Top Tips For Settling In To Griffith College Cork
Take a look at some of our light-hearted tips on getting settled into College.
It has been a busy week so far here at Griffith College Cork. The second and third-year students have returned to their studies, welcoming some new additions to their ranks. All of these students are milling around the Wellington Road campus and taking in their new surroundings.
The first few weeks of college can be pretty daunting, and so we've put together some helpful tips on getting back into the swing of things.
A Good Evening Routine
It is important to physically reset your body clock now that you are back in college. Depending on your work commitments and travel situation you may already be used to getting up early in the morning. However, if you work later in the afternoon or evenings/nights, you may have to start making decisions to get enough sleep so you can function and thrive in class.
Several experts recommend keeping your smartphone (that large rectangle that you keep one foot from your face that shines a violently bright screen full of constantly refreshing information into your eyes*) away from your bedside while you try to fall asleep. Maybe try reading a book instead or chilling out to a podcast.
*Don't worry, we all struggle with this.
Regular Study
If regular sleep is eluding you, give it time. While you’re correcting your sleep schedule do make sure and set aside time for regular study. Some people may want to study every night and others may only need to study twice a week. We all have different commitments that need to be prioritised, but don’t neglect your college work or we’ll see each other again in August!
Repeats aren’t the end of the world and lecturers will do their utmost to help you, but an unbroken summer away from learning is ideal.
Work Hard, Play Hard
No, we’re not advocating being a party animal every weekend. What you get up to in your spare time is your own business, once you get your college work done. This blog may sound like a broken record but if you get your assignments finished with time to spare you can then enjoy your weekend guilt-free. A novel idea. Socialising is a really important part of the college experience, so stay on top of your work and enjoy your life outside of the lecture room too.
Don’t be Afraid to Reach Out
Transitioning back to full-time or part-time education can be a shock to the system, even if you have only been off for the summer. It takes some people longer to settle into their courses, especially going from blended learning to face-to-face. Sometimes reaching out and admitting you're struggling is a daunting task, but here at Griffith College Cork we pride ourselves on our friendly and caring ethos. Any staff member would be happy to lend an understanding ear and at the very least point you in the right direction.