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Fresher's week
Fool proof guide to fresher survival.
You've got your results and you've got your offer, so what happens now? Whether you go half an hour down the road or you move all the way down the country, university or college is a time to start afresh.
Get out there, dammit!
The worst possible thing you can do is be shy in your first few days of college, because that's the days when the friends are made. Remember, this isn't like secondary school, you're round people who are for the most part are a lot like you or at least a lot less judgmental, so they won't be tarring and feathering you just because you came up to talk to them. You've got nothing to lose and, after all, you're all in the same boat!
Get ready to remember you childhood!
An amazing transformation takes place between secondary and third level. Whereas in secondary everybody tries to be more grown up than they actually are, in third level nobody gives a rat's ass whether you still watch cartoons on a Saturday morning. Hell, it's embraced! It's probably something to do with the fact that it's the last port of call before adulthood, so everybody makes a concerted effort to enjoy their childhood while they still can. It's all very complex and psychological, isn't it? If you can remember T.V shows like Bananaman, Garfield, Dogtanian and the Muskahounds, Babar (You know, that show with the Elephant King in the green suit?) and can recite the lyrics to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, then you should fit right in!
For the love of God, go to lectures!
Now nobody's going to put a gun to your head (Another great thing about college), but if you're going to get through the year you really do have to go to your lectures and do a certain amount of work. At the same time, college is about enjoying yourself, and flexing the old rebellious muscles is sometimes good for you, so providing you do your assignments through the year,you go to tutorials and have a good skeleton of lectures attended, you should be fine.
Have a good time!
College is a life experience, the time of your life and a place where lifelong friends are made. All clichés, but all true as well. You only have this period in you life once, so live it up and enjoy it. You'll look back on it fondly!
Make the most of fresher’s week:
- Get involved! You don’t have to be a social butterfly or sports fanatic to join some of the many societies and clubs available. There’s usually something to interest everyone and joining up is a great way to meet new people.
- Explore! Get to know the area you’re now living in and take time to figure out how to get around the university or college.
- Budget! Don’t spend the whole term’s money in a couple of weeks. Yes, you should be partying and having fun. No, you don’t need to buy endless rounds of drinks for your new friends.
- Relax. Don’t worry if you’re overwhelmed by the first weeks away from home or if student life isn’t what you expected. It’s normal to feel homesick or lonely. You should start to settle in and make new friends during the first months at Uni. However if you feel like things aren’t going well, you’re stressed or with serious money problems then speak to your lecturers, a counsellor or a chaplain. Most colleges have trained counselors and chaplains you can speak to about anything you are going through. Your Student’s Union will have further information on who can help get you out of a sticky spot.
By: Paddy Duffy
The opinions of writers featured on SpunOut.ie do not necessarily reflect the views of the SpunOut.ie team or those of Community Creations. We try to give everyone a chance to have their opinions heard but we are not responsible for inaccuracies contained within these.
