As thousands of young Irish people embark on their transition from secondary school to college, they’re met with new academic, social, and financial realities. This milestone, long marked as a rite of passage, brings both excitement and challenges for Ireland's next generation, who are navigating a higher education landscape shaped by rapidly changing job markets, high living costs, and increased academic pressures.
With the Leaving Certificate behind them, these students are now immersed in Ireland's dynamic third-level education system, where nearly 50,000 new college entrants enrolled this academic year. For many, college is their first taste of independence, with students often relocating from rural areas and villages to bustling cities like Dublin, Cork and Galway.
Meanwhile, the shift from the structured environment of secondary school to a self-directed college routine demands strong time management and resilience.
“In school, everything is organised, our teachers closely monitored our progress. In college, it’s all up to you. It’s daunting but exciting,” shares Chloe, a first-year science student at Atlantic Technological University Galway. "It really hits home that you are not a 'child' anymore in the eyes of the world, while still having supports available to you - if you need them."
Academically, students also face the challenge of adapting to new learning methods. Lectures, large class sizes, and self-led study can prove overwhelming for those used to the focused attention of smaller secondary school classes. Institutions have responded by enhancing support services, such as peer mentoring programs and mental health resources, to support students’ wellbeing during this critical transition.
With a competitive job market and economic uncertainty on the horizon, Ireland’s youth are finding new ways to balance their aspirations with practical realities. This generation, while challenged, is resilient, and their journey from secondary school to college is shaping them into the adaptable workforce Ireland needs for the future.
