Every year, a new breed of graduates are sent out into the big bad world while a new era begins for the incoming freshers. Here's all you need to know about starting your first year of college.
9. Join a few clubs and socs.
College is what you make it. You've got to take your first steps out into the real world and grab life by the balls. You get out of it exactly what you put in. Join everything, meet new people and make friends with students outside of your core class. The more you get involved, the more you'll love it!
8. Go in every day.
You're not in school anymore. It's totally upto you to ensure that you're getting in on time, attending your lectures, and submitting your assignments on time. Plus if you don't go in, you'll be missing out on all your new classmates and their banter!
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7. Make sure you WANT to do this course.
Unfortunately many people make the mistake of choosing the wrong course, or enter into it unsure of whether that is actually what they want to pursue. Arts students, we're looking slightly in your direction with your massive dropout rate, but it also happens in a lot of other courses. The truth us, you won't really know what to expect from your course until you actually get in and start learning. If you should decide to dropout, just make sure that you do it in due course. Give yourself until Christmas at most.
6. Host or go to a college class party.
We're Irish. 80% of the time that we socialise is when we have a cold beer in our hand. Throw a party to break the ice with your new classmates. You'll be seeing a lot of them over the next few years!
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5. Get out as much as you can during Fresher's Week.
Yes, we know you've got lectures during Fresher's Week, but so does everybody. Think solidarity - why don't we all go in the next morning and be hungover together? There's some food for thought. Besides, the colleges and lecturers know not to embark seriously into the course during Fresher's Week! Get out, get socialising and have a great time. College is the best years of your life.
4. Smile and say hi!
It cost nothing to crack a smile. Don't be one of these awry, boring stone-faced students slumping through the halls! Don't be afraid to talk to people on the first day. It's the only way that you're going to get to know people.
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3. Hit the SU!
The student unions are where it all happens. They're illustrious, bustling, fun-packed, chattering halls filled with students of all years, courses and ages. This is where everything happens Play some pool or ping pong, grab a beer, smash some table tennis, listen to live music or participate in one of the many outrageous competitions, such as the famed iron stomach contest.
2. Pipe up in your lectures.
You'll be seeing the majority of your lecturers for the next couple of years. They like to see students interacting with them, so pipe up and ask a question if you're unsure about something. Don't transcribe 10 A4 pages of lecture notes and then find out that you have absolutely no idea what they actually mean.
1. Go for a few pints.
The best way to strike up a conversation with your new classmates is to wet your lips with a few cheap drinks at the student bar. Just don't be the one who drinks TOO much on the first day!
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