Top 10 Tips for Getting the Most Out of College

tips on settling into college

Alongside study, taking part in student activities and clubs, making friends, undertaking internships, and perhaps having a part-time job, are the key student experiences that will set you on the road of self-discovery and help develop your confidence, job skills and global awareness.

There are so many social and academic opportunities at college. You may never find yourself with such a wealth of time and choices again in your lifetime so here are some tips on how to make the most of your student days!

1. Get Organised

Learn how to prioritise and manage your time well: there are lots of activities to balance while you’re at college.

2. Don’t Spend All Your Money At Once

It’s easy to go overboard in your first few weeks with all the late-night socialising but you’ll regret it later in the term. Learn to budget from the beginning, give yourself a weekly allowance and try to stick to it. Get some savvy student saving tips here.

3. Make Friends

Learning how to socialise is an extremely important life skill and college is the best place to practice it! The easiest way to start is to dive in at the deep end and start a conversation with other students who are in the same boat as you during induction week and are very likely to be just as nervous as you about starting college. If you're still a tad nervous, check out this TED Talk about making the most out of conversations

College is also an opportunity to meet people from different cultures so make the effort to befriend international and exchange students. It’s easier to cope with homesickness if you’re with friends who are in the same boat.

4. Get To Know Your Lecturers

You should invest as much time as possible in your relationships with them. Sooner is better than later, as they are more likely to become swamped with marking assignments halfway through the semester. Make the most of their knowledge.

5. Step Out Of Your Comfort Zone

Try something new - get involved in the students’ union, clubs and societies. Clubs give you the opportunity to meet like-minded people and incorporate your hobbies into your student life. Don’t be tempted to sign-up to anything and everything at Freshers’ Week. It’s far better to actively contribute to one or two clubs, societies or initiatives.

6. Think About Your Future

College is your chance to think about what you would really love to do in the future and how you can get there. Take every opportunity that comes up – attend career fairs, recruitment days and talk to as many people as possible.

7. Real Life Skills

Any extra experience you have whether it's an internship or a part-time job will pay dividends when it comes to getting a job in the real world.

8. Visit the Library

Take advantage of the resources around you, not only for college assignments but also for your other interests and hobbies. Want to learn more about HTML, Digital Photography or Psychology? Check out all the books you have access to in the college library.

9. Explore The New Place You Live In

Grab a group of new friends and explore the city and the area around your college. Dublin is your oyster and here are a few things to do around Dublin 8.

10. Get Into A Good Exercise Routine

Exercising will actually help you focus, keep procrastination at bay, and allow you to tackle your study and assignments with more motivation. We have a small-scale fitness room on campus, lots of sports clubs and two gyms only a 10-minute walk from the college.