By Niamh Dwyer, Chairperson of the Kerry Branch of Guidance Counsellors

Moving on to college is exciting, the first taste of real independence and a chance to really spread your wings.

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This year sees not only first years, but the majority of second years heading to campus for the first time. After 18 months of rolling lockdowns and extensive restrictions, freedom has never felt so good. Just as the move brings the excitement, it can also bring a certain level of worry about the unknown and even a sense overwhelm at adjusting to a very different system. All of that is completely normal, you are among thousands of others in the same boat. The first couple of weeks are really important as you become familiar with a new place and system, without the watchful eye of parents and teachers. Take time to find out as much as you can about your new surroundings and the many supports available to you, as you navigate this change.

Orientation

At this stage some of you will have attended your registration and orientation day. The biggest challenge at the beginning is finding your way around the campus and outside of it and reading a more complex timetable. It is worth spending a few days before lectures to start familiarising yourself with the various buildings that you will need to frequent. If the college have an App, download it as many have an interactive map. If not, ask directions at the main reception desk or from college security staff as they will know the place inside out. It’s not all about getting to lectures, you will also need to locate the closest shops and bus stops. Shops on campus can be expensive so make sure to find the nearest large supermarket to keep those shopping bills as low as possible. The student service office and Student’s Union is a great port of call if you have questions about anything, whatever the issue they will point you in the right direction.

Making friends

While you may have some school friends in the same course and college, making new friends is a vital part of settling in to college life. You will meet plenty of new people on your course and in student accommodation. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there to meet new people. Joining some of the clubs and societies on offer in the college is a fantastic way to widen your circle of friends early in the college year - and of course take part in Freshers Week activities safely.

Budgeting

Surviving college involves having to live on a budget. While lots of college students work part-time, you want to make sure you strike the right balance and that means watching what you spend. Look at the cheaper tickets for public transport, organise to do a large shop as a college household once a fortnight, explore the options to get the books you need in the library as opposed to buying them, and cut out the expensive takeaway coffees!

Assessment & Grading

One of the biggest shocks that students get in college is realising that unlike school, assessment starts really early in the college term. Look at the detail of all your modules including when and how you will be assessed. You also need to learn about the grading system as it is very different to secondary school. All courses have a co-ordinator and many have tutors so ask them the specific questions, it will save disappointment later in the year. Referencing is a huge issue for first year students as it must be done correctly, follow the guidelines carefully from early on. Plagiarism is also something to be mindful of. Many colleges use a software package such as Turnitin to scan your work to ensure that it is authentic - so don’t risk it!

COVID-19 still casts a shadow on how we interact socially and even with high levels of vaccinations it is prevalent. Learning to take care of your physical, mental and sexual health as well as your personal safety is all part of becoming independent. Do everything you can to look after yourself and enjoy the very best that college life has to offer. And if you are struggling academically, personally, socially or financially, don’t bury your head in the sand, reach out to the various support services available in college and outside of it.

Niamh Dwyer is a Guidance Counsellor in Scoil Phobail Sliabh Luachra, Rathmore, and Chairperson of the Kerry Branch of Guidance Counsellors. She is also a Careers Advisor - For details see www.mycareerplan.ie or follow @mycareerplan on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.