Everything you need to know before your first days at college

Going to college can be a really exciting time, but there is also a lot to organise and understand. This article will give you answers to common questions and topics, including:

What is freshers week?

Choosing the right classes

Downloading your documents

Getting your ID card

Finding your way around

How to read your timetable

How to get set up online

Meeting new people

Being around drugs, alcohol and smoking

Who to contact if you are worried about your classes

How to find accommodation

Navigating public transport

What should be on your to do list

What is freshers week?

Freshers week is the first week of college, and it is an introductory time to get to know your college and its surroundings. It combines academic information and introductions with the social side of university like society and club fairs, themed parties, meet and greets, campus tours and welcome events.

It is good to attend the information sessions, even if they are long. They are a great way to get all the relevant information that will make the coming weeks easier, and a natural way to meet new people.

Colleges usually publish orientation schedules, students’ union events and other details directly on their website. It can be useful to check your college’s website and students’ union social media channels or website for freshers week details. You can also check if your college has its own timetable for orientation.

Choosing the right classes

Even though you made the decision about which degree you want to study, there will be ongoing decisions to make about what classes you would like to take each semester. Sometimes you may be automatically enrolled in specific modules, and other times you will be able to choose. If you choose something and then change your mind, there is usually a time period where you can change your classes if there is space. You can contact your college directly for instructions and deadlines.

Before choosing or trying to change classes, it can be helpful to ask yourself:

• Do I need this to pass my overall degree?
• Am I interested in this topic?
• Will this be useful for my chosen career?
• Are there any learning opportunities like field trips, internships or exchanges?
• Do the class times suit?
• What classes do I want to study in later years?

If you are still stuck, you could speak to your tutor, career counsellor, advisor, students’ union, or head of department for more information.

Downloading your documents

You can find your letter of offer electronically on the Central Applications Office (CAO) website. This will include your course name details.

You can find your registration letter on your university portal. This will confirm your student name/number, dates of registration, and personal details. If you have any questions, you can speak to student support at your college.

Getting your ID card

Your student identification card will be used throughout your entire time at college, and you can usually use it to access things like printing, library books, classrooms, sports facilities, accommodation, public transport discounts, retail discounts, and more.

Each college has a slightly different process and timeline when it comes to getting your ID cards, so it is important to read their website directly and pay attention to any instructions you get by email. You will usually receive your ID card at the very start, likely in your first week at college.

Always try to carry your ID card with you, and if you lose it then you can contact your college directly.

Finding your way around

It can be daunting to find your classes, accommodation, sports clubs, food spots and anything else you may need. Remember, you are not alone in this experience and many people around you are feeling the same. There are people around who can help you and tips that make it easier.

Places to find information:

• Students’ union info desks or offices
• Your college app
• Your college map
• Your academic department

People to ask:

• Other students, especially those who are in the years above you
• Student support services, like your students’ union, your advisor, academic staff, or your student services
• Speak to friends and family if you’re feeling overwhelmed

Top tips:

• Check out the library early
• Walk your route around campus and classrooms early, and base it on your timetable
• Go on campus tours or orientation events
• Follow the signs
• Reach out for mental health support at your college counselling or health centre

How to read your timetable

Each college has a timetable release date close to the beginning of freshers week.

Your college map should detail the buildings and building codes you may be seeing on your timetable. Your college may also go through your timetable during orientation.

Try and understand your timetable and find the locations early, it will make the rest of the week easier.

If you have any questions, you can contact your college directly.

How to get set up online

Your college should reach out with instructions closer to the start of your college experience, and this usually includes instructions to set yourself up with their online systems.

This can include things like activating your official student portal and email accounts, testing your multi-factor authentication, and logging in to your learning management system that you will use for your classes.

Meeting new people

There may be options like mentor groups, campus get togethers, shared spaces, or events organised by your college that are a great natural way to meet people.

Freshers events are the easiest way to meet people, and there are a lot of options to choose from, so you can pick what works best for you.

It is good to join clubs or societies, go to social events, and try speaking to someone new. Many other people feel the same way, and they will usually appreciate that you are speaking to them. You can visit your college website to look for events and clubs you may like to join.

If you have time, you could also meet people through a part time job, which many even offer social occasions like staff events. It offers a chance to meet many different people, and also supports the cost of college. You could also try volunteering, which is a great way to meet like-minded people add build up your CV.

When you’re next to someone new, at a club, in class, or even in the hallway, try saying hello. Many other people will be feeling similar to you, and people generally appreciate the effort you are making by saying hello. If someone does not want to engage in conversation, remember that it is not a reflection of you. Have a look at our article How to start a conversation with someone new for more advice.

If you are feeling stressed, worried, lonely, or anxious, it is important to know that your college will have support services that you can reach out to. There are many mental health supports for students in Ireland to help with the difficulties that come along with college life. Three important resources that are usually provided by your college are mental health services, disability services, and healthcare services. There are also many external support services that you can access, like spunout’s Text About It, NiteLine, or Samaritans.

Being around drugs, alcohol and smoking

People use drugs, drink alcohol and smoke for a variety of reasons. It is important to be as informed as possible about the risks and how to stay safe.

If you do decide to take drugs, remember that it is difficult to know exactly what is in the drug or how strong it is. Start with a low dose, and wait 1-2 hours to see its full effect before taking any more. It is also always good to check in with how you are feeling emotionally both before, during and after taking drugs. Be careful combining substances, as this can cause someone to pass out or stop breathing. Make sure you stay hydrated by drinking enough water, but do not force yourself to ‘chug’ excessive amounts of water. Do not exceed more than a pint of water per hour.

If you are having a negative experience, tell a trusted friend or loved one, move to a calmer, quieter space and give yourself time to decompress. Remember to stick with people you trust. It is safer to take drugs with other people, rather than alone and they can make sure you remain safe and well.

Alcohol is a very common substance, but it is entirely up to you if you decide to drink or to stay sober. If you’re new to drinking, remember your mood, what you ate, and your size can all influence how quickly you get drunk. Check the strength of a drink and try not to drink too quickly.

Feeling anxious after a night of drinking, also known as “hangxiety”, is a common symptom of a hangover. Remember to look after yourself the following day by trying mindfulness, avoiding your phone, eating and drinking enough water, and being kind to yourself. Try to think about drinking safely, setting limits to how much you drink and sticking to them. Your mental health is too important not to.

There are more than 4,000 other chemicals in cigarettes, many of which are cancer causing. Smoking can have a range of different effects on your body in both the short and long term, affecting nearly every organ, and negatively impacting your mental and physical health.

Vaping may be less harmful than smoking, but both have negative health effects. A lot of the potential long-term health effects are not currently known, as these products have not been around as long as cigarettes. Vapes also contain nicotine, a highly addictive substance that can raise your blood pressure and cause problems in the lungs, stomach, heart and more. If you are finding it hard to quit or reduce how much you vape or smoke you can speak to your GP or pharmacist or visit Quit.ie.

Who to contact if you are worried about your classes

It is completely normal to have some worry about the academic side of college. It is less structured than school, and there is usually more responsibility and independent learning. If you are worried about your academic work, it is helpful to email your Module Co-Ordinator, lecturer, or head of department. Doing this sooner rather than later means that you can discuss options to make your time at college more enjoyable. If you leave it to the last minute, there may be limited support that your college can offer.

How to find accommodation

There are many options to consider when looking for accommodation, but due to the housing crisis, availability is limited, and demand is high across Ireland. After finishing secondary school, a lot of people will be looking for accommodation at the same time before starting further education or work.There are many different types of accommodation to consider, and there are financial supports available for students in Ireland that may be worth considering.

• On-campus accommodation usually includes a range of options, from a room in a shared flat, en-suite rooms, or studios. Apply as soon as possible, they’re in high demand and fill up fast
• Private accommodation, renting directly from an owner, landlord, or letting agent, is another option. This will include rental costs, utility bills, wifi bills, and travel expenses
• Renting a room in a family home can be more affordable and homely, but often comes with restrictions around noise, guests, and curfews
• Staying at home, or with a family member, during college can be an option if it is available to you.

To find the right place, it is always useful to consider:

• Starting early, especially if you’re new to the country or city
• Reaching out to your college to discuss options
• Checking public transport connections and ordering a student leap card
• Whether the place is actually right for you. Don’t feel pressured to commit to something that doesn’t feel right
• If everything was safe and comfortable when you viewed the property
• What the notice period and deposit policy is in the contract
• If it was listed on safe sites such as rent.ie, daft.ie, or your college directly to avoid scams
• Look into Facebook or WhatsApp groups for students renting in Ireland, but be aware that there may be scams

If you’re in a situation where you have nowhere to stay or you’re at risk of homelessness, support is available. You can contact your local council, Focus Ireland, Threshold, or Tusla (if you’re under 18).

Navigating public transport

Using public transport is a great way to move around as a student. When you’re considering accommodation, it’s important to make sure you will be able to get to and from work and college. You can visit the Transport for Ireland(TFI) website to explore different travel options like buses, trains, trams, and taxis. You can also plan your journeys, check timetables, and view live departures. The TFI Live app is really useful for checking live updates at your bus stop.

The cheapest and easiest way to travel by TFI bus, rail, dart, or luas is by using a leap card. This is a travel card that you top up with money, and use it to get on and off transport. There is a 90-minute fare in Dublin that means you can use multiple different TFI services within this time and only be charged once.

Student leap cards provide up to 50% discount on all public transport. You can apply for your student leap card online, and you will be asked to provide your date of birth, supporting documentation, and a €5 refundable deposit, plus a minimum of €5 travel credit. The supporting documentation is proof from your college that you are attending a full time course for over 6 months. You can collect your student leap card in person at one of the Student Leap Agents. To verify you are an eligible student, you will need to show your Student ID and a valid proof of age ID.

What should be on your to do list

If you are worried about any of these, you can reach out to your student services, students’ union, or the academic team on your course.

• Choose and confirm your classes
• Order your student card
• Order your course books
• Buy stationary and supplies
• Set up and test your computer
• Check the locations of your classes
• Set up your online accounts
• Apply for the student leap card
• Check the orientation schedule
• Find accommodation

Need more information, advice or guidance?

We offer information, advice and guidance about the issues that matter to you. Our online Youth Information Chat service is for 16 to 25 year olds and is available Monday to Friday, 4pm to 8pm (excluding Bank Holidays).

• Chat now to a trained Youth Information Officer
• Or leave us a message and we will email you back