University of Galway student
My Top Ten Tips for First Years
I just want to put it out there; everyone is scared on their first day at university!
Regardless of how popular you were in secondary school, how large your friend group was, how amazing you were at sport, or music, or how brilliant you were academically, everyone is starting from scratch on the first day of first year!
It’s a whole new world and you are starting over so you need to be brave and put yourself out there. When I was invited to write this piece, it brought me back to that first day, all the excitement, all the trepidation, all the anxiety but right from day one I made a conscious decision to be present and get involved and that made all the difference.
Here are my tips to help make your first year at University of Galway a success and fun.
1. Accommodation
Start planning early. Remember bookings for on-campus accommodation usually opens in March so if you want to live on campus make sure you register your interest then. It costs nothing to register, you will be asked to pay a small deposit only if you have been offered a room. I was one of the lucky ones and secured on campus accommodation in Goldcrest. Being on campus sharing accommodation with other first years really helped me settle in quickly.
2. Join Clubs or Societies
I cannot recommend this enough. There are lots of sports clubs and societies to get involved with and joining and being an active member will ensure you make many new friends fast
3. Self-care is important.
I certainly burnt the candle at both ends in those early weeks of first year. You suddenly have all this freedom and it is tempting to be out every night. So remember to mind yourself, do not go overboard on the partying and try to eat well. If you can’t cook learn to cook a few basic dishes just so you don’t starve. A student budget will not stretch to constantly eating out or takeaways.
4. Manage your time
Remember you are at university to graduate with a good degree so you need to manage your time well. You need to make time for study and getting your assignments done and submitted on time otherwise you will find yourself overwhelmed with deadlines. In addition, if you are working in a team as part of an assigned project don’t be that idiot that does not pull their weight. No one likes a free loader!
5. Get a calendar
Get a wall calendar and mark when assignments are due and when exams are taking place. This will help to keep you organised and on track and is a visual reminder of what you need to do and by when.
6. Don’t forget to sleep
It is tempting to stay out or up late chatting with your roommates but try to ensure you get adequate sleep. If you are sleep deprived, you cannot concentrate in lectures and your learning and study will suffer.
7. Communicate openly with your housemates
When it comes to sharing your living space with other students you need to show respect, communicate if you are not happy with something, (dirty dishes in the sink ), but be kind and considerate.
8. Don’t be afraid to ask for HELP
There are great student support services available at the University of Galway so do not be afraid to reach out and ask for help if you are struggling. If you are not sure where to go then just drop into the Student Enquiry Desk in the Arts and Science Concourse and the staff there will help you.
9 Don’t miss Orientation
On-campus orientation takes place in September and is designed to help you get your bearings and settle into student life at University of Galway. It includes campus tours and the ‘Freshers’ Fest’ of social events so it is also a great opportunity to make new friends and to get your IT issues sorted.
10 Feeling homesick is normal
It is very normal to miss home, your family and friends. It is a new chapter and first year means lots of change so stay connected with friends and go home as often as you can.
