Fresher Diaries: My Journey from Leaving Cert to life at University College Cork

My name is Amy O’Brien, I’m a 19 year old from Mitchelstown, Cork and I am starting college this week. My days have been full of anticipation, excitement and of course, some nerves ever since I got my CAO offer on the 28th of August. I thankfully got my first choice and will be studying Law at University College Cork.

The moment I got my CAO offer: a dream come true

Leaving Cert students across Ireland received their results on the 23rd of August, myself included. In the run-up to that fateful day, my unknown points were all I could think about that week. The night before I barely managed to get any sleep.

That morning, just before 10:00, I refreshed my laptop screen and saw my results. I was in disbelief, I was so happy! That day, I went to my school to celebrate with teachers, for brunch to celebrate with my family and to Galway for the night to celebrate with my friends.  I knew all the hard work had paid off and I’d almost certainly soon be here, on the UCC campus.

First impressions of college life: settling into UCC

I am writing this piece at a dark wooden desk in the UCC library. I’ve signed into the wifi with my student email and password. I have a foamy coffee from the student centre beside me as I speedily type my thoughts.

I know these little things will become regular parts of my routine but as I start my time in university, they are each an exciting novelty. Walking through the main gates, picking an outfit in the mornings rather than a secondary school uniform and chatting to roommates in the kitchen are moments that signify a new routine, a new phase of my life. A phase that I cannot wait to begin.

Like the change from summer green leaves on full branches to crisp autumn hues adorning the campus trees, this change also feels so close now. I have my first lecture on Tuesday but I moved into my accommodation on the 31st of August. So I’ve already seen an insight into the upcoming years. I’ve explored some local cafes, pubs, shops and restaurants. I’ve made an effort to find new walks, make my room my own, go to the gym and establish a college routine. I’ve spent the week starting module readings, signing up for societies and socialising.

Orientation day: A glimpse into my law course and student life

I had my course orientation last Friday, the 6th of June. Lecturers introduced themselves, UCC and the law course itself. We had a guided tour of the campus. Students were also given a short but vital training on bystander intervention with resources on how to step in, speak up and support others in situations of sexual misconduct.

I also took part in icebreakers and listened to talks on how to get involved in Student Life. By the end of orientation, I felt the same feeling of utter happiness consume me as it had the moment I noticed the CAO notify me on the day of offers. CK301, the text message read…and I knew then I’d gotten my course. I felt and still feel so exhilarated to dive into something completely new, and to begin learning, questioning, researching and writing about such different and important topics.

Navigating the social side of college

Orientation was also a great way to begin meeting people and I got the chance to start chatting to people in my course. This started to put me at ease because I have been a bit worried, naturally, about branching out and making friends. However, I soon got the sense that most other people were nervous about this challenge too. Therefore, if you make the effort and try to start a conversation- more than likely they will engage and converse. Often, that person was also trying to think of a way to start a chat too!

I also have found that being around campus before college commences, means I’ve been able to attend student union freshers events and catch up with new people I met for coffee or a drink. This also has helped get to know my peers. It can be scary to venture into a new friendship but new connections can be so valuable, even if (like me), you’ll be calling and voice noting your best friend in a different college every single day.

Preparing for college-level studies

Furthermore, I was apprehensive about the academic adjustment from secondary school to college. What I’ve found helpful in the last week, is asking law students in 4th year or who’ve graduated for their advice about the course. I feel more prepared for note taking, study, exam season and managing my weekly lectures and tutorials now. I’m also planning on attending Fresher’s Fest this Saturday which will have scheduled talks on essay writing for various disciplines including law, tips for academic success, IT training and so on. Playing around with the functions and layout of Canvas, where all my coursework will be has been really interesting as well.

My final thoughts before classes begin

To conclude, I can say I feel ready for college. This is not to say that I’m not worried or nervous about staying on top of study, handling the academic level of the course, making friends and being away from home- I am. Yet, I do feel equipped for these changes.

Alongside the worries and nerves, sits my excitement and elation! If anything, I feel far more anticipation than fear at the newness of it all. Having always enjoyed school, I distinctly remember that by the time Christmas of 6th year rolled around, I felt ready for a change from secondary school.

So finally, I’m looking forward to this fresh chapter and specifically to lectures starting next week, Freshers and Societies’ Day on Wednesday. I hope some students reading this have related to it, found some solace and that you’ll check back in, in a few weeks time, when I will reflect on my first month of college!

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