attend any lectures in the first few weeks to help you to decide which subjects you would like to study. Also, you will get to know the others in your class/module in these lectures.
5. Learn to budget
For many first years, this is the first time you've had to manage your own spending, especially if you have just left home. There's a section on this site that goes in to more detail on adjusting to budgeting but basically, you need to make sure you have enough money (and spread out your spending) to get you through until you're next paid/your grant comes through.
You'll learn from experience to find the student deals, make wiser choices and plan ahead for the end of the week and your journey home. Check out our How to budget guide for more tips and tricks.
6. Shared space etiquette
For those of you in student accommodation, digs or house sharing, it can be difficult to get used to living with other people who aren't your family. We would advise you to be open-minded - not everyone does things like you or has the same expectations. Try to get on with the people you're living with. You'll all eventually settle in to a routine but for the first few weeks get in to the habit of following the basic rules of etiquette - clean up after yourself, be considerate of others and don't leave shared spaces a mess.
7. Know your limits
The first few weeks can be a whirlwhind of Orientation, Freshers' Week and getting used to your new surroundings. It's a good idea to be aware of your limits, both on nights out and in general.
On a night out, pace yourself - make sure not to drink excessively, stick together with people you know, get home safely and drink enough water throughout the night and the next day to avoid a bad hangover. If you need a quiet night or some down time, suggest a night in with housemates or friends or take some time to yourself. It's important to take a step back and look after yourself. If you're ever feeling overwhelmed or need some support, contact us or one of the college services or even just drop in to Aisling or Laura (the SU Sabbats) for a chat or a cuppa.